A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rouen vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Rouen and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Although Rouen and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Plitvice Lakes National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Rouen attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. It is also well known for the terraced chain of lakes. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Rouen
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Rouen is very good for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Rouen is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Rouen
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Rouen is very good for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Rouen has a few options to choose from. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Rouen
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Rouen is very good for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Rouen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Rouen
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Rouen
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Rouen is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rouen. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Rouen
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Rouen
Plitvice Lakes National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Is Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rouen
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is notable for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rouen
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Rouen is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.


Is Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Rouen
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Rouen than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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.


  • How many days in Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rouen 1-2 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Rouen, you'll find food and shopping. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, many people enjoy the that this spectacular destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Rouen is a fun place to experience. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the impressive destination of Rouen. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The compact city of Rouen offers nightlife and food. 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 a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the scenic destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Rouen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rouen is €109, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Rouen and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rouen 52
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rouen 104
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Rouen and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Rouen


Hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rouen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rouen 34
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rouen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rouen:

  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Rouen Airport URO to Rouen by Minivan: $164

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Rouen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rouen 35
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rouen 18
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Rouen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rouen are as follows:

  • Audio guided tour : Rouen retold - Joan of Arc retold: $16
  • From Normandy D-Day Beaches Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • From Normandy’s Regional Highlights Private Tour: $933
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $26
  • Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen: $51
  • Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Rouen audio guided tour: $13
  • American Landing Beaches Discovery Private Tour: $1,128
  • Castles and Abbeys Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Discover Rouen with a licenced tour guide: $59
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center: $26
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rouen 7.86
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


When comparing the travel costs between Rouen and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rouen is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 17°C (63°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. In the summer, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rouen 17°C (63°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Rouen is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Rouen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rouen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rouen 12°C (53°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Rouen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rouen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rouen is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rouen in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Rouen often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rouen 4°C (39°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Rouen is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 9°C (48°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Rouen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rouen usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rouen 9°C (48°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Rouen

Rouen Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)