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

Should you visit Cardiff or Rouen?

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

Should I visit Cardiff 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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rouen

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

Cardiff and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Rouen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cardiff than Rouen. Cardiff is bigger than Rouen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cardiff is better known for its big city activities, while Rouen is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Also, Cardiff is famous for The Cardiff Castle. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Cardiff different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Cardiff and Rouen.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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 Cardiff or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Rouen has a better nightlife scene.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

If you're looking for night time activities Rouen has a few options to choose from. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Is Cardiff or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

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

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

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Rouen?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rouen and Cardiff.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

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 Cardiff or Rouen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Rouen.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Rouen offers lots of family activities. 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 Cardiff or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Couples visit Rouen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Rouen Better for Students?

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

Cardiff is a good city to visit for students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is a great destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Rouen can get you around 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Rouen a more walkable city?

Rouen is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Rouen?

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

Families should spend more time in Rouen than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff. 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Rouen?

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this up-and-coming 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 Cardiff or Rouen?

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

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff or Rouen?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the industrial destination of Cardiff. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in 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 Cardiff and Rouen, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Rouen?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Rouen. The summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Rouen. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Rouen. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Rouen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Rouen averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Rouen. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. In January, Cardiff is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Rouen. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rouen. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Cardiff