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

Should you visit Zurich or Rouen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Rouen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Rouen

Rouen is a historical, charming, and compact 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.

Zurich and Rouen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Rouen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zurich than Rouen. Zurich is bigger than Rouen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zurich is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Zurich different from Rouen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich 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.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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 Zurich or Rouen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zurich and Rouen offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Rouen Better for Nightlife?

Zurich 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.

Zurich has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Rouen Better for Music?

Zurich is notable for its live music scene. However, Rouen is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Rouen is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Rouen Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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 Zurich is revered around the world. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Rouen?

Zurich 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 Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Rouen Better for Families?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Rouen Better for Couples?

Zurich and Rouen both superb destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Rouen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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 Zurich or Rouen Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Both Zurich and Rouen offer superb public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

The public transit in Rouen can get you to most 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 Zurich or Rouen a more walkable city?

Zurich and Rouen both are superb when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rouen or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Rouen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Rouen?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rouen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Rouen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zurich or Rouen?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rouen. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zurich or Rouen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Zurich. 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 shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the compact destination of Rouen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zurich and Rouen, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Rouen?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Rouen in the Summer?

Both Rouen and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences.

Zurich is a little warmer than Rouen in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, 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 Zurich. Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Rouen. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Rouen in the Autumn?

Both Rouen and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rouen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zurich is a little warmer than Rouen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Rouen averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rouen. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rouen. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Rouen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Rouen. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rouen can be very cold during winter. Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Rouen. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Rouen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Rouen. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rouen because of the natural beauty.

Zurich is a little warmer than Rouen in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Rouen. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rouen and Zurich