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

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

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Rouen

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

Hamburg and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Rouen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hamburg than Rouen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hamburg is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Rouen is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also home to St. Michael's Church. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Hamburg different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg or Rouen Better for Music?

Hamburg 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 Hamburg The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Rouen is not a live music destination.

Is Hamburg or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Rouen?

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

Hamburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg or Rouen Better for Families?

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Rouen is a family-friendly port 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 Hamburg or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Hamburg or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

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 Hamburg or Rouen Better for Students?

Hamburg is a popular place for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Hamburg is a good port city to visit for students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hamburg and Rouen.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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 Hamburg or Rouen a more walkable city?

Hamburg and Rouen both are great when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily 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 Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Rouen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Rouen?

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

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

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

One day in Hamburg or Rouen?

In Hamburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this energetic destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Hamburg or Rouen?

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

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hamburg. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 Hamburg or Rouen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Hamburg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Rouen?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Rouen. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rouen because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hamburg is generally around the same temperature as Rouen. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 17°C (62°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. In Hamburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during summer. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Rouen. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hamburg or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Rouen. The autumn months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

Hamburg is cooler than Rouen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets less rain in October than Rouen. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Also, 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 Hamburg in the winter. In the winter, Hamburg is much colder than Rouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hamburg in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Rouen averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during winter. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hamburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rouen. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hamburg or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Hamburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rouen in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Hamburg is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 8°C (46°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Hamburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rouen. Hamburg 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 Hamburg