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

Should you visit Berlin or Rouen?

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

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

Berlin

Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Rouen

Rouen is a impressive, relaxing, and historical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berlin or Rouen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Rouen. Berlin is bigger than Rouen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Rouen is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Berlin different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Berlin 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 Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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 Berlin or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Berlin and Rouen can be an enjoyable experience.

Berlin has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

Dining out in Rouen is an experience not to be missed. 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 Berlin or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Berlin 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 Berlin just to party. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Berlin or Rouen Better for Music?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Rouen is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Berlin From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Rouen is not a live music destination.

Is Berlin or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Rouen. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Rouen?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Berlin make it a world-class shopping destination. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

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 Berlin or Rouen Better for Families?

Berlin 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.

Berlin is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to 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 Berlin or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Berlin or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin 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 Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Berlin or Rouen Better for Students?

Berlin is a world-class destination for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Berlin. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berlin can get you around easily. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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 Berlin or Rouen a more walkable city?

Rouen is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Rouen?

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

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

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

One day in Berlin or Rouen?

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Berlin or Rouen?

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

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 Berlin or Rouen?

Berlin is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Berlin or Rouen?

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 relaxing 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, 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 Berlin and Rouen, we can see that Berlin 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin 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 Berlin Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Berlin or Rouen?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Berlin 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 Berlin 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 Berlin or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Berlin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Berlin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Berlin is around the same temperature as Rouen in the summer. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Berlin. In the summer, Berlin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in July than Rouen. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Rouen. Most visitors come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music 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 the autumn, Berlin is cooler than Rouen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berlin in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Rouen averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Berlin usually receives less rain than Rouen. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Berlin or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Rouen. The winter months attract visitors to Berlin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Berlin can be very cold. In January, Berlin is generally much colder than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around -0°C (31°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in January than Rouen. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the natural beauty.

Berlin is around the same temperature as Rouen in the spring. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Berlin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen during spring. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Berlin usually receives less rain than Rouen. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Berlin