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

Should you visit Nafplio or Rouen?

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

Should I visit Nafplio 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.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a beautiful, picturesque, and romantic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Rouen

Rouen is a charming, compact, and impressive city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Rouen are both popular with visitors, Nafplio has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nafplio is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also home to Palamidi Castle. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Nafplio different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nafplio is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Nafplio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.

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 Nafplio or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nafplio and Rouen offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Nafplio has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rouen makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Nafplio or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Nafplio has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance clubs.

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.

Is Nafplio or Rouen Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a popular place for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

Nafplio is a good option for a beach vacation. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio 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 Nafplio. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

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 Nafplio or Rouen?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Nafplio and Rouen.

Nafplio has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Rouen is a great destination for 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 Nafplio or Rouen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Rouen.

Nafplio is a family-friendly city. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

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 Nafplio or Rouen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Rouen make for a high quality place to visit.

Nafplio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

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 Nafplio or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

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

Rouen is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Rouen offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Nafplio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

Is Nafplio or Rouen a more walkable city?

Nafplio 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 Nafplio on foot. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore 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 Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Rouen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nafplio or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nafplio than Rouen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

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

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

One day in Nafplio or Rouen?

In Nafplio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this picturesque destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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, 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 Nafplio or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nafplio. 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 Nafplio or Rouen?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the picturesque destination of Nafplio. 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Nafplio and Rouen, we can see that Nafplio is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nafplio Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Rouen?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio 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 Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Rouen. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In July, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 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 Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Rouen. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Nafplio is much warmer than Rouen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Rouen. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, 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 the winter, Nafplio is much warmer than Rouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Rouen averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Nafplio gets 135 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 Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Rouen. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Rouen. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Nafplio is generally much warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Rouen and Nafplio