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

Should you visit Glasgow or Rouen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Rouen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a friendly, cultural, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Rouen

Rouen is a impressive, relaxing, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Glasgow or Rouen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Rouen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Glasgow is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Rouen is known for its food and impressive beauty. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Glasgow different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Glasgow
Rouen

Glasgow 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.

Glasgow offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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 Glasgow or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Glasgow
Rouen

Rouen is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Glasgow or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow
Rouen

Glasgow 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 Glasgow just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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 Glasgow or Rouen Better for Music?

Glasgow
Rouen

Glasgow is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Rouen is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Glasgow Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Rouen is not a live music destination.


Is Glasgow or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow
Rouen

Glasgow and Rouen both have good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Glasgow has an old town worth visiting. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Many visitors go to Rouen to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Rouen?

Glasgow
Rouen

If you're looking to go shopping, Glasgow and Rouen both offer plenty of good spots.

Glasgow has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Rouen is a great destination for 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.

Is Glasgow or Rouen Better for Families?

Glasgow
Rouen

Glasgow and Rouen are both good destinations for the whole family.

Glasgow offers lots of family activities. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Rouen is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Glasgow or Rouen Better for Couples?

Glasgow
Rouen

Rouen is great for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Glasgow is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Is Glasgow or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow
Rouen

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Glasgow. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

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 Glasgow or Rouen Better for Students?

Glasgow
Rouen

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

Glasgow is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Rouen is not popular with students.


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

Glasgow
Rouen

Glasgow and Rouen both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit in Rouen is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Glasgow or Rouen a more walkable city?

Glasgow
Rouen

Glasgow and Rouen are very good when it comes to walkability.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Rouen?

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

Couples should spend more time in Rouen than Glasgow. 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow.


  • How many days in Glasgow or Rouen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Glasgow 2-3 
    Rouen 1-2

One day in Glasgow or Rouen?

In Glasgow, many people enjoy the live music and food that this friendly destination offers. 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.

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 Glasgow or Rouen?

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

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 Glasgow or Rouen?

Glasgow is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Glasgow. 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 Glasgow or Rouen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Glasgow. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Rouen or Glasgow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, while the average daily cost in Rouen is £94. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Glasgow and Rouen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Glasgow £74
    Rouen £45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Glasgow £148
    Rouen £90
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Rouen

Looking for a hotel in Glasgow or Rouen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Glasgow


Hotels in Rouen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Rouen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Glasgow £27
    Rouen £29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Easy Bus Transfer Between Airport and City Center: $12
  • Glasgow hotels to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Arrivals Airport Transfer to City Accommodations: $55
  • Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow city centre to Glasgow (GLA) Airport: $64
  • Private Transfer: Glasgow to Glasgow International Airport (GLA): $68
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow : $82
  • Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Business Car: $93
  • Departure Private Transfers: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Business Car: $98
  • Glasgow city to Glasgow Airport -Luxury Transfer Chauffeured : $108
  • Glasgow to Aberdeen Int Airport (ABZ)-Departure Private Transfer: $120
  • Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Luxury Car: $139
  • Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rouen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rouen:

  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Rouen Airport URO to Rouen by Minivan: $164

Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Rouen?

Prices for flights to both Rouen and Glasgow change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Glasgow £45
    Rouen £30
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:


  • Dessert at Farmer's Market
    £1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Glasgow £22
    Rouen £15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)
    £12
  • Two Bike Rental
    £34

Tours and Activities in Glasgow

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Glasgow Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Historical Walking Tour: $15
  • City Center Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Glasgow City Centre Daily Walking Tour: 10:30am, 2pm & 5pm: $15
  • Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium Tour: $19

Tours and Activities in Rouen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rouen are as follows:

  • Audio guided tour : Rouen retold - Joan of Arc retold: $16
  • From Normandy D-Day Beaches Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • From Normandy’s Regional Highlights Private Tour: $933
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $26
  • Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen: $51
  • Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Rouen audio guided tour: $13
  • American Landing Beaches Discovery Private Tour: $1,128
  • Castles and Abbeys Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Discover Rouen with a licenced tour guide: $59
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center: $26
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Glasgow £15
    Rouen £6.74
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:


  • Bottle of Wine
    £12
  • Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
    £3.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:

  • Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
  • Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
  • Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Glasgow and Rouen, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Rouen?

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

Both Rouen and Glasgow during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Glasgow is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Rouen. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Glasgow 15°C (59°F) 
    Rouen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Rouen. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rouen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Glasgow is cooler than Rouen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Rouen. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Glasgow 10°C (49°F) 
    Rouen 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Rouen. The winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Rouen in the winter. The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. In the winter, Glasgow is cooler than Rouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Rouen averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Rouen. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Glasgow 3°C (38°F) 
    Rouen 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the natural beauty.

In April, Glasgow is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Rouen. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Glasgow 7°C (45°F) 
    Rouen 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Rouen and Glasgow

Glasgow Rouen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)