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

Should you visit Rouen or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Barcelona? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a laid-back, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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 and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Rouen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona 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 Barcelona?

Barcelona 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.

Barcelona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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 Rouen or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Rouen and Barcelona both to be excellent destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Barcelona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Rouen or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Barcelona just to party. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Rouen is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Barcelona Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Rouen is not a live music destination.

Is Rouen or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

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

Barcelona is a good option for a beach vacation. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Rouen or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

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 Rouen or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Barcelona make it a world-class shopping destination. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

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 Rouen or Barcelona Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Rouen or Barcelona.

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.

Barcelona is a family-friendly city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Rouen or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Rouen is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Rouen or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

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 Rouen or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Barcelona. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Both Rouen and Barcelona offer excellent public transit options.

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.

The public transit in Barcelona can get you to most places easily. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

Is Rouen or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Rouen is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Barcelona?

Both Rouen and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Rouen. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

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

One day in Rouen or Barcelona?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Rouen. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rouen has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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.

A weekend in Rouen or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Rouen. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Five days in Rouen or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Rouen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Barcelona is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Barcelona?

Rouen is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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. 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

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 Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rouen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Rouen is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 17°C (63°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rouen. Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rouen usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rouen or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Rouen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Rouen is cooler than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Barcelona. The winter months attract visitors to Rouen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

The weather in Rouen can be very cold. In the winter, Rouen is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rouen in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rouen usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rouen or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Barcelona. The natural beauty are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Rouen is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 9°C (48°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. In the spring, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Barcelona. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Rouen