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

Should you visit York or Rouen?

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

Should I visit York or Rouen? 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rouen

Rouen is a charming, compact, and impressive city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Rouen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in York than Rouen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. York is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Rouen attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is York different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York 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.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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.

Is York or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

York 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.

York has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

York 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 York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Rouen?

Both York and Rouen are nice shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

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.

Is York or Rouen Better for Families?

York is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Rouen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Rouen make for a high quality place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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

Rouen is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Rouen is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Rouen a more walkable city?

Rouen is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or York?

How long in York or Rouen?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Rouen to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York 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 York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rouen.

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

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

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

One day in York or Rouen?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this medieval destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Rouen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Rouen?

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

Rouen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Rouen?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Rouen. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Rouen?

You'll find food and shopping around the medieval destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The charming city of Rouen offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Rouen?

York has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.

In the summer, York is around the same temperature as Rouen. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Rouen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Rouen. York usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Rouen. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, York is generally around the same temperature as Rouen. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Rouen. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Rouen. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Rouen. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rouen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. York is around the same temperature as Rouen in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Rouen. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Rouen. Additionally, most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, York is cooler than Rouen. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Rouen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Rouen. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rouen. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and York