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

Should you visit Basel or Versailles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel 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.

Basel

Basel is a cultural, museum-filled, and easily accessible city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums.

Basel and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Basel than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Basel is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also well known for The Kunstmuseum Basel.

How is Basel different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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 Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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

Basel is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Basel. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

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 Basel or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Basel is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Basel has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Basel or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Versailles?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Basel or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Basel is a very family-friendly destination. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Versailles Better for Couples?

Versailles is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Basel or Versailles Better for Students?

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

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Both Basel and Versailles offer superb public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Versailles can get you to most 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 Basel or Versailles a more walkable city?

Basel 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.

Basel is a very easy city to get around on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible 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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Basel?

How long in Basel or Versailles?

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

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

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

One day in Basel or Versailles?

With museums and nightlife around the beautiful city of Basel, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Basel, one day is sufficent for most.

In Versailles, many people enjoy the museums that this historic destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Basel or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Basel, there's plenty to do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Basel or Versailles?

Basel, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Versailles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Versailles?

Basel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums around the beautiful destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Basel and Versailles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Versailles?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Versailles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Versailles. The summer months attract visitors to Basel because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Versailles. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Versailles. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area.

Basel is around the same temperature as Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives more rain than Versailles. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Basel. In the winter, Basel is much colder than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Versailles. Many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Versailles. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Versailles. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Basel