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

Should you visit Athens or Rouen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Rouen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rouen

Rouen is a historical, charming, and compact city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Rouen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Rouen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Rouen is known for its impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Rouen?

Athens is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rouen. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Rouen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.

Is Athens or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Athens just to party. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Is Athens or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Rouen has an old town worth visiting. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Rouen?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Rouen both offer plenty of good spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Rouen is a great destination for shopping. Some of the city's best shopping is found along the Rue du Gros-Horloge in the old city center. You'll find independent boutiques and well as upscale vendors.

Is Athens or Rouen Better for Families?

Athens is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very kid-friendly city. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Rouen is a family-friendly city. This beautiful city is filled with nice parks, free museums, and towers that offer views over the city. Kids will enjoy climbing the clocktower, eating pastries, or riding a bike around town.

Is Athens or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Rouen is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful city makes a great retreat for couples who enjoy good food and nice architecture. There are many hidden gems around town that make this a favorite French city for many couples.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Rouen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpackers may struggle to find a hostel with a social setting, but for those who make it here there are many beautiful things to see.

Is Athens or Rouen Better for Students?

Athens is notable for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Rouen is not popular with students.

Is Athens or Rouen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens and Rouen both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit in Rouen is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to town.

Is Athens or Rouen a more walkable city?

Athens and Rouen are superb when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Rouen is very walkable. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Rouen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Athens?

How long in Athens or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Rouen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Rouen 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Rouen?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rouen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Rouen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Rouen?

Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rouen. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Rouen?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Rouen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Rouen, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Rouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rouen 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Rouen.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Rouen?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Rouen, 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 Athens or Rouen?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally much warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Rouen. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Rouen. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is much warmer than Rouen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Rouen. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Rouen. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rouen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Rouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Rouen averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Rouen. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rouen because of the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Rouen. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Athens