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

Should you visit Rouen or Pompeii?

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

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

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Rouen and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pompeii. Although Rouen and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Pompeii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pompeii is more popular for its museums, while Rouen is known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Rouen different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Rouen or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Rouen is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Rouen or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Rouen has an old town worth visiting. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Pompeii?

Rouen is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Rouen or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

Rouen is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Rouen makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Rouen or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

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 Pompeii Better for Students?

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

Pompeii is a good archeological site to visit for students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Rouen offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Rouen or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rouen or Pompeii 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 Pompeii. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Rouen or Pompeii?

In Rouen, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Pompeii, many people enjoy the museums that this ancient destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This archeological site 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 Pompeii?

In Rouen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rouen has to offer.

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

Five days in Rouen or Pompeii?

Rouen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pompeii is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Rouen or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rouen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rouen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums around the iconic destination of Pompeii. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Rouen or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Rouen during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rouen is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rouen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Pompeii, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rouen. In the summer, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets more rain in July than Pompeii. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Pompeii. Many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rouen is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 12°C (53°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Rouen usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rouen or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Pompeii. Many visitors come to Rouen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. Rouen is much colder than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Rouen usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months.

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

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during spring. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rouen usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Rouen