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

Should you visit Taormina or Rouen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Taormina and Rouen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Taormina

Taormina is a exclusive, opulent, and historic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Rouen

Rouen is a relaxing, historical, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Taormina or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Taormina. Although Taormina and Rouen are both popular with visitors, Taormina has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Taormina is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm, while Rouen is known for its historical sights. Taormina is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. It is also home to The Greek Theater. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Taormina different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Taormina
Rouen

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Rouen and Taormina.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

Rouen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Taormina or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina
Rouen

Both Taormina and Rouen offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Taormina has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rouen makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Taormina or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Rouen

Taormina is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Taormina has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

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 Taormina or Rouen Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Rouen

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

Taormina is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Rouen is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Rouen Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Rouen

Taormina is a popular place for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

Taormina is a good option for a beach vacation. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Rouen

Rouen is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Rouen has an old town worth visiting. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Rouen?

Taormina
Rouen

If you're looking to go shopping, Taormina and Rouen both offer plenty of good spots.

Taormina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Rouen is a great destination for shopping. 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 Taormina or Rouen Better for Families?

Taormina
Rouen

Rouen is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Rouen offers lots of family activities. 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Rouen Better for Couples?

Taormina
Rouen

Both Taormina and Rouen are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Taormina is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

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

Taormina
Rouen

Rouen is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Rouen. 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.

Taormina has a few public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.


Is Taormina or Rouen a more walkable city?

Taormina
Rouen

Taormina and Rouen are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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 Taormina Worth Visiting? and Is Rouen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Taormina or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Taormina than Rouen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rouen than Taormina 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.


  • How many days in Taormina or Rouen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    Rouen 1-2

One day in Taormina or Rouen?

Even though Taormina is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town 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 Taormina or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

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 Taormina or Rouen?

Taormina is a fun place to experience. Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

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 Taormina or Rouen?

Taormina is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Rouen or Taormina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Taormina is €108, 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 Taormina and Rouen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Rouen 52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Rouen 104
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Rouen

Looking for a hotel in Taormina 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 Taormina


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: Taormina Hotel Prices and Rouen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Rouen 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

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

  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41

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 Taormina or Rouen?

Prices for flights to both Rouen and Taormina 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
    Taormina 33
    Rouen 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Rouen 18

Tours and Activities in Taormina

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

  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Tour di Taormina, Savoca e Forza D' Agro': $139
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • Tour da Messina a Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella: $695
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743

Tours and Activities in Rouen

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

  • Audio guided tour : Rouen retold - Joan of Arc retold: $16
  • From Normandy D-Day Beaches Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • From Normandy’s Regional Highlights Private Tour: $933
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $26
  • Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen: $51
  • Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Rouen audio guided tour: $13
  • American Landing Beaches Discovery Private Tour: $1,128
  • Castles and Abbeys Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Discover Rouen with a licenced tour guide: $59
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center: $26
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Rouen 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

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

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299


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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Rouen?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Taormina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rouen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Taormina is generally much warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the summer, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Rouen. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    Rouen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Rouen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Rouen. Many visitors come to Taormina in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Taormina is much warmer than Rouen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Taormina usually receives more rain than Rouen. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Rouen 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Rouen. Most visitors come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Rouen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Rouen can be very cold. In the winter, Taormina is much warmer than Rouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Rouen averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Rouen. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets more rain in January than Rouen. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Rouen 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Rouen in the Spring?

Both Rouen and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In April, Taormina is generally much warmer than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Rouen during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than Rouen. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    Rouen 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Rouen and Taormina

Taormina Rouen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)


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