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

Should you visit Catania or Rouen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Catania and Rouen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a historic, lively, and youthful port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rouen

Rouen is a compact, impressive, and relaxing 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.

Catania and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Rouen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Catania than Rouen. Catania is bigger than Rouen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Catania is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Rouen is more popular for its impressive beauty. Catania is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. Also, Catania is famous for Mount Etna. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Catania different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Catania offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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 Catania or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Catania is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Catania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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.

Is Catania or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Catania is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Catania has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

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 Catania or Rouen Better for Beaches?

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

Catania is a good option for a beach vacation. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Catania and Rouen are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Many people head to Catania to see the old town. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

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

Is Catania or Rouen Better for Hiking?

Catania is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Catania is a popular spot for hiking. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Rouen?

Both Catania and Rouen are notable shopping destinations.

Catania offers some nice shopping areas. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

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 Catania or Rouen Better for Families?

Catania 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.

Catania is a very kid-friendly port city. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

Rouen is a family-friendly port 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 Catania or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port 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.

Catania is a good port city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Catania or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is notable for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Catania is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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 Catania or Rouen Better for Students?

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

Catania is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Both Catania and Rouen offer great public transit options.

The public transit in Catania can get you around easily. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

Rouen offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Catania or Rouen a more walkable city?

Catania and Rouen both are great when exploring on foot.

Catania is a very walkable port city. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access 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 Catania Worth Visiting? and Is Rouen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Catania?

How long in Catania or Rouen?

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

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

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

One day in Catania or Rouen?

In Catania, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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 Catania or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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 Catania or Rouen?

Catania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Catania. Lots of people come for the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Catania or Rouen?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Catania and Rouen, we can see that Catania is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Catania Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Catania or Rouen?

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

Both Rouen and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rouen because of the family-friendly experiences.

Catania is much warmer than Rouen in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°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 Catania. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Rouen. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Catania during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Catania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In the autumn, Catania is much warmer than Rouen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Rouen averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually gets more rain in October than Rouen. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Rouen. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rouen. In January, Catania is generally much warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives more rain than Rouen. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Catania as well as Rouen. Many travelers come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the spring for the natural beauty.

Catania is much warmer than Rouen in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the spring, Catania often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Rouen. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Catania