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

Should you visit Basel or Rouen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Rouen, 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.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rouen

Rouen is a impressive, relaxing, and historical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Rouen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Basel than Rouen. Basel is bigger than Rouen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Basel is better known for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Rouen is more popular for its food. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town. Also, Basel is famous for The Kunstmuseum Basel. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Basel different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Basel offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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 Basel or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Rouen. 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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Basel and Rouen.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

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 Basel or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Basel is notable for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

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 Basel or Rouen?

Basel is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Rouen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Basel or Rouen Better for Families?

Basel 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.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Rouen is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is a popular place for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

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 Basel or Rouen Better for Students?

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

Basel is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Both Basel and Rouen offer very good public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Rouen can get you to most places easily. 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 Basel or Rouen a more walkable city?

Basel is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Basel?

How long in Basel or Rouen?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Rouen than Basel. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rouen that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Basel 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 Basel.

One day in Basel or Rouen?

In Basel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this museum-filled destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Rouen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. 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 Basel or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rouen. 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 Basel or Rouen?

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

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

A week in Basel or Rouen?

You'll find food and shopping around the museum-filled destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Rouen. 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 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, 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 Basel and Rouen, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Basel or Rouen?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel or Rouen?

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 Basel or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Basel is a little warmer than Rouen in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Rouen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Rouen. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rouen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Basel is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Rouen averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rouen. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Rouen. The winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Rouen in the winter. The weather in Basel can be very cold. In January, Basel is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Rouen. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Rouen. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the natural beauty.

Basel is a little warmer than Rouen in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Rouen. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Basel