A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Osaka vs. Reykjavik for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Osaka or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Reykjavik, 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.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Osaka and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Osaka than Reykjavik. Osaka is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Osaka is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. 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. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Osaka different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Osaka or Reykjavik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options 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!

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Osaka or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Osaka has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Osaka or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Osaka or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Reykjavik?

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Osaka or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Osaka and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Osaka or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Osaka and Reykjavik are both superb to visit as a couple.

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.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Osaka or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Osaka is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Osaka or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Osaka is top-notch. 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 Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Osaka or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Osaka Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Reykjavik?

In either Osaka or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Osaka because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Osaka than Reykjavik. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Osaka, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Osaka than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

People visit Osaka because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this clean destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Osaka or Reykjavik?

People visit Osaka because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Osaka or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Osaka. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Osaka or Reykjavik?

Osaka is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the safe destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Reykjavik?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik 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 hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In the summer, Osaka is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Osaka usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In October, Osaka is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Reykjavik in the Winter?

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

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Osaka is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Reykjavik in the Spring?

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

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Osaka is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Osaka