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

Should you visit Birmingham or Versailles?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Birmingham and Versailles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a fun-filled, bustling, and historic city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Versailles

Versailles is a historic, extensive, and beautiful palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Birmingham and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Versailles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Birmingham is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Birmingham
Versailles

Versailles is an amazing palace to visit for its historical sights. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Versailles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Birmingham can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.


Is Birmingham or Versailles Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Versailles

Birmingham is a great city for theatre. However, Versailles is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Versailles is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Versailles

Birmingham 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 Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

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 Birmingham or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Versailles

Birmingham is a great city for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Birmingham has something for everybody. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Birmingham or Versailles Better for Music?

Birmingham
Versailles

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

Birmingham is known as a music capital around the world. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Versailles is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Versailles?

Birmingham
Versailles

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Birmingham. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Birmingham or Versailles Better for Families?

Birmingham
Versailles

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

Birmingham is a very family-friendly destination. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

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 Birmingham or Versailles Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Versailles

Both Birmingham and Versailles are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Birmingham is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

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.

Is Birmingham or Versailles Better for Students?

Birmingham
Versailles

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

Birmingham is a great destination for students. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham
Versailles

Versailles is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors to Versailles can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Birmingham has a few public transit options. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.


Is Birmingham or Versailles a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Versailles

Birmingham and Versailles are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Birmingham is very walkable. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

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 Birmingham Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Birmingham or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Birmingham than Versailles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Birmingham or Versailles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Birmingham 1-5 
    Versailles 1-2

One day in Birmingham or Versailles?

With theater and nightlife around the vibrant city of Birmingham, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, one day is sufficent for most.

With museums around the opulent palace of Versailles, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Versailles, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Versailles?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Birmingham, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With museums around the destination of Versailles, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this palace.


Five days in Birmingham or Versailles?

Birmingham, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Versailles, a popular palace, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Versailles?

Birmingham is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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.

Versailles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles or Birmingham?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Birmingham is £133, while the average daily cost in Versailles is £200. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Birmingham and Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Versailles £110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Versailles £220
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Versailles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Birmingham


Hotels in Versailles


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Birmingham Hotel Prices and Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Versailles £45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

Also for Birmingham, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles and Birmingham change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Birmingham £38
    Versailles £57
Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    £5.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham

For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Versailles £39

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.

  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour: $76
  • Birmingham : Must-see Attractions Private Walking Tour: $75
  • Birmingham : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $86
  • Birmingham Beer Bike - Private 1h tour with unlimited drinks: $625
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops: $32
  • Birmingham Private Ghosts and Gallows Tour: $144
  • Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $267
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby: $25

Tours and Activities in Versailles

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Versailles.

  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Versailles £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:

  • Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


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

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


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Versailles?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham or Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year.

Birmingham is cooler than Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Versailles. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Versailles. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Birmingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Birmingham is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Birmingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Versailles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Versailles. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Versailles. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Versailles can be very cold during winter. Birmingham can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Birmingham is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 3°C (38°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Versailles. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Versailles. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty.

Birmingham is cooler than Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Versailles. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Birmingham

Birmingham Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)


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