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

Should you visit Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a historic, fun-filled, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rouen

Rouen is a historical, charming, and compact city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dusseldorf than Rouen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is very popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Rouen attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Dusseldorf is famous for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. It is also well known for Altstadt (the Old Town). Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Dusseldorf different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Dusseldorf and Rouen have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Dusseldorf is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

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.

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

Both Dusseldorf and Rouen offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dusseldorf makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

Rouen has a huge number of terrific 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 Dusseldorf or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

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

Dusseldorf has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

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 Dusseldorf or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Rouen?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rouen and Dusseldorf.

Dusseldorf is a great destination for shopping. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

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.

Is Dusseldorf or Rouen Better for Families?

Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf is a very kid-friendly city. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

Rouen is a family-friendly 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 Dusseldorf or Rouen Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf and Rouen both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Dusseldorf frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

Rouen is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Dusseldorf or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife 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 Dusseldorf or Rouen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dusseldorf is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Dusseldorf can get you around easily. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

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.

Is Dusseldorf or Rouen a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf and Rouen both are superb when exploring on foot.

Dusseldorf is very walkable. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dusseldorf or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dusseldorf than Rouen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dusseldorf, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

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

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

One day in Dusseldorf or Rouen?

In Dusseldorf, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun-filled destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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.

With museums and nightlife around the impressive city of Rouen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rouen, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Rouen?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Rouen, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Dusseldorf or Rouen?

Dusseldorf is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Dusseldorf. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Rouen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Dusseldorf or Rouen?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Dusseldorf. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rouen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, 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 Dusseldorf and Rouen, we can see that Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Rouen?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Rouen. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Rouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dusseldorf in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Rouen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during summer. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Rouen. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Rouen. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Rouen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dusseldorf is generally around the same temperature as Rouen. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 12°C (53°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in October than Rouen. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rouen can be very cold during winter. Dusseldorf can get quite cold in the winter. Dusseldorf is cooler than Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during winter. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Rouen. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Dusseldorf during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rouen because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dusseldorf in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rouen. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Dusseldorf