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

Should you visit Rouen or Sibenik?

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

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

Sibenik

Sibenik is a undiscovered, charming, and authentic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Rouen and Sibenik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Rouen or Sibenik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sibenik. Although Rouen and Sibenik are popular destinations, Sibenik has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sibenik is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Rouen attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. Sibenik is famous for its photogenic beaches, charming old town, and surrounding natural beauty. It is also well known for Krka National Park.

How is Rouen different from Sibenik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rouen
Sibenik

Sibenik 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.

Sibenik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Despite being skipped by many international tourists, the town has a number of historical landmarks such as Sibenik Cathedral, St. Michael's Fortress, and the fascinating the Dalmatian Ethno Village.

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 Sibenik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen
Sibenik

Foodies will find both Rouen and Sibenik both to be superb 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.

Sibenik has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The restaurants are local and delicious. The old town has cafes that spill into the squares, so dining is a truly delightful experience. This is a hidden gem on the Adriatic.

Is Rouen or Sibenik Better for Nightlife?

Rouen
Sibenik

Evening events are nice in both Rouen and Sibenik.

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 Sibenik. During the summer months you'll find people filling the terraces and squares at night. There are also a number of festivals in and near town. If you're looking for nightlife, it's best to visit during one of these festivals.

Is Rouen or Sibenik Better for Resorts?

Rouen
Sibenik

Sibenik is a popular place for its resorts. However, Rouen is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sibenik makes a nice vacation spot. The town has gained popularity in recent years and its become a popular summer resort destination for Europeans.

Rouen is not a resort destination.


Is Rouen or Sibenik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Rouen
Sibenik

Sibenik is a moderate town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Sibenik. There aren't as many snorkeling trips leaving from this town as other, more popular beach destinations in Croatia.

Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rouen or Sibenik Better for Beaches?

Rouen
Sibenik

Sibenik is notable for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

Sibenik is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are less crowded than those in the more popular nearby cities, but they are gaining popularity. In town, Banj Beach is a pebbly beach that is easy to access. Nearby Jadrija Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic in the area and St. Nicholas Beach is one of the more remote.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Rouen or Sibenik Better for its Old Town?

Rouen
Sibenik

Sibenik 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 Sibenik. The charming old town is car-free and filled with quaint streets and lovely cafes.

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 Sibenik?

Rouen
Sibenik

Both Rouen and Sibenik 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.

Sibenik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some local shops selling interesting trinkets and souvenirs.

Is Rouen or Sibenik Better for Families?

Rouen
Sibenik

Sibenik 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.

Sibenik is a very kid-friendly town. It has grown into a popular summer resort destination. There are many outdoor activities in the area including kayaking, swimming, and boating. You should also take a day trip to Krka National Park to see the waterfalls. There are also some good beaches where families can hang out.

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 Sibenik Better for Couples?

Rouen
Sibenik

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Sibenik make for a superb 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.

Sibenik makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town is charming and filled with historic sights. There are also beaches and adventure sports for those looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation.


Is Rouen or Sibenik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rouen
Sibenik

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

Sibenik is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has a large number of hostels to choose from, making this an easy and convenient stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Sibenik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rouen
Sibenik

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

You'll find some public transit in Sibenik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a public bus system that can help you get around the area.

Is Rouen or Sibenik a more walkable city?

Rouen
Sibenik

Sibenik 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 Sibenik on foot. The old town is car-free and easily explored on foot.

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 Sibenik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sibenik or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Sibenik?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Sibenik than Rouen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sibenik that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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


  • How many days in Rouen or Sibenik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rouen 1-2 
    Sibenik 2-3

One day in Rouen or Sibenik?

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 Sibenik, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Rouen or Sibenik?

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 Sibenik. 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 Sibenik?

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.

Sibenik is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sibenik. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Rouen or Sibenik?

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 food and shopping around the charming destination of Sibenik. Most people come for the beaches. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik.


Which place is cheaper, Sibenik 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 Sibenik is €93. 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 Sibenik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rouen 52
    Sibenik 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rouen 104
    Sibenik 110
Compare Hotels in Rouen and Sibenik

Looking for a hotel in Rouen or Sibenik? 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 Sibenik


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 and Sibenik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rouen 34
    Sibenik 13

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 Sibenik

Also for Sibenik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from Sibenik to Split airport: $126
  • Airport transfer from Split to Šibenik or vice versa: $164
  • Private transfer from Sibenik to Split: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Rouen or Sibenik?

Prices for flights to both Sibenik 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
    Sibenik 29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rouen 18
    Sibenik 12

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 Sibenik

For Sibenik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discover Šibenik - Evening walking tour : $38
  • Daily or night walking tour through Medieval Šibenik: $45
  • Private Sibenik Walking Historical Morning or Evening Tour: $49
  • Via Ferrata tour - Čikola Canyon: $74
  • Krka Waterfalls National Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $76
  • Kornati island National Park & Telascica Nature Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $76
  • Šibenik Riviera boat tour: Zlarin + Prvić + Tijat: $120
  • Kornati Experience small group (12 pax) boat tour: $137
  • Sibenik Private Combined Food & Drink and Historical Tour: $152
  • Full-Day Sailing Tour in Šibenik Archipelago: $164
  • The Best of Sibenik Private Walking Tour: $164
  • Private walking tour of Sibenik: $164

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rouen 7.86
    Sibenik 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Sibenik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sibenik:

  • Vinoplod Winery - Wine Tasting Tour: $29
  • Private Krka Waterfalls Tour with Wine Tasting from Sibenik: $213
  • From Split or Trogir: Krka National Park & Wine Tasting Tour: $1,069


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rouen and Sibenik, we can see that Rouen is more expensive. And not only is Sibenik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sibenik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sibenik 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 Rouen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rouen than you might in Sibenik.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rouen Expensive? and Is Sibenik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rouen or Sibenik?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sibenik. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Sibenik, 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 Sibenik?

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 Sibenik in the Summer?

Both Sibenik and Rouen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sibenik because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rouen is generally much colder than Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 17°C (63°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Sibenik, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rouen. In the summer, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Sibenik. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 345 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets more rain in July than Sibenik. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rouen 17°C (63°F) 
    Sibenik 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Sibenik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Sibenik. The autumn months attract visitors to Rouen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sibenik this time of year.

Rouen is much colder than Sibenik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Sibenik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sibenik this time of the year. Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Sibenik during autumn. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rouen usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rouen 12°C (53°F) 
    Sibenik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Sibenik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Sibenik. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sibenik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Rouen in the winter. In the winter, Rouen is much colder than Sibenik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rouen in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Sibenik averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Sibenik. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 128 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in January than Sibenik. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rouen 4°C (39°F) 
    Sibenik 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Sibenik in the Spring?

Both Sibenik and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rouen for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Sibenik in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Rouen is generally much colder than Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 9°C (48°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Sibenik. Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Sibenik during spring. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rouen usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rouen 9°C (48°F) 
    Sibenik 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Sibenik and Rouen

Rouen Sibenik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)