A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Rouen for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Rouen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Rouen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a dramatic, scenic, and picturesque island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Rouen

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

Isle of Skye and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Rouen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rouen. Although Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. 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 Isle of Skye different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Rouen?

Rouen is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Isle of Skye and Rouen.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

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 Isle of Skye or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Rouen is a good destination for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Rouen Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is notable for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

Isle of Skye is considered a top beach destination. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Rouen Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Isle of Skye specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Rouen?

Rouen is a good destination for shopping. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Rouen Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Rouen are nice family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

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 Isle of Skye or Rouen Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Rouen both superb destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

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 Isle of Skye or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is notable for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Isle of Skye is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

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

Rouen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Rouen a more walkable city?

Rouen is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Rouen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Rouen?

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

Families should spend more time in Rouen than Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye. 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.

One day in Isle of Skye or Rouen?

In Isle of Skye, many people enjoy the food that this diverse destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This island 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. 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.

Rouen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Rouen?

Isle of Skye is a fun place to experience. In Isle of Skye, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Rouen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Rouen?

You'll find food around the picturesque destination of Isle of Skye. Most people come for the beaches. 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 to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 Isle of Skye and Rouen, we can see that Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Rouen?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Rouen. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Isle of Skye is cooler than Rouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Isle of Skye in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Rouen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rouen. In the summer, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in July than Rouen. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 9°C (49°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Isle of Skye. In October, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Rouen. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Isle of Skye during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the winter for the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rouen can be very cold during winter. Isle of Skye can get quite cold in the winter. Isle of Skye is a little warmer than Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in January than Rouen. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Rouen. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rouen because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Isle of Skye is cooler than Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Isle of Skye in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen during spring. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Rouen. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Isle of Skye