A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Rouen for Couples, Food, Old Town, and Attractions

Should you visit Cefalu or Rouen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cefalu and Rouen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a charming, coastal, and historic fishing village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Rouen

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

Cefalu and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Rouen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cefalu than Rouen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cefalu is better known for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Rouen is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cefalu is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Also, Cefalu is famous for the beaches. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Cefalu different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rouen is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Rouen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Cefalu offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time on the beach or getting lost in the town's charm, but if you're looking for specific sights and museums you can check out the Cathedral, Museo Mandralisca, or Tempio di Diana.

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

Foodies will find both Cefalu and Rouen both to be superb destinations.

Cefalu has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite being a popular tourist hot spot, there are still charming restaurants around town that serve up local dishes made with local ingredients. Many seaside restaurants have a charming atmosphere and a unique Sicilian flare.

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 Cefalu or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Rouen is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

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.

Cefalu is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town is small and mellow without a huge party scene. There are some beach resorts with bars and clubs attached where you can enjoy a drink by the water.

Is Cefalu or Rouen Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is notable for its resorts. However, Rouen is not a resort destination.

Cefalu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Rouen is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Rouen Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is notable for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

Cefalu is considered a top beach destination. The town has nice beaches with good swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some of the beaches can get quite crowded but the water is blue and the views are nice. Some of the best beaches near town include Cefalu Beach, Kalura Beach, and Lido Angeli Del Mare.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is notable for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cefalu. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

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

Is Cefalu or Rouen Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu is a good destination for hiking. There are a few walking trails outside of town but the most popular is hiking to the top of La Rocca. It's at least an hours walk to the top but from there you can enjoy one of the best views of the harbor.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Rouen?

Rouen is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

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.

Cefalu has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. It's a small, touristy town, so shopping isn't the main attraction. There are some interesting shops that are fun to pop into though.

Is Cefalu or Rouen Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Rouen are notable family-friendly destinations.

Cefalu is a family-friendly fishing village. Kids will enjoy beach time or wandering down the promenade, Lungomare. You can swim or simply relax by the water. Another fun activity is to climb the nearby mountain of La Rocca. The kids might even spot a local animal.

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 Cefalu or Rouen Better for Couples?

Cefalu is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Cefalu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's natural beauty and Italian atmosphere make this a perfect couples destination. There are water activities for the adventurous as well as beautiful beaches and great restaurants.

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.

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

Rouen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Cefalu. Public transit is limited but taxis are a good alternative for getting out of town and into the surrounding areas.

Is Cefalu or Rouen a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Rouen are superb when it comes to walkability.

Cefalu is a very walkable fishing village. The town is small enough to explore 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 Cefalu Worth Visiting? and Is Rouen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Rouen?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Cefalu than Rouen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cefalu that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rouen than Cefalu 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 Cefalu or Rouen?

Even though Cefalu is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Cefalu or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

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 Cefalu or Rouen?

Cefalu is a fun place to experience. Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Cefalu or Rouen?

Cefalu is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Italy, The Best Sightseeing 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 Cefalu and Rouen, we can see that Cefalu 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 Cefalu Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Rouen?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu 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 Cefalu 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 Cefalu or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Rouen. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences.

Cefalu is much warmer than Rouen in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, 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 Cefalu this time of the year. In the summer, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Rouen. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rouen. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Cefalu during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rouen can be very cold during winter. In January, Cefalu is generally much warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rouen. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Rouen. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rouen because of the natural beauty.

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

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Rouen. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Cefalu