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

Should you visit Rouen or Split?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Split? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Split

Split is a touristy, fun-filled, and budget-friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rouen and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Split?

You'll generally find more things to do in Split than Rouen. Split is bigger than Rouen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Split is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Rouen is more popular for its impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Split 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.

Split offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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 Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Rouen and Split 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.

Split has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Rouen or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Split just to party. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

Split is notable for its resorts. However, Rouen is not a resort destination.

Split is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Rouen is not a resort destination.

Is Rouen or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rouen or Split Better for Beaches?

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

Split is considered a top beach destination. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Rouen or Split Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the notable old towns in both Rouen and Split.

Many people head to Rouen to see the old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Split has an old town worth visiting. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Split?

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

Split is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

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 Split Better for Families?

Split 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.

Split is a very kid-friendly city. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun 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 Split Better for Couples?

Split is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Split makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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.

Is Rouen or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Split. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many 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 Split Better for Students?

Split is notable for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Split is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Public transit in Rouen can get you to some places 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.

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Rouen or Split a more walkable city?

Rouen and Split both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Split is a very walkable destination. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Rouen or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

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

One day in Rouen or Split?

In Rouen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this compact destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Split, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city 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 Split?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Split?

Rouen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Rouen. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Split is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Split. Lots of people come for the nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Rouen or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Rouen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the budget-friendly destination of Split. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split 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 Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Rouen is much colder than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

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

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

Should I visit Rouen or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Split. The autumn months attract visitors to Rouen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the autumn, Rouen is much colder than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rouen in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

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

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

Should I visit Rouen or Split in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Rouen in the winter. In January, Rouen is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 4°C (39°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

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

Should I visit Rouen or Split in the Spring?

Both Split 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 Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Rouen is much colder than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Split and Rouen