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

Should you visit Rouen or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Reykjavik? 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 impressive, relaxing, and historical city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Rouen and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rouen. Although Rouen and Reykjavik are popular destinations, Rouen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rouen is very popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. It is also well known for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen.

How is Rouen different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rouen is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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 Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Rouen or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Rouen and Reykjavik.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Rouen or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Rouen is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Rouen or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Rouen is not a hiking destination.

People visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Rouen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Reykjavik?

Both Rouen and Reykjavik are nice 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.

Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Rouen or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Reykjavik make for a very good 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.

Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Rouen or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

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 Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Rouen is not popular with students.

Is Rouen or Reykjavik 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, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rouen. 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 Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Rouen or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Rouen and Reykjavik both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Reykjavik?

In either Rouen or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik.

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

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

One day in Rouen or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Rouen. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rouen has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Rouen. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Rouen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Rouen or Reykjavik?

Rouen is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the clean destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Rouen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rouen is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Rouen. In the summer, Rouen often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Rouen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. Rouen is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Rouen usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rouen usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rouen or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Rouen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Rouen is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rouen in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Rouen often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Rouen because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In April, Rouen is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 9°C (48°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Rouen usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rouen usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Rouen