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

Should you visit Osaka or Rotterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Rotterdam, 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 cultural, high energy, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Osaka and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Rotterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka than Rotterdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Osaka is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also well known for Osaka Castle. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Osaka different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Osaka has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Osaka, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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!

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Osaka or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

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.

Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

Is Osaka or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is great for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Osaka. 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.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Rotterdam?

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Osaka specifically to go shopping. 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.

Rotterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Is Osaka or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Osaka and Rotterdam are both great 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.

Rotterdam is a very family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Is Osaka or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Osaka is great for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Osaka is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Osaka or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Osaka or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Both Osaka and Rotterdam are great destinations 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Is Osaka or Rotterdam 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, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rotterdam. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Is Osaka or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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 Rotterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Osaka and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Osaka than in Rotterdam. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

Families should spend more time in Osaka than Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this trendy big city offers. This port 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful 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.

Rotterdam is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Rotterdam. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Osaka or Rotterdam?

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 food and shopping around the trendy big city of Rotterdam. 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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Rotterdam?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Rotterdam. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Osaka is much warmer than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Rotterdam. Many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Osaka is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdam. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In January, Osaka is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

Osaka is much warmer than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Osaka