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

Should you visit Mainz 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 Mainz 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.

Mainz

Mainz is a quaint, charming, and beautiful town. 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 food.

Rouen

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

Mainz and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Rouen?

Both Rouen and Mainz have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Mainz is very popular for its historical sights, while Rouen attracts visitors for its nightlife. Mainz is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Mainz different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Mainz or Rouen.

Mainz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.

Rouen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Mainz or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Mainz and Rouen.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Mainz. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

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 Mainz or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Rouen is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Mainz or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Mainz 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 Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Rouen?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Mainz and Rouen.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Mainz. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.

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.

Is Mainz or Rouen Better for Families?

Rouen is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Rouen is a family-friendly 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.

Mainz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.

Is Mainz or Rouen Better for Couples?

Both Mainz and Rouen are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Mainz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip local wine.

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 Mainz or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Mainz. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and 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 Mainz or Rouen Better for Students?

Mainz is notable for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Mainz is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Mainz and Rouen.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mainz. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby town.

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.

Is Mainz or Rouen a more walkable city?

Mainz is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Mainz on foot. The town is easily explored on foot.

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 Mainz Worth Visiting? and Is Rouen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mainz or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mainz than Rouen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

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

One day in Mainz or Rouen?

In Mainz, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

In Rouen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this compact 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 Mainz or Rouen?

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

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 Mainz or Rouen?

Mainz is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mainz. 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 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 Mainz or Rouen?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 historical 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, 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 Mainz and Rouen, we can see that Mainz 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 Mainz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mainz 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 Mainz Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Rouen?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Mainz 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 Mainz 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 Mainz or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Rouen. Many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mainz is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mainz in July average around 19°C (66°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 Mainz this time of the year. In the summer, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets more rain in July than Rouen. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mainz in the autumn for the shopping scene 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 October, Mainz is generally around the same temperature as Rouen. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Rouen. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mainz or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Mainz during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Mainz can be very cold during winter. Mainz is much colder than Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

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

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Rouen. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Rouen. The spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In the spring, Mainz is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rouen. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Mainz