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

Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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.

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ghent than Rouen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Ghent different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Ghent offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

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 Ghent or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

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 Ghent or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Ghent just to party. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

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 Ghent or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Ghent 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 Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

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 Ghent or Rouen?

Ghent is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Ghent is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

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 Ghent or Rouen Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Rouen are nice family-friendly destinations.

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

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 Ghent or Rouen Better for Couples?

Ghent and Rouen both superb destinations for a couple.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

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 Ghent or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

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 Ghent or Rouen Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Ghent 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 Ghent can get you around easily. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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 Ghent or Rouen a more walkable city?

Ghent and Rouen both are superb when exploring on foot.

Ghent is very walkable. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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 Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Rouen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Rouen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Rouen?

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing 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 Ghent or Rouen?

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

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 Ghent or Rouen?

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ghent. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Ghent or Rouen?

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Ghent and Rouen, we can see that Ghent 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 Ghent Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Rouen?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Ghent 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 Ghent 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 Ghent or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Rouen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Rouen. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Ghent during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rouen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Rouen. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Rouen. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Rouen. Many visitors come to Ghent 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. Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. Ghent is cooler than Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rouen. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Rouen. Most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rouen because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ghent is around the same temperature as Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rouen. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Ghent