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

Should you visit Dover 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 Dover and Rouen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a natural, breathtaking, and iconic town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Rouen

Rouen is a compact, impressive, and relaxing city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rouen. Although Dover 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, and shopping, while Dover is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. 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 Dover different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dover or Rouen.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Rouen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Dover or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Rouen is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

Rouen offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Rouen Better for Hiking?

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

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Rouen?

Rouen is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Rouen to go shopping. 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Rouen Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Rouen.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Rouen is a family-friendly town. 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 Dover or Rouen Better for Couples?

Both Dover and Rouen are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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

Rouen is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Rouen a more walkable city?

Rouen is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Dover?

How long in Dover or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dover or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dover than Rouen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

In Dover, many people enjoy the food and museums that this iconic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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.

In Rouen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this compact 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.

A weekend in Dover or Rouen?

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

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

Five days in Dover or Rouen?

Dover is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dover. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Rouen. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Rouen?

You'll find museums and food around the stunning destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Rouen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle 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 Dover and Rouen, we can see that Dover 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 Dover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dover 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 Dover Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dover or Rouen?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Rouen in the Summer?

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

In July, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Rouen. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), 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 Dover. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Rouen. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Dover during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

Dover is around the same temperature as Rouen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Rouen. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Rouen in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rouen. It's quite cold in Dover in the winter. In the winter, Dover is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Rouen averages at about 4°C (39°F).

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

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Rouen. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dover as well as Rouen. Many travelers come to Dover for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Rouen in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Rouen. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Rouen. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Dover