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

Should you visit Howth or Rouen?

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

Should I visit Howth 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.

Howth

Howth is a peaceful, coastal, and beautiful fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Rouen

Rouen is a charming, compact, and impressive city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Rouen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Howth than Rouen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Howth is better known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Rouen is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Howth is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Also, Howth is famous for The Baily Lighthouse. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Howth different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Howth and Rouen.

Howth offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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 Howth or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Howth or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Rouen is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Rouen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Howth or Rouen Better for Beaches?

Howth is notable for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Howth or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is a popular place for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

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

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Howth or Rouen Better for Hiking?

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

Howth is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Rouen?

Rouen is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Rouen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Howth or Rouen.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Howth. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Rouen offers lots of family activities. 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 Howth or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good fishing village for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

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

Rouen is well known for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Rouen can get you to some 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.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Howth or Rouen a more walkable city?

Howth and Rouen both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Howth is a very walkable fishing village. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Howth?

How long in Howth or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Howth or Rouen to fill your time. In our opinion, Rouen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rouen than Howth. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Howth or Rouen?

In Howth, many people enjoy the food and museums that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This fishing village 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 charming 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 Howth or Rouen?

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

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 Howth or Rouen?

Howth is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Howth. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Howth or Rouen?

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Howth. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the impressive 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, 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 Howth and Rouen, we can see that Howth 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 Howth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Howth 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 Howth Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Howth 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 Howth or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Rouen. The summer months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

Howth is around the same temperature as Rouen in the summer. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. Howth usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during summer. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Howth usually receives less rain than Rouen. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Howth or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Howth as well as Rouen. The hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Howth is around the same temperature as Rouen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Howth in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Rouen averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Howth often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rouen. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Howth for the museums 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. In January, Howth is generally a little warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 6°C (42°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Howth usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during winter. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Howth usually receives more rain than Rouen. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Howth or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Howth during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months.

Howth is around the same temperature as Rouen in the spring. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Howth often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

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