A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Osaka vs. Palma de Mallorca for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Osaka or Palma de Mallorca?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Palma de Mallorca, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Osaka

Osaka is a colorful, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Osaka and Palma de Mallorca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Palma de Mallorca?

You'll generally find more things to do in Osaka than Palma de Mallorca. Osaka is bigger than Palma de Mallorca, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Osaka is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Palma de Mallorca is more popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Osaka and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Osaka is well known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. Also, Osaka is famous for Osaka Castle.

How is Osaka different from Palma de Mallorca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Palma de Mallorca and Osaka. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Osaka or Palma de Mallorca?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Osaka from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Osaka or Palma de Mallorca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Osaka is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for Nightlife?

Both Osaka and Palma de Mallorca have amazing vibes after the sun sets.

People head to Osaka just to party. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

The nightlife in Palma de Mallorca is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Osaka is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Palma de Mallorca has diverse options. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Osaka is not a live music destination.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Osaka is not a resort destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Osaka is not a resort destination.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Osaka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Osaka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Osaka is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Palma de Mallorca are among the best in the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Osaka is not a beach destination.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Many visitors go to Osaka to see the historical old town. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Palma de Mallorca?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Osaka. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for Families?

Osaka and Palma de Mallorca are both superb destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Osaka. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for Couples?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Osaka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Palma de Mallorca are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Osaka. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Palma de Mallorca. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for Students?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Osaka is a great city to visit as a student. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Osaka has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Osaka or Palma de Mallorca a more walkable city?

Osaka and Palma de Mallorca are notable when it comes to walkability.

Osaka is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

Palma de Mallorca is somewhat walkable. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Osaka Worth Visiting? and Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palma de Mallorca or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Palma de Mallorca?

In either Osaka or Palma de Mallorca, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Osaka because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 3-5 days is enough time in Palma de Mallorca.

Couples should spend more time in Osaka than Palma de Mallorca. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Osaka that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Osaka than Palma de Mallorca if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Osaka.

One day in Osaka or Palma de Mallorca?

When visiting Osaka, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the live music and food that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Osaka or Palma de Mallorca?

When visiting Osaka, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Osaka or Palma de Mallorca?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy big city of Osaka. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Palma de Mallorca is a fun place to experience. In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Osaka or Palma de Mallorca?

Osaka is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the cultural destination of Palma de Mallorca. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Palma de Mallorca, we can see that Palma de Mallorca is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka is in Asia and Palma de Mallorca is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca than you might in Osaka.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is Palma de Mallorca Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Palma de Mallorca?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Palma de Mallorca. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Palma de Mallorca, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Osaka or Palma de Mallorca?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Osaka or Palma de Mallorca in the Summer?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year.

In the summer, Osaka is a little warmer than Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 24°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 334 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Palma de Mallorca. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Palma de Mallorca in the Autumn?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Osaka during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Osaka is generally around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Palma de Mallorca. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Palma de Mallorca in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Palma de Mallorca. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Osaka is much colder than Palma de Mallorca in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives more rain than Palma de Mallorca. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Palma de Mallorca in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Palma de Mallorca. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Osaka is around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 210 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Palma de Mallorca. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palma de Mallorca and Osaka