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

Should you visit Rouen or Milan?

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

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

Milan

Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Rouen and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Rouen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Rouen different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milan 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.

Milan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'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 Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan 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, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan 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 Milan just to party. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan Better for Music?

Milan is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Rouen is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Milan The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Rouen is not a live music destination.

Is Rouen or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan 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 Milan is revered around the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

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 Milan?

Milan is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Milan make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Rouen or Milan.

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.

Milan is a family-friendly city. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Rouen or Milan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Milan 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.

Milan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Rouen or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Milan is a great city to visit for backpackers. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Milan is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Milan can get you around easily. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

The public transit in Rouen can get you to most 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.

Is Rouen or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan 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 Milan on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Milan?

In either Rouen or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Rouen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

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

One day in Rouen or Milan?

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.

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Rouen or Milan?

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 Milan. 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 Milan?

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.

Milan is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the compact 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 museums and nightlife around the chic big city of Milan. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Milan. Many visitors come to Rouen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Rouen is cooler than Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rouen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. In the summer, Rouen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Milan. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Milan because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rouen is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 12°C (53°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. In October, Rouen usually receives less rain than Milan. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rouen or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Rouen during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Milan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. The weather in Rouen can be very cold. Rouen is cooler than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Milan. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Milan. The natural beauty are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rouen is cooler than Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rouen in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Rouen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during spring. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rouen usually receives less rain than Milan. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Rouen