[seren]

The default layer in OSM is not optimized for the best possible user experience, it is primarily the front end of an editing tool. It has to be useful for mappers first. It is why it looks rather crowded and slightly unpleasant.

If you want to "consume" OSM data, you better find an app or site using the best rendering for your use case. (cycling, trekking, accessibility, etc). OSM is 'just' a database.

I am not saying your wrong, but it is a common misunderstanding that OSM is an open equivalent to Google Maps. It is more a common data source for Google Maps competitor. Where you're right in your assessment is that there might be currently no prominent apps using OSM as its source.

See the following list if you find something nicer :

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/List_of_OSM_based_Service...