Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Rouen?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Rouen?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Rouen, France? Most people spend one to two days in Rouen during their visit. After all, the compact city will let you enjoy a meal at a restaurant, admire the wonderful scenery, tour the famous sights and museums, and learn about the history of the town.

Rouen is the capital city of the northern region of Normandy. It sits along the Seine River and is a historical and beautiful city that is fun to explore. There are many Gothic churches as well as pedestrian streets and half-timbered houses.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Rouen? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Rouen?

Three days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Rouen, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The cuisine, the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the historic old town on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Rouen as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.

How to spend 3 days in Rouen

Don't miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen during your trip to Rouen, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. 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.

Rouen is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.

This city offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. 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.

Rouen is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's a strikingly beautiful city with Gothic cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses.

A few tour suggestions include:

Rouen: Private Walking Tour with a Licensed Tour Guide ($203)

Public transit in Rouen is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite 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.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

A few tour suggestions include:

Small Group Guided Tour of the Secret History of Rouen ($82)
Rouen: Private Walking Tour with a Licensed Tour Guide ($203)

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Is 4 days enough time in Rouen?

Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Rouen has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the cuisine, the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the historic old town at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

Rouen, France

How to spend 4 days in Rouen

Having 4 days in Rouen will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Shopping in Rouen is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Rouen.

Is 5 days enough time in Rouen?

Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Rouen, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Enjoy a meal at a restaurant, admire the wonderful scenery, tour the famous sights and museums, and learn about the history of the town. You could also use Rouen as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

How to spend 5 days in Rouen

With 5 days in Rouen, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Rouen, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Rouen, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.