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

Should you visit Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a dynamic, livable, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Rouen

Rouen is a relaxing, historical, and charming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nottingham than Rouen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nottingham is very popular for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Rouen attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nottingham is famous for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also well known for Old Market Square. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Nottingham different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nottingham
Rouen

Both Nottingham and Rouen have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Nottingham is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

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 Nottingham or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Rouen

Rouen is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Nottingham or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Rouen

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Nottingham and Rouen.

Nottingham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

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.

Is Nottingham or Rouen Better for Music?

Nottingham
Rouen

Nottingham is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Rouen is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Nottingham is active and vibrant. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Rouen is not a live music destination.


Is Nottingham or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Nottingham
Rouen

Rouen is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Rouen to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Rouen?

Nottingham
Rouen

Nottingham is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Nottingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Rouen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Nottingham or Rouen Better for Families?

Nottingham
Rouen

Both Nottingham and Rouen are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Rouen offers lots of family activities. 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 Nottingham or Rouen Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Rouen

Rouen is well known for romance. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

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

Nottingham
Rouen

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Nottingham and Rouen.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

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 Nottingham or Rouen a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Rouen

Nottingham and Rouen both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Rouen?

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

Families should spend more time in Rouen than Nottingham. 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 Nottingham. 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 Rouen than Nottingham 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 Rouen.


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

One day in Nottingham or Rouen?

In Nottingham, many people enjoy the live music and food that this authentic 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.

With museums and nightlife around the relaxing 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 Nottingham or Rouen?

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

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 Nottingham or Rouen?

Nottingham is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nottingham. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Nottingham or Rouen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Nottingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Rouen or Nottingham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, while the average daily cost in Rouen is £93. 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 Nottingham and Rouen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Rouen £45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Rouen £90
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Rouen

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham 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 Nottingham


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: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Rouen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Rouen £29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35
  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $97
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $224

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 Nottingham or Rouen?

Prices for flights to both Rouen and Nottingham 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
    Nottingham £36
    Rouen £30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Rouen £15

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

Here are a few actual costs in Nottingham for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Stamford Town Guided Tours: $13
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour: $25
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Whatsapp Murder Mystery Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private Immersive Play Wall Experience in Nottingham: $89
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Stamford and Oakham Private Tour: $114
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Private City Walking Tour: $144

Tours and Activities in Rouen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rouen are as follows:

  • Rouen audio guided tour: $13
  • Audio guided tour : Rouen retold - Joan of Arc retold: $16
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center: $26
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $26
  • The OFFICIAL Rouen Tour : The 1-hour must-sees: $27
  • Treetop adventure course in the heart of Rouen: $31
  • The OFFICIAL Rouen Tour : The 2-hours must-sees: $48
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $50
  • Welcome to Private Walking Tour with a Local: $51
  • Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen: $51
  • Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Discover Rouen with a licenced tour guide: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Rouen £6.72

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


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


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Rouen?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Rouen?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nottingham or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Rouen. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Rouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nottingham in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Rouen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. Nottingham usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Rouen. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Rouen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Rouen. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nottingham is generally around the same temperature as Rouen. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Rouen. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Rouen 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nottingham 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. Nottingham can be very cold during winter. Nottingham is around the same temperature as Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Rouen. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Rouen 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Nottingham during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In the spring, Nottingham is cooler than Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nottingham in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rouen. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Rouen 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Rouen and Nottingham

Nottingham Rouen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)


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