A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Rouen for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Belfast or Rouen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Rouen

Rouen is a impressive, relaxing, and historical city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Belfast than Rouen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Belfast is very popular for its big city activities, while Rouen attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". It is also well known for Belfast Castle. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Belfast different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rouen is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Rouen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Rouen is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rouen makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Both Belfast and Rouen are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Rouen to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Rouen?

Both Belfast and Rouen are nice shopping destinations.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rouen. 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 Belfast or Rouen Better for Families?

Belfast and Rouen are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

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 Belfast or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Rouen Better for Students?

Belfast is a popular place for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rouen. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Rouen a more walkable city?

Rouen is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Belfast or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Belfast 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 Belfast, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

Couples should spend more time in Rouen than Belfast. 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 Rouen than Belfast 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 Rouen.

One day in Belfast or Rouen?

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this affordable 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.

In Rouen, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Rouen?

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

In Rouen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rouen has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Rouen?

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

Rouen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Rouen?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rouen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rouen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, 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 Belfast and Rouen, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Rouen?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Rouen in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Rouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Rouen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Rouen. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Rouen. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Rouen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Belfast is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Rouen. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Rouen. The winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Belfast can be very cold. Belfast is around the same temperature as Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Rouen. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Rouen. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rouen for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Belfast is cooler than Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

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

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rouen. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Belfast