A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Rouen for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Old Town

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Rouen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a peaceful, park-filled, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the food and theater.

Rouen

Rouen is a compact, impressive, and relaxing city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rouen than Stratford-upon-Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rouen is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is more popular for its theatre productions and small town charm. Rouen is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. Also, Rouen is famous for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. Stratford-upon-Avon is well known for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen?

Rouen is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Rouen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a world-class destination for its theatre productions. However, Rouen is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Stratford-upon-Avon draw crowds from around the world. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Rouen is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Rouen has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Rouen is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon and Rouen are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Stratford-upon-Avon. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Rouen offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen?

Rouen is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rouen. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Rouen. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen Better for Couples?

Rouen is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rouen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Rouen can get you around 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen a more walkable city?

Rouen is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Rouen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen to fill your time. In our opinion, Rouen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rouen than Stratford-upon-Avon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rouen than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Rouen.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Lots of people come for the theater. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Rouen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. 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.

Many people visit Rouen for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a fun place to experience. Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the theater. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Rouen offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the theater. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rouen. This city offers something for everyone. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Rouen. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rouen because of the family-friendly experiences.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Rouen in the summer. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rouen. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than Rouen. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Rouen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Rouen averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Rouen. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen in the Winter?

Both Rouen and Stratford-upon-Avon during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Furthermore, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 3°C (38°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Rouen. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Rouen. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rouen in the spring for the natural beauty.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Rouen in the spring. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rouen. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Stratford-upon-Avon