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

Should you visit Rouen or Genoa?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Genoa? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a historic, vibrant, and colorful port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rouen and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Rouen or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Genoa than Rouen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Genoa is more popular for its museums and beaches, while Rouen is known for its impressive beauty. Genoa is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It is also home to The Via Garibaldi Palaces. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rouen
Genoa

Genoa 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.

Genoa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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 Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen
Genoa

Foodies will find both Rouen and Genoa both to be very good 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.

Genoa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Rouen or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Rouen
Genoa

Evening events are good in both Rouen and Genoa.

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 Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Rouen or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Rouen
Genoa

Genoa is a moderate port city for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Genoa. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Rouen is not a beach destination.


Is Rouen or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Rouen
Genoa

It's fun to wander around the good old towns in both Rouen and Genoa.

Many people head to Rouen to see the old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Genoa has an old town worth visiting. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Genoa?

Rouen
Genoa

Both Rouen and Genoa are good 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.

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Rouen or Genoa Better for Families?

Rouen
Genoa

Genoa 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.

Genoa is a very kid-friendly port city. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Rouen is a family-friendly 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 Rouen or Genoa Better for Couples?

Rouen
Genoa

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Genoa make for a very good place to visit.

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.

Genoa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Rouen or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rouen
Genoa

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

Genoa is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

Rouen
Genoa

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

Genoa is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Rouen is not popular with students.


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

Rouen
Genoa

Both Rouen and Genoa offer very good 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 Genoa can get you to most places easily. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

Is Rouen or Genoa a more walkable city?

Rouen
Genoa

Rouen and Genoa both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Genoa is a very walkable destination. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Rouen or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Rouen or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rouen 1-2 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Rouen or Genoa?

In Rouen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this compact 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.

In Genoa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful destination offers. 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.


A weekend in Rouen or Genoa?

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.

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

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.

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

A week in Rouen or Genoa?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the energetic destination of Genoa. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa or Rouen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rouen is €109, while the average daily cost in Genoa is €150. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Rouen and Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rouen 52
    Genoa 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rouen 104
    Genoa 176
Compare Hotels in Rouen and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Rouen or Genoa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Rouen


Hotels in Genoa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rouen Hotel Prices and Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rouen 34
    Genoa 8.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rouen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rouen:

  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Rouen Airport URO to Rouen by Minivan: $164

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

Also for Genoa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa hotels: $26
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Genoa to Genoa Airport (GOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Airport GOA to Santa Margherita Port: $44
  • Departure Private Transfer Genoa, Savona or Portofino to GOA Airport by Sedan: $44
  • Private Transfer Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa, Savona or Portofino by Business Car: $44
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Airport(GOA) to Portofino Cruise Port: $49
  • Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Genoa airport (GOA) to Savona Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Genoa Airport to Savona Cruise Port Private Arrival Transfer: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Rouen or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa and Rouen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rouen 35
    Genoa 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Genoa

For Genoa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $68
  • Genoa Old town Food Tour: $74
  • Itinerant dinner in the old town: $75
  • Street Food Tour: $84
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $86
  • Traditional Food Tour: $91
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Savona: $93
  • Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo: $93
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $93
  • Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner: $93
  • Small-group Street food tour in Savona: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rouen 18
    Genoa 20

Tours and Activities in Rouen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rouen are as follows:

  • Audio guided tour : Rouen retold - Joan of Arc retold: $16
  • From Normandy D-Day Beaches Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • From Normandy’s Regional Highlights Private Tour: $933
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $26
  • Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen: $51
  • Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Rouen audio guided tour: $13
  • American Landing Beaches Discovery Private Tour: $1,128
  • Castles and Abbeys Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Discover Rouen with a licenced tour guide: $59
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center: $26
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307

Tours and Activities in Genoa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Genoa.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Genoa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Lighthouse Entrance Ticket: $8.56
  • Finance and Nobility Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Finance and Nobility: Explore medieval Genoa on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Historic Guided Tour of Christopher Columbus' House: $11
  • The City of Children and Young Museum Entry Ticket: $13
  • Historic Shops in Tour Through Tradition and Flavours: $15
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rouen 7.86
    Genoa 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:

  • Guided Eco Hiking and Sea View Wine Tasting in Portofino Park: $75
  • 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $105
  • CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $125


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


Which is Bigger, Rouen or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Genoa, 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 Genoa?

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 Genoa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Genoa. Many travelers come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Genoa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rouen is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rouen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Genoa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. In the summer, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets more rain in July than Genoa. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rouen 17°C (63°F) 
    Genoa 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa 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 Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Rouen is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 12°C (53°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during autumn. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rouen usually receives less rain than Genoa. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rouen 12°C (53°F) 
    Genoa 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Genoa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rouen can be very cold during winter. Rouen is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in January than Genoa. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rouen 4°C (39°F) 
    Genoa 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Genoa in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Rouen is much colder than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rouen in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during spring. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rouen usually receives less rain than Genoa. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rouen 9°C (48°F) 
    Genoa 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Genoa and Rouen

Rouen Genoa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)