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

Should you visit Salzburg or Rouen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Rouen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a musical, cultural, and recognizable 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Rouen

Rouen is a impressive, relaxing, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Salzburg or Rouen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salzburg than Rouen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Salzburg is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also home to The Salzburg Old Town. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

The Salzburg Old Town
The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rouen and Salzburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salzburg or Rouen?

Salzburg
Rouen

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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 Salzburg or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Salzburg
Rouen

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Salzburg and Rouen.

Dining out in Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

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.

Is Salzburg or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Salzburg
Rouen

Both Salzburg and Rouen are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

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 Salzburg or Rouen Better for Music?

Salzburg
Rouen

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Rouen is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Salzburg Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Rouen is not a live music destination.


Is Salzburg or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg
Rouen

Salzburg 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 Salzburg is revered around the world. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

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 Salzburg or Rouen?

Salzburg
Rouen

Salzburg 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 Salzburg make it a world-class shopping destination. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

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 Salzburg or Rouen Better for Families?

Salzburg
Rouen

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg is a very kid-friendly city. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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 Salzburg or Rouen Better for Couples?

Salzburg
Rouen

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg
Rouen

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

Salzburg is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg or Rouen Better for Students?

Salzburg
Rouen

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

Many students frequent Salzburg. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Rouen is not popular with students.


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

Salzburg
Rouen

Both Salzburg and Rouen offer very good public transit options.

The public transit in Salzburg can get you to most places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

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.

Is Salzburg or Rouen a more walkable city?

Salzburg
Rouen

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

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Salzburg or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Salzburg than Rouen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Salzburg or Rouen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Salzburg 3-5 
    Rouen 1-2

One day in Salzburg or Rouen?

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this recognizable 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.

The beautiful city of Rouen offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Salzburg or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Rouen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rouen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Rouen?

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. In Salzburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums 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.

Rouen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salzburg or Rouen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Salzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rouen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Rouen or Salzburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salzburg is €155, while the average daily cost in Rouen is €109. 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 Salzburg and Rouen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salzburg 91
    Rouen 52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salzburg 182
    Rouen 104
Compare Hotels in Salzburg and Rouen

Looking for a hotel in Salzburg or Rouen? 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 Salzburg


Hotels in Rouen


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: Salzburg Hotel Prices and Rouen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salzburg 19
    Rouen 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Private Transfer between Salzburg Airport and Salzburg City: $55
  • Salzburg Private Transfer from Salzburg Airport to City centre: $55
  • Salzburg Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Private transfer: Salzburg Airport (SZG) to Salzburg : $65
  • Private transfer: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport (SZG): $65
  • Private Salzburg Airport luxury transfers to Salzburg city&Hotels: $65
  • Salzburg Airport (SZG) to SkiWelt - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $90
  • Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $91
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $93
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Van: $93

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Salzburg or Rouen?

Prices for flights to both Rouen and Salzburg 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
    Salzburg 41
    Rouen 35
Typical Food Prices in Salzburg

Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:


  • Lunch Salad
    9.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.

  • Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Class Including Lunch: $59
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $60
  • Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $81
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $83
  • Mozart Concert with Dinner: $83
  • Dinner Cooking Class and Music: $84
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $85
  • Dinner Cooking Class - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $86
  • Dinner and Classical Concert at Mirabell Palace: $94
  • Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert: $106
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $111
  • Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $133

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salzburg 30
    Rouen 18

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Cathedral Entry Ticket with Audio Guide Option: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Salzburg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • Sound of Music Sightseeing Walk with Audio Guide: $6.99
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $8.02
  • Mirabell Palace and Surroundings Audio Tour: $8.52
  • Salzburg Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Salzburg Cathedral: Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Tours and Activities in Rouen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rouen are as follows:

  • Rouen audio guided tour: $13
  • Audio guided tour : Rouen retold - Joan of Arc retold: $16
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center: $26
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $26
  • The OFFICIAL Rouen Tour : The 1-hour must-sees: $27
  • Treetop adventure course in the heart of Rouen: $31
  • The OFFICIAL Rouen Tour : The 2-hours must-sees: $48
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $50
  • Welcome to Private Walking Tour with a Local: $51
  • Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen: $51
  • Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Discover Rouen with a licenced tour guide: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salzburg 26
    Rouen 7.86
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:


  • Beer
    3.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:

  • Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting: $16
  • Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $36
  • Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $185


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


Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Rouen?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Rouen, 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 Salzburg or Rouen?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Salzburg or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Salzburg is generally a little warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Rouen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Rouen. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Salzburg 20°C (68°F) 
    Rouen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Salzburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Rouen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Salzburg is around the same temperature as Rouen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Rouen. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Salzburg 11°C (52°F) 
    Rouen 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Rouen. The winter months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Rouen in the winter. The weather in Salzburg can be very cold. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Rouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Rouen averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rouen. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Salzburg -0°C (31°F) 
    Rouen 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Rouen. The natural beauty are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rouen for the natural beauty.

In April, Salzburg is generally a little warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in April than Rouen. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Salzburg 11°C (51°F) 
    Rouen 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Rouen and Salzburg

Salzburg Rouen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)