A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Rouen for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Rouen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Rouen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a natural, pristine, and remote archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Rouen

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

Orkney Islands and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rouen. Although Orkney Islands and Rouen are both popular with visitors, Rouen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rouen is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Orkney Islands is known for its beaches and hiking. Rouen is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. It is also home to The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Rouen?

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Rouen and Orkney Islands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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.

Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Rouen.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Rouen is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Rouen Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is notable for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

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

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Rouen Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Rouen?

Rouen is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Rouen Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Rouen.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

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 Orkney Islands or Rouen Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Rouen are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Rouen is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Orkney Islands or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is notable for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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 Orkney Islands 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. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

The public transit in Rouen can get you to most 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.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Rouen a more walkable city?

Rouen is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Rouen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

Families should spend more time in Rouen than Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Rouen?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this remote destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This archipelago 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 museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Rouen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Rouen?

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rouen. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Rouen?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the museums and food that this serene destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Rouen. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, 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 Orkney Islands and Rouen, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rouen because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Rouen. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Rouen. The autumn months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Rouen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Rouen. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Rouen. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rouen. It's quite cold in Orkney Islands in the winter. In the winter, Orkney Islands is around the same temperature as Rouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Rouen averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Rouen. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Rouen. Orkney Islands gets 56 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 Orkney Islands