A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rouen vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Rouen or Amalfi?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Amalfi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Rouen

Rouen is a relaxing, historical, and charming city. 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.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunning, dramatic, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Rouen and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Rouen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Rouen and Amalfi.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Amalfi 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, Amalfi is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

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 Rouen or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Amalfi 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.

Amalfi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

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 Rouen or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Amalfi has a few good snorkeling spots. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rouen or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is a popular place for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

Amalfi is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Rouen or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

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

Is Rouen or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

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

Amalfi is a popular spot for hiking. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Amalfi?

Both Rouen and Amalfi are notable shopping destinations.

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.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Rouen or Amalfi Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Rouen or Amalfi.

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.

Amalfi is a family-friendly city. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Rouen or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi 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.

Amalfi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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

Rouen is well known for its public transit. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Rouen or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Amalfi on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Amalfi?

Both Rouen and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Rouen. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

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

One day in Rouen or Amalfi?

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

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

A weekend in Rouen or Amalfi?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Five days in Rouen or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi is a fun place to experience. In Amalfi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. 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.

A week in Rouen or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing 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.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this stunning destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Amalfi?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Amalfi, 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 Rouen or Amalfi?

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 Rouen or Amalfi in the Summer?

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

Rouen is cooler than Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amalfi this time of the year. In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during summer. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rouen usually receives more rain than Amalfi. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rouen or Amalfi in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Rouen is cooler than Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rouen in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Rouen usually gets less rain in October than Amalfi. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Amalfi in the Winter?

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

The weather in Rouen can be very cold. In January, Rouen is generally much colder than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 4°C (39°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during winter. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. In January, Rouen usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rouen or Amalfi in the Spring?

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

Rouen is cooler than Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in April than Amalfi. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Rouen