Is Rouen expensive to visit?
Rouen is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Rouen can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $64 (€59) per day, mid-range travelers spend $147 (€135) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $282 (€258) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Rouen.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Rouen is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Carcassonne or Graz.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Rouen Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Rouen?
The average Rouen trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Rouen travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Rouen cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Rouen. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $64 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
In addition, the city features a fantastic public transit system that helps budget-conscious travelers steer clear of pricey taxi or Uber rides. While food is a highlight for many in Rouen, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Most visitors to Rouen will want to visit the Rouen Cathedral, Musée des Beaux-Arts, or Musée Le Secq des Tournelles. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $147 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Rouen. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Best Western Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Les Inities is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Rouen here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $282 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Rouen
The price of hotels in Rouen can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $74, while peak summer season averages can reach $138. Prices range from $53 to $207, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Rouen for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $114 (€104). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $57 (€52) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Rouen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Rouen include:
- Best Western Plus Hotel de Dieppe 1880 starting at $107
- Best Western Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert starting at $80
- Ibis Budget Rouen Centre Rive Gauche starting at $56
Rouen's good public transit system can help keep accommodation costs low by staying farther out, but the extra transportation expenses and inconvenience may not be worth it if you're short on time.
By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Exploring Rouen by foot is a favorite activity for many, so it's wise to find a centrally located place to stay. Just be aware that this may cost more.
The city's unique old town is a major draw for visitors. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they typically offer a lot of character and convenient access to all the attractions.
Transportation Budget in Rouen
Getting around Rouen is easy thanks to its excellent public transportation. 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. For an affordable and speedy option, public transit is your best bet, though taxis and rideshares are available for added convenience.
Explorers who prefer to walk will have a fantastic time here. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $37 (€34) per person, per day, on local transportation in Rouen. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Rouen is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$37
€34
How much does it cost to go to Rouen? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Rouen will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Rouen
The local cuisine in Rouen is terrific, so make it a point to take time to taste all the unique flavors. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Rouen can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Rouen is $67 (€61) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$67
€61
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Rouen is around $67 (€61) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $128. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Rouen are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $20
- Lunch: $10 to $27
- Dinner: $20 to $47
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Like much of France, there are many great options in Rouen when it comes to dining. This area is big on its butter, cream, and seafood, as well as a big affinity for apples. Rouen has some specialty dishes that you might want to watch for. One of these dishes is Rouen Duck, traditionally cooked on a turn grit with many original sauces and spices. Aside from this dish, look for almost anything with apples, as the city loves to use them in many ways with their cuisine.
The list of restaurants seems limitless, but there are some that stand out even among the many great options. One, La Couronne, is said to be the oldest in in France, dating from around 1345. This place is an atmospheric time warp; you can hardly see some of the walls for all the signed photographs of celebrities who have dined here. Another popular stop is J.M.'s, a cafe, which is a great place to try hot wine punch and various treats. Yvonne's is another great place to stop for some sandwiches or bread and butter treats.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Opt for a water bottle instead of constantly buying drinks. It's not only convenient but also eco-friendly.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Rouen
It's easy to see why people visit Rouen, given its food, romance, museums and attractions, and nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Rouen typically cost an average of $19 (€18) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$19
€18
Some of the most popular sights include:
- The Rouen Cathedral (Free)
- Musée des Beaux-Arts (Free)
- Musée Le Secq des Tournelles (Free)
- The Old Market Square (Free)
- Gros Horloge for €7.50
- Saint-Maclou Church (Free)
There is plenty to see in Rouen. The most famous of which is the Notre Dame Cathedral with the Tour de Beurre (butter tower), financed by the sale of indulgences for the consumption of butter during Lent. The gothic Cathedral was completed in the 16th century and is featured in many paintings by Claude Monet.
The Grol Horloge, which is an astronomical clock that also dates back to the 16th Century, is another popular sight, and is worth going to see. You could also check out Rouen castle, another famous structure, where Joan of Arc was brought to be threatened with torture.
Rouen has a lot to do. There are several museums here to visit: the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics which contains a splendid collection of porcelain for which Rouen was renowned during the 16th to 18th centuries; the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rouen, an art museum with pictures of well-known painters such as Claude Monet and Gericault; the Musee maritime fluvial et portuaire, a museum on the history of the port of Rouen and navigation; and Musee des antiquites, an art and history museum with local works from the Bronze Age through the Renaissance.
Rouen is also home to a terrific French language school, French in Normandy. Check out this great article about how to learn French in France which includes some great details about the school as well as tips and advice.
You could also check out The Jardin des Plantes de Rouen, a notable botanical garden once owned by Scottish banker John Law dated from 1840 in its present form. It was the site of Elisa Garnerin's parachute jump from a balloon in 1817.
A nice way to explore destinations in Rouen is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Small Group Guided Tour of the Secret History of Rouen for $81 details
- Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen for $26 details
- Audio Guided Tour Rouen Retold Joan Of Arc Retold for $16 details
Nightlife Budget in Rouen
While Rouen offers some nightlife options, they aren't as bustling as those in other more popular locations. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $8.56 (€7.86) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Rouen per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.56
€7.86
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.
Rouen, France
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.