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

Should you visit Osaka or Toulouse?

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

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

Toulouse

Toulouse is a dynamic, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Osaka and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Toulouse?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka than Toulouse. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Osaka is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Toulouse attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Osaka is more touristy than Toulouse 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. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

How is Osaka different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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

Foodies will find both Osaka and Toulouse both to be first-rate destinations.

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!

Many restaurants in Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Is Osaka or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Osaka is a world class party destination. 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.

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Is Osaka or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Osaka and Toulouse both have high quality historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Toulouse?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Is Osaka or Toulouse Better for Families?

Osaka and Toulouse are both high quality 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.

Toulouse is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Osaka or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Osaka and Toulouse are both high quality 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 Toulouse frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Is Osaka or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination 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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Osaka or Toulouse Better for Students?

Osaka is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Osaka. 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.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Osaka or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and 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 Toulouse Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Osaka or Toulouse. In our opinion, Osaka has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Osaka than Toulouse. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Osaka is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Toulouse, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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 Toulouse?

Osaka is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Osaka, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Toulouse?

Osaka is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Toulouse is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Toulouse. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Osaka or Toulouse?

Osaka is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic destination of Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Toulouse?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Toulouse, 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 Toulouse?

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 Toulouse in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Toulouse. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Osaka is a little warmer than Toulouse in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulouse this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 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 Toulouse. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Toulouse in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Toulouse. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Toulouse in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Osaka is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Toulouse averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulouse. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Toulouse. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Toulouse in the Winter?

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

In January, Osaka is generally around the same temperature as Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Toulouse in the Spring?

Both Toulouse and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Osaka for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Osaka is a little warmer than Toulouse in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulouse. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Toulouse. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Osaka