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

Should you visit Rouen or Pamplona?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Pamplona? 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 charming, compact, and impressive 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.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Rouen and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Pamplona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Pamplona than Rouen. Pamplona is bigger than Rouen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Pamplona is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Rouen is more popular for its impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Rouen and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Foodies will find both Rouen and Pamplona both to be high quality 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.

Pamplona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Rouen or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Pamplona has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the notable old towns in both Rouen and Pamplona.

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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Rouen or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

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

Pamplona is a popular spot for hiking. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Pamplona?

Both Rouen and Pamplona 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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Rouen or Pamplona Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Rouen or Pamplona.

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.

Pamplona is a family-friendly city. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Rouen or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Rouen is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Rouen or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pamplona is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona Better for Students?

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

Pamplona is a good city to visit for students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Pamplona has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Rouen or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Rouen and Pamplona both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Pamplona is a very walkable destination. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rouen or Pamplona to fill your time. In our opinion, Pamplona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pamplona than Rouen. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Rouen than Pamplona. 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

One day in Rouen or Pamplona?

The beautiful city of Rouen offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Pamplona, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid-back 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. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Rouen or Pamplona?

Rouen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rouen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamplona. 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 Pamplona?

Rouen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pamplona is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pamplona. 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 Pamplona?

Rouen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the elegant destination of Pamplona. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Rouen because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

Rouen is cooler than Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamplona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rouen. Rouen usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rouen usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rouen or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Rouen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Rouen is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rouen in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rouen usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Pamplona. Many travelers come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pamplona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rouen. In January, Rouen is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 4°C (39°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Rouen usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rouen or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Pamplona. Many visitors come to Rouen in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Pamplona for the activities around the city during these months.

Rouen is cooler than Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Rouen often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Rouen usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Rouen