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

Should you visit Rouen or Florence?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Florence? 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 impressive, relaxing, and historical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rouen and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Florence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Florence than Rouen. Florence is bigger than Rouen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Florence is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence 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 Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence 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, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Rouen and Florence.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Rouen or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Florence is revered around the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Florence?

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

Florence is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Rouen or Florence.

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.

Florence is a family-friendly city. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Rouen or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence 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.

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence 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 Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Rouen can get you to some places 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.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Rouen or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence on foot. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Florence?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rouen or Florence?

The beautiful city of Rouen offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this artistic destination offers. 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 Florence?

Rouen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rouen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Rouen or Florence?

Rouen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Florence?

Rouen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this artistic 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. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Rouen or Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Florence. Many travelers come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Rouen is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. In the summer, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Florence. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rouen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Rouen is cooler than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rouen in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rouen usually receives less rain than Florence. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rouen or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Rouen during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rouen can be very cold during winter. In January, Rouen is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 4°C (39°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Florence. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Florence. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Florence. The spring months attract visitors to Rouen because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Rouen is much colder than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rouen usually receives less rain than Florence. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Rouen