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

Should you visit Rouen or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Budapest? 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.

Rouen

Rouen is a compact, impressive, and relaxing city. The beauty of Rouen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Rouen travel costs.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Budapest is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Budapest travel costs.

Rouen and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Rouen. Budapest is bigger than Rouen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Rouen is more popular for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Rouen and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Rouen is well known for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest 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.

Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Rouen or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Rouen or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest 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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Rouen or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is notable for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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 Rouen or Budapest?

Budapest is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Budapest is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Rouen or Budapest More Beautiful?

Rouen and Budapest are somewhat similar when it comes to the great scenery.

The beauty of Rouen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's a strikingly beautiful city with Gothic cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses.

With stunning beauty, Budapest attracts visitors from all around. Set against the river, the city has beautiful buildings and nice parks.

Is Rouen or Budapest Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Rouen or Budapest.

Rouen is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly city. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Rouen or Budapest Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Budapest make for a great place to visit.

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.

Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Rouen or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Rouen or Budapest Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Budapest is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Rouen or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Rouen Worth Visiting? and Is Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Budapest?

In either Rouen or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Rouen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

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

One day in Rouen or Budapest?

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.

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A weekend in Rouen or Budapest?

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.

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

Five days in Rouen or Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

A week in Rouen or Budapest?

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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the bustling big city of Budapest. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rouen and Budapest, we can see that Rouen is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Rouen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rouen than you might in Budapest.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rouen Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen and Budapest, 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 Rouen or Budapest?

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 Rouen or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Budapest. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Rouen is cooler than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. In the summer, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Rouen is around the same temperature as Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rouen in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rouen usually receives more rain than Budapest. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rouen or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Rouen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rouen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Rouen is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 4°C (39°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Rouen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Budapest. Most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Rouen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during spring. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rouen usually receives more rain than Budapest. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Rouen