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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Rouen?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Rouen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a iconic, impressive, and spectacular destination. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and food.

Rouen

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

Cape Sounion and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rouen. Although Cape Sounion and Rouen are both popular with visitors, Rouen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rouen is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion is known for its museums and beaches. Cape Sounion is popular for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. It is also home to The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen.

How is Cape Sounion different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Sounion or Rouen?

Cape Sounion
Rouen

Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion are among the most recognizable in the world. The Temple of Poseidon is the main attraction here, but also nearby you'll find the Temple of Athena. The views, history, and connection to mythology fascinates most visitors who consider this to be a spectacular sight.

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 Cape Sounion or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Sounion
Rouen

Rouen is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Cape Sounion offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are cafes as well as fine dining restaurants which are mostly located in hotels. Seafood is the cuisine of choice with many delicious Greek dishes available.

Is Cape Sounion or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Rouen

Rouen is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Cape Sounion is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some bars and lounges that are connected to hotels. If you're spending the night, these are nice places to enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting.

Is Cape Sounion or Rouen Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Rouen

Cape Sounion is a popular place for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

Cape Sounion is a good option for a beach vacation. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Rouen is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Rouen

Rouen is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

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

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Rouen?

Cape Sounion
Rouen

Rouen is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Rouen Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Rouen

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cape Sounion or Rouen.

Cape Sounion is a family-friendly destination. Kids who like mythology will appreciated a trip to the famed Temple of Poseidon. It dates back to the 5th century and is dedicated to the God of the Sea. Also nearby is the Temple of Athena.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Rouen. 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 Cape Sounion or Rouen Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Rouen

Rouen is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Rouen makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Cape Sounion is a nice destination for couples. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

Is Cape Sounion or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Rouen

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cape Sounion. The Temple of Poseidon is an iconic site about an hour and a half outside of Athens. It appeals to all types of travelers, including backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Cape Sounion
Rouen

Rouen is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Cape Sounion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.


Is Cape Sounion or Rouen a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Rouen

Rouen is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Cape Sounion is somewhat walkable. You can walk around the archeological site and the bus stops close enough that it is accessible.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cape Sounion or Rouen to fill your time. In our opinion, Rouen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rouen than Cape Sounion. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Rouen than Cape Sounion. 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 Cape Sounion. 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.


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Rouen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Rouen 1-2

One day in Cape Sounion or Rouen?

In Cape Sounion, many people enjoy the food and museums that this impressive destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This destination 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 food and shopping that this relaxing city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Cape Sounion or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Cape Sounion or Rouen?

Cape Sounion is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the impressive destination of Rouen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cape Sounion or Rouen?

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Cape Sounion. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rouen is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Rouen or Cape Sounion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Sounion is €158, while the average daily cost in Rouen is €109. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cape Sounion and Rouen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Rouen 52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Rouen 104
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Rouen

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Rouen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cape Sounion


Hotels in Rouen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rouen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Rouen 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rouen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rouen:

  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Rouen Airport URO to Rouen by Minivan: $164

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Rouen?

Prices for flights to both Rouen and Cape Sounion change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cape Sounion 41
    Rouen 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Rouen 18

Tours and Activities in Rouen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rouen are as follows:

  • Audio guided tour : Rouen retold - Joan of Arc retold: $16
  • From Normandy D-Day Beaches Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • From Normandy’s Regional Highlights Private Tour: $933
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $26
  • Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen: $51
  • Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Rouen audio guided tour: $13
  • American Landing Beaches Discovery Private Tour: $1,128
  • Castles and Abbeys Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Discover Rouen with a licenced tour guide: $59
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center: $26
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Rouen 7.86


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Sounion and Rouen, we can see that Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Rouen?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Rouen. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rouen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Rouen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Rouen 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Cape Sounion during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cape Sounion is much warmer than Rouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Sounion in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Rouen averages at about 4°C (39°F).

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Rouen 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Rouen. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months.

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

In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Rouen 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Rouen and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Rouen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)


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