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

Should you visit Porto 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 Porto and Rouen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rouen

Rouen is a compact, impressive, and relaxing city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto than Rouen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Porto is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Porto different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto 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.

Porto offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto 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, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Porto 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.

Porto has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Porto 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 Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

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 Porto or Rouen?

If you're looking to go shopping, Porto and Rouen both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Rouen offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Porto or Rouen Better for Families?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Rouen is a family-friendly port 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 Porto or Rouen Better for Couples?

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

Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Rouen Better for Students?

Porto is notable for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Porto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Porto and Rouen both offer great public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Rouen has some very good public transit options. 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 Porto or Rouen a more walkable city?

Porto and Rouen are great when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Porto?

How long in Porto or Rouen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Rouen?

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing 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.

A weekend in Porto or Rouen?

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

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

Five days in Porto or Rouen?

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A week in Porto or Rouen?

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic big city of Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the compact destination of Rouen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Rouen?

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

Both Rouen and Porto during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rouen because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Porto is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Rouen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Rouen. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Rouen. The autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In October, Porto is generally a little warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Rouen. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Rouen in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rouen. Porto is much warmer than Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Rouen. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Rouen in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Porto is much warmer than Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Rouen. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Porto