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

Should you visit Rouen or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Kotor? 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 compact, impressive, and relaxing city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a historic, peaceful, and remote coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Rouen and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kotor. Although Rouen and Kotor are popular destinations, Kotor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kotor is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rouen attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also well known for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Rouen different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rouen is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Rouen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Rouen is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Rouen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Rouen or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Rouen is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Rouen is not a resort destination.

Is Rouen or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rouen or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Rouen or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor 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 Kotor is revered around the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Rouen is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Kotor?

Rouen is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Rouen is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Rouen or Kotor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Rouen or Kotor.

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.

Kotor is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Rouen or Kotor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Kotor make for a great 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.

Kotor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Rouen or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kotor is a great coastal town to visit for backpackers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

Rouen is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Rouen can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Rouen or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Rouen or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Rouen or Kotor?

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

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Rouen or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the impressive 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.

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When comparing the travel costs between Rouen and Kotor, 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 Kotor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Kotor?

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

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Kotor. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rouen is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 17°C (63°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rouen usually receives more rain than Kotor. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rouen or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Rouen usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rouen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rouen is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rouen in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Rouen usually receives less rain than Kotor. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rouen or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Rouen during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Rouen is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 9°C (48°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rouen usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Rouen