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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a colorful, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rouen

Rouen is a relaxing, historical, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palermo and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Rouen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo than Rouen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Palermo is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Rouen is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Palermo different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Palermo or Rouen.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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 Palermo or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palermo and Rouen offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Dining out in Palermo is an experience not to be missed. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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 Palermo or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Palermo 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.

Palermo has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo or Rouen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palermo has a few good snorkeling spots. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Rouen Better for Beaches?

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

Palermo is considered a top beach destination. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

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

Rouen offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Rouen?

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

Palermo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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 Palermo or Rouen Better for Families?

Palermo is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Palermo is a very kid-friendly city. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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.

Is Palermo or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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 Palermo or Rouen Better for Students?

Palermo is a popular place for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Palermo is a good city to visit for students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Rouen. 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 mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Rouen a more walkable city?

Palermo and Rouen both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Rouen?

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

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

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

One day in Palermo or Rouen?

In Palermo, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this dynamic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city 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 Palermo or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Palermo or Rouen?

Palermo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Palermo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Palermo or Rouen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, 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 Palermo and Rouen, we can see that Rouen is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Rouen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rouen than you might in Palermo.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Rouen?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Rouen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Rouen. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palermo or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Palermo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palermo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Palermo is much warmer than Rouen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in October than Rouen. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Rouen. Most visitors come to Palermo 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. In the winter, Palermo is much warmer than Rouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Rouen averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rouen. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Rouen. The spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Rouen. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Palermo