A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Versailles for Attractions, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Amsterdam or Versailles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Versailles, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Versailles

Versailles is a extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums.

Amsterdam and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums. Amsterdam is famous for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture.

How is Amsterdam different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Amsterdam or Versailles?

Versailles is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Versailles are among the most recognizable in the world. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

Is the Food Better in Amsterdam or Versailles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Amsterdam and Versailles can be an enjoyable experience.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Amsterdam. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Versailles may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Amsterdam or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Amsterdam has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Amsterdam or Versailles Better for Music?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Versailles is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Versailles is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a great city for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to see the historical old town. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Versailles?

Amsterdam is a great city for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Amsterdam or Versailles Better for Families?

Amsterdam is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Amsterdam or Versailles Better for Couples?

Amsterdam and Versailles are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Versailles is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

Is Amsterdam or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers frequent Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Amsterdam or Versailles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its public transit.

Public transit in Amsterdam is top-notch. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Public transit in Versailles can get you to some places easily. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

Is Amsterdam or Versailles a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its high level of walkability.

Amsterdam is a very easy city to get around on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Versailles is a very walkable city. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

For even more information, also check out Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Amsterdam or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Amsterdam than Versailles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Versailles 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Amsterdam or Versailles?

When visiting Amsterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find museums around the palace of Versailles. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Versailles?

When visiting Amsterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums around the extensive destination of Versailles. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this palace has to offer. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Versailles?

Amsterdam, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the opulent palace of Versailles. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Versailles?

Amsterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Versailles is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Versailles?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Versailles, 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 Amsterdam or Versailles?

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 Amsterdam or Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Amsterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Versailles. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Versailles. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area.

Amsterdam is cooler than Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Versailles. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Versailles. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Versailles in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Versailles can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Amsterdam