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

Should you visit Rouen or Lillehammer?

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

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

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Rouen and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Lillehammer?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lillehammer. Although Rouen and Lillehammer are popular destinations, Lillehammer has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lillehammer is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm, while Rouen attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is also well known for Lillehammer Olympic Park.

How is Rouen different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lillehammer and Rouen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Rouen or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is notable for snow skiing. However, Rouen is not a skiing destination.

People head to Lillehammer specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Rouen is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rouen or Lillehammer?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Rouen and Lillehammer.

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 Lillehammer. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Rouen and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Rouen or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Rouen and Lillehammer.

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 Lillehammer. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Rouen or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

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

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Rouen or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Lillehammer is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Lillehammer?

Both Rouen and Lillehammer are nice 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.

Lillehammer has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Rouen or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is a very kid-friendly city. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Rouen or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lillehammer is a popular place for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

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 Lillehammer Better for Students?

Lillehammer is a popular place for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for students. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is well known for its public transit. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rouen. 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.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Rouen or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Rouen is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Lillehammer?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rouen or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Rouen. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Lillehammer, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this adventure-filled destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Rouen. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lillehammer. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Lillehammer?

The impressive city of Rouen offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lillehammer is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Rouen or Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rouen. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and skiing around the sporty destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Lillehammer?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Lillehammer, 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.