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

Should you visit Rouen or Venice?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Venice? 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Rouen and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Venice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Venice than Rouen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rouen is known for its food and nightlife. Venice is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Rouen or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Rouen is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Rouen or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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 Venice?

Venice is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

Venice 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.

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Venice is a great city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

Venice is a world-class destination for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Venice is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

The public transit in Rouen can get you to most 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.

Is Rouen or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Venice?

Both Rouen and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Rouen. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

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

One day in Rouen or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rouen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Venice?

Rouen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rouen. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Rouen or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Rouen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Venice. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rouen is cooler than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rouen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. In the summer, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Venice. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Venice. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice 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 Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rouen is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 12°C (53°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Rouen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during autumn. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rouen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rouen or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice 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 Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. Rouen is a little warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Venice. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Venice. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Venice in the Spring?

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

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

Rouen usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rouen usually receives less rain than Venice. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Rouen