A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Rouen for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Rouen

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

Interlaken and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Interlaken or Rouen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rouen. Although Interlaken and Rouen are popular destinations, Rouen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rouen is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. It is also well known for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen.

How is Interlaken different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Rouen Better for Skiing?

Interlaken
Rouen

Interlaken is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Rouen is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Rouen is not a skiing destination.


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

Interlaken
Rouen

Rouen is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Rouen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Interlaken
Rouen

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Rouen both to be great destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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.

Is Interlaken or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Interlaken
Rouen

Rouen is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Interlaken or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Interlaken
Rouen

Rouen is very good for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Rouen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Rouen Better for Hiking?

Interlaken
Rouen

Interlaken is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Rouen is not a hiking destination.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Rouen?

Interlaken
Rouen

Rouen is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rouen. 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Interlaken or Rouen Better for Families?

Interlaken
Rouen

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Rouen is a family-friendly town. 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 Interlaken or Rouen Better for Couples?

Interlaken
Rouen

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken
Rouen

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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

Interlaken
Rouen

Visitors will find great public transit in both Interlaken and Rouen.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Rouen has some very good public transit options. 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 Interlaken or Rouen a more walkable city?

Interlaken
Rouen

Rouen is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than Rouen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Interlaken or Rouen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Interlaken 2-5 
    Rouen 1-2

One day in Interlaken or Rouen?

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this stunning destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town 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.

With museums and nightlife around the impressive city of Rouen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rouen, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Interlaken or Rouen?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Rouen, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Rouen?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Rouen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Rouen?

You'll find food and skiing around the breathtaking destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rouen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Rouen or Interlaken?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Interlaken is $231, while the average daily cost in Rouen is $117. 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 Interlaken and Rouen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Rouen $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Rouen $112
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Rouen

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken 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 Interlaken


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: Interlaken Hotel Prices and Rouen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Rouen $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

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

  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312

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 Interlaken or Rouen?

Prices for flights to both Rouen and Interlaken 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
    Interlaken $64
    Rouen $38
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

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

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Interlaken $104
    Rouen $19

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
  • Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
  • Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
  • Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
  • Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Waterfalls Day Tour: $119

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
    Interlaken $17
    Rouen $8.42


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


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Rouen?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Rouen. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Rouen because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Interlaken is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°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 Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Rouen. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Rouen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails 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.

In October, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rouen. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Rouen 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken 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 Interlaken in the winter. Interlaken is cooler than Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Rouen. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Rouen 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Rouen. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Interlaken is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Rouen. Interlaken gets 79 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
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Rouen 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Rouen and Interlaken

Interlaken Rouen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)