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

Should you visit Paphos or Rouen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Rouen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Paphos

Paphos is a coastal, overlooked, and ancient 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 nightlife.

Rouen

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

Paphos and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Rouen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paphos. Although Paphos and Rouen are popular destinations, Paphos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paphos is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. It is also well known for Paphos Archaeological Park. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Paphos different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paphos is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paphos are among the most recognizable in the world. The area is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, many of which are found at Paphos Archaeological Site. Other impressive sights include the Tombs of the Kings, the Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Paraskevi, and Paphos Fort.

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 Paphos or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Paphos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is a huge part of the culture and family life in the area. The cuisine is influenced by the surrounding areas and you'll see similarities to Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes include koupepia (vine leaves stuffed with a filling called gemista), souvlaki (a meat and salad filled pita), and makaronia tou fournou (a pasta dish made with halloumi and béchamel sauce).

Rouen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Paphos or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Paphos or Rouen has a better nightlife scene.

Paphos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most people think of history, culture, beaches, and wine, but the city also has its share of clubs and bars. It's not the party-hard beach destination that you'll find at some Mediterranean tourist areas, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs with atmosphere and style. Head to Agiou Antoniou Street for the most action.

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 Paphos or Rouen Better for Resorts?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Rouen is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Paphos is a great choice. The area is filled with all types of resorts. There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, honeymooners, or luxury vacationers. If you want to experience more of the local culture, there are also smaller boutique hotels or local apartments available.

Rouen is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Rouen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Paphos has a few good snorkeling spots. There are many snorkeling and dive spots that aren't far away. You'll also find a number of scuba or snorkeling excursions that you can join. The water conditions for snorkeling and diving are best during the summer months.

Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Rouen Better for Beaches?

Paphos is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Paphos. Many people head to the area specifically for the beaches. This region has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, but keep in mind that some of the best beaches are found outside of the main tourist areas. However, they most are usually accessible by city bus with many remote stretches found along the Akamas Peninsula. Within town the beaches are often rocky and pebbly.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Paphos and Rouen both have nice historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Paphos to see the historical old town. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Rouen. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Rouen?

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

Paphos is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are outdoor markets, major shopping streets, and international fashion brands. You can pick up local souvenirs or beach gear that you may have forgotten.

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 Paphos or Rouen Better for Families?

Paphos 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.

Paphos is a very kid-friendly town. There are plenty of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Head to the beach or take a walk along the coastline. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the zoo, bird park, or aquarium and young thrill seekers will enjoy a day at the Aqua-park of Aphrodite. And, of course, there's also the ruins that kids can have fun exploring.

Rouen is a family-friendly town. 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 Paphos or Rouen Better for Couples?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Paphos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners who enjoy history, nature, beaches, and culture will find it all in the area. There are stunning beaches where you can relax in the sun, world renowned archeological ruins where you can immerse yourself in a historical world, and beautiful views around every corner. There are also excellent restaurants and wine tasting opportunities that will make for a memorable trip.

Rouen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Paphos or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Paphos is a great town to visit for backpackers. The area is generally accessible with a few good hostels and budget accommodation options sprinkled about. There are great beaches and restaurants as well as plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a walk.

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

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

Visitors to Paphos can move around easily with public transportation. It's possible to get around by city bus to most places. Buses connect many touristy areas such as Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Coral Bay and Paphos Center.

The public transit in Rouen can get you around 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 Paphos or Rouen a more walkable city?

Rouen is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Paphos is a somewhat walkable place. The main tourist area is Kato Paphos which is small, compact and easy to walk around, but if you want to head to areas further away then you likely won't be able to travel on foot. It's important to understand where your hotel is located if you're planning to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paphos or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paphos than Rouen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

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

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

One day in Paphos or Rouen?

In Paphos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rouen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Paphos or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paphos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Paphos or Rouen?

Paphos is a fun place to experience. In Paphos, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Rouen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ancient destination of Paphos. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Rouen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Paphos and Rouen, we can see that Rouen 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 Paphos Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Rouen?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos 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 Paphos or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Rouen. Many visitors come to Paphos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Paphos is much warmer than Rouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paphos in July average around 27°C (80°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. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Rouen. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paphos or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Rouen. Most visitors come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Rouen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Paphos is generally much warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 21°C (70°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the autumn, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Rouen. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Paphos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Rouen in the winter. Paphos is much warmer than Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paphos usually receives more rain than Rouen. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paphos or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Paphos is much warmer than Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paphos in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Rouen. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Paphos