A Travel Price Comparison for France Strasbourg vs. Rouen for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Strasbourg or Rouen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and Rouen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a picturesque, impressive, and quaint city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rouen

Rouen is a compact, impressive, and relaxing city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
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 with backpackers


Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Strasbourg than Rouen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Strasbourg is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. It is also well known for The Strasbourg Cathedral. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Strasbourg different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Strasbourg
Rouen

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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 Strasbourg or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Strasbourg
Rouen

Foodies will find both Strasbourg and Rouen both to be great destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

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.

Is Strasbourg or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Strasbourg
Rouen

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Strasbourg and Rouen.

If you're looking for night time activities Strasbourg has a few options to choose from. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

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.

Is Strasbourg or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg
Rouen

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg is revered around the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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 Strasbourg or Rouen?

Strasbourg
Rouen

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

Strasbourg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg or Rouen Better for Families?

Strasbourg
Rouen

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Strasbourg or Rouen.

Strasbourg offers lots of family activities. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Rouen is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Strasbourg or Rouen Better for Couples?

Strasbourg
Rouen

Both Strasbourg and Rouen are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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.


Is Strasbourg or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Strasbourg
Rouen

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

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 Strasbourg or Rouen Better for Students?

Strasbourg
Rouen

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

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Strasbourg
Rouen

Strasbourg and Rouen both offer great public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Strasbourg. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

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.


Is Strasbourg or Rouen a more walkable city?

Strasbourg
Rouen

Strasbourg and Rouen are great when it comes to walkability.

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Rouen?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Strasbourg or Rouen?

In Strasbourg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint 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.

With museums and nightlife around the compact city of Rouen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rouen, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Rouen?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Rouen, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Strasbourg or Rouen?

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

Rouen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Rouen?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Strasbourg. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Rouen or Strasbourg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Strasbourg is €138, 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 Strasbourg and Rouen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Strasbourg 67
    Rouen 52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Strasbourg 134
    Rouen 104
Compare Hotels in Strasbourg and Rouen

Looking for a hotel in Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg


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: Strasbourg Hotel Prices and Rouen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Strasbourg 44
    Rouen 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Strasbourg

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

  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $59
  • Private transfer Strasbourg Airport: $59
  • Strasbourg Entzheim Airport - Private Transfer from/to Hotels: $79
  • Strasbourg Private Transfer from Strasbourg city centre to Strasbourg Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from or to Colmar: $264

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: $165

Is it cheaper to fly into Strasbourg or Rouen?

Prices for flights to both Rouen and Strasbourg 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
    Strasbourg 44
    Rouen 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Strasbourg

For Strasbourg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Strasbourg 24
    Rouen 18

Tours and Activities in Strasbourg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Strasbourg.

  • Strasbourg : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.16
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.46
  • Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Escape Game and Tour: $7.06
  • Strasbourg сity tour: audioguide in your smartphone: $7.60
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt City Tour: $8.14
  • Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $10
  • Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Strasbourg : Walking Tour between France and Germany: $22
  • Strasbourg Christmas Market tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Rouen

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

  • From Normandy D-Day Beaches Private Full-Day Tour: $1,303
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $21
  • Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen: $49
  • Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $53
  • Rouen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $297
  • Rouen audio guided tour: $13
  • American Landing Beaches Discovery Private Tour: $1,145
  • Castles and Abbeys Private Full-Day Tour: $1,303
  • Discover Rouen with a licenced tour guide: $60
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center: $21
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $312
  • Private Walking Tour with a Licensed Tour Guide: $203

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Strasbourg 19
    Rouen 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Strasbourg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Strasbourg:

  • Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour: $20
  • Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket: $39
  • From Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip: $119
  • Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg: $121
  • Wine Tasting Private Tour: $554


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


Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Rouen?

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

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 Strasbourg or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Strasbourg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rouen because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Strasbourg is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Strasbourg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Rouen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Strasbourg. In the summer, Strasbourg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Strasbourg or Rouen in the Autumn?

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

In October, Strasbourg is generally around the same temperature as Rouen. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 12°C (53°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Rouen. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Strasbourg 12°C (53°F) 
    Rouen 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Rouen in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rouen. It's quite cold in Strasbourg in the winter. Strasbourg is much colder than Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in January than Rouen. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Strasbourg 2°C (35°F) 
    Rouen 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Rouen in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Strasbourg is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Strasbourg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Strasbourg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen during spring. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Strasbourg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rouen. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Rouen and Strasbourg

Strasbourg Rouen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)