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

Should you visit Kinsale or Rouen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kinsale and Rouen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a colorful, charming, and quaint seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Rouen

Rouen is a relaxing, historical, and charming city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kinsale and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kinsale or Rouen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kinsale than Rouen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kinsale is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Rouen is more popular for its nightlife. Kinsale is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Also, Kinsale is famous for Charles Fort. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Kinsale different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Kinsale and Rouen.

Kinsale offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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 Kinsale or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Kinsale is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

Rouen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Kinsale or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Rouen is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Rouen has a few options to choose from. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Kinsale or Rouen Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a moderate seaside town for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Kinsale. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Kinsale or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is notable for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

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

Is Kinsale or Rouen Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale is a good destination for hiking. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Rouen?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kinsale and Rouen both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kinsale. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Many visitors go to Rouen to go shopping. 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 Kinsale or Rouen Better for Families?

Both Kinsale and Rouen are notable to visit with kids.

Kinsale offers lots of family activities. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Rouen is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Kinsale or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Rouen is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Kinsale is a good seaside town for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Kinsale or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

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

Rouen is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Kinsale or Rouen a more walkable city?

Rouen is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

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

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable seaside town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Rouen?

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

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

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

One day in Kinsale or Rouen?

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This seaside town 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 Kinsale or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Kinsale or Rouen?

Kinsale is a fun place to experience. Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Kinsale or Rouen?

Kinsale is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 food. 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, 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 Kinsale and Rouen, we can see that Kinsale 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 Kinsale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kinsale 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 Kinsale Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Rouen?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Kinsale 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 Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Kinsale during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Rouen. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Rouen. Many visitors come to Kinsale in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Kinsale gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Rouen. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kinsale or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Rouen. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rouen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Rouen can be very cold. In January, Kinsale is generally much warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 6°C (43°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Kinsale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Kinsale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kinsale usually gets more rain in January than Rouen. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

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

Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during spring. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Rouen. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Kinsale