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

Should you visit Granada or Rouen?

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

Should I visit Granada or Rouen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Granada

Granada is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Rouen

Rouen is a charming, compact, and impressive city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Granada than Rouen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Granada is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Rouen attracts visitors for its food. Granada is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also well known for The Alhambra. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Granada different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Granada are among the most recognizable in the world. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Rouen. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Granada is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Granada has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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 Granada or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Granada is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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

Is Granada or Rouen Better for Hiking?

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

Granada is a popular spot for hiking. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Rouen?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Granada and Rouen.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Granada. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Rouen offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Granada or Rouen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Rouen.

Granada is a family-friendly city. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

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 Granada or Rouen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Rouen make for a high quality place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Couples visit Rouen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Granada or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is notable for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Granada is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

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 Granada or Rouen Better for Students?

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

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Rouen a more walkable city?

Granada and Rouen are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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 Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Rouen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Granada?

How long in Granada or Rouen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Granada or Rouen?

In Granada, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Granada or Rouen?

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

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 Granada or Rouen?

Granada is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Granada. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 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 Granada or Rouen?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Granada. 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 museums. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Rouen?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Granada as well as Rouen. The summer months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rouen averages at about 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 Granada this time of the year. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Rouen. Granada 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 Granada or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Granada is generally much warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Rouen. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. Granada is much warmer than Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Rouen. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Rouen. Many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Granada is much warmer than Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Rouen. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Granada