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

Should you visit Athens or Versailles?

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 Athens and Versailles. 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.

Athens

Athens is a energetic, historic, and ancient city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a beautiful, grand, and ornate palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums.

Athens and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Versailles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Versailles. Athens is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is more popular for its impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Athens and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Versailles and Athens.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Versailles that are not to be missed. 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.

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Athens or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

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

Athens has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Athens or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Athens offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Versailles?

Athens is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Athens. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Athens or Versailles Better for Families?

Athens is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Athens is a very family-friendly destination. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Versailles Better for Couples?

Versailles is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Versailles is a great palace 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Athens or Versailles Better for Students?

Athens is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Athens and Versailles both offer great public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit in Versailles is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Athens or Versailles a more walkable city?

Athens and Versailles are great when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Versailles is very walkable. 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 Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Athens?

How long in Athens or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Versailles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

One day in Athens or Versailles?

When visiting Athens, 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.

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

A weekend in Athens or Versailles?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Versailles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Versailles?

Athens, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Athens or Versailles?

Athens 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the historic destination of Versailles. This palace 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Versailles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Athens.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Versailles?

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

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 Athens or Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Versailles averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Versailles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Versailles. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Athens is generally a little warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Versailles. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Versailles. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

It's quite cold in Versailles in the winter. Athens is much warmer than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Versailles. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Versailles. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Athens is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Versailles. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Athens