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

Should you visit Rouen or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Pisa? 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a classic, charming, and iconic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Rouen and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Pisa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pisa than Rouen. While Rouen is larger than Pisa, Pisa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pisa is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Also, Pisa is famous for The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Rouen different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pisa 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.

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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 Pisa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Rouen and Pisa 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.

Pisa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Rouen or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa 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.

Pisa has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa Better for Beaches?

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

Pisa is a good option for a beach vacation. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Rouen or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is notable for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

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 Pisa?

Pisa is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Pisa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Rouen or Pisa.

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.

Pisa is a family-friendly city. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Rouen or Pisa Better for Couples?

Rouen is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Rouen is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Rouen or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pisa is a great city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Rouen can get you around 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.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Rouen or Pisa a more walkable city?

Rouen and Pisa 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.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rouen and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pisa than in Rouen. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

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

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

One day in Rouen or Pisa?

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 Pisa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this iconic destination offers. 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa. 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 Pisa?

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

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

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 food and shopping around the iconic destination of Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Pisa?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Pisa. The summer months attract visitors to Rouen because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

Rouen is cooler than Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pisa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. In the summer, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets more rain in July than Pisa. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Rouen is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rouen in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during autumn. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In October, Rouen usually receives less rain than Pisa. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rouen or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Rouen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pisa 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 Pisa. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 4°C (39°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in January than Pisa. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Pisa. Many visitors come to Rouen in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Rouen is cooler than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during spring. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Rouen usually receives less rain than Pisa. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Rouen