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

Should you visit Bruges 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 Bruges 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.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, charming, and historic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. 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.

Bruges and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Versailles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bruges than Versailles. Bruges is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bruges is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Versailles is more popular for its museums. Bruges is well known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Also, Bruges is famous for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Versailles is well known for its long running history and its grand architecture.

How is Bruges different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Versailles has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Bruges offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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

Bruges is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Bruges. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

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 Bruges or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Bruges 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 Bruges has a few options to choose from. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Bruges or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

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

Bruges offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Versailles?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bruges. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bruges or Versailles Better for Families?

Bruges is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Bruges offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for 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 Bruges or Versailles Better for Couples?

Bruges and Versailles both great destinations for a couple.

Bruges is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Bruges is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Versailles. 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.

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Bruges or Versailles a more walkable city?

Bruges 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.

Bruges is a very easy city to get around on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and 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 Bruges Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bruges or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bruges 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 Bruges, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

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

One day in Bruges or Versailles?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Bruges, 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 Bruges, one day is sufficent for most.

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

A weekend in Bruges or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bruges, 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.

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 Bruges or Versailles?

Bruges, 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.

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 Bruges or Versailles?

Bruges 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the grand 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Versailles?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges 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 Bruges or Versailles in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Bruges is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bruges in July average around 17°C (63°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 Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Versailles. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Bruges during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bruges for 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, Bruges is generally around the same temperature as Versailles. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 12°C (54°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Versailles. The winter months attract visitors to Bruges 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. The weather in Bruges can be very cold. Bruges is cooler than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Versailles in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Bruges is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bruges in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Versailles. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Bruges