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

Should you visit Rouen or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Hvar? 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a party-oriented, historic, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Rouen and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Rouen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Rouen is more popular for its historical sights. Hvar is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Foodies will find both Rouen and Hvar 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.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Rouen or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar 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 Hvar just to party. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hvar has a few good snorkeling spots. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rouen or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is notable for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

Hvar is considered a top beach destination. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Rouen or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is a city with good options for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Rouen or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Hvar?

Both Rouen and Hvar 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Rouen or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar 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.

Hvar is a very kid-friendly island. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Hvar make for a excellent 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.

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Rouen or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar 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 Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rouen is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Rouen or Hvar a more walkable city?

Rouen is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Rouen or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar 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 Hvar.

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

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

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

One day in Rouen or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Rouen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hvar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This island 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 Hvar?

Rouen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Rouen. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hvar. Lots of people come for the nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Rouen or Hvar?

The historical city of Rouen offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Hvar. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Hvar?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar 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 Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Rouen is much colder than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rouen. Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rouen usually receives more rain than Hvar. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rouen or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Rouen is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rouen in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Hvar. 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 Hvar this time of year.

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

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rouen usually receives less rain than Hvar. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rouen or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Hvar. The natural beauty are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Rouen is much colder than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the spring, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Rouen