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

Should you visit Cologne or Versailles?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Versailles? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful 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 opulent, historic, and extensive palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums.

Cologne and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Versailles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cologne than Versailles. Cologne is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cologne is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Cologne and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Cologne is well known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Also, Cologne is famous for The Cologne Cathedral.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Versailles on the map. 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.

Many visitors head to Cologne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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

Cologne 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 Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

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 Cologne or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Cologne has something for everybody. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Cologne or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Versailles?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cologne or Versailles Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Versailles does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Cologne. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Versailles does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Versailles Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Versailles does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit Cologne because of the beautiful Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Versailles does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Cologne is a very family-friendly destination. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne or Versailles Better for Couples?

Versailles is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Versailles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Cologne or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne 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 Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cologne or Versailles Better for Students?

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

Cologne is a great city to visit as a student. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Cologne 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 Cologne is top-notch. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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 Cologne or Versailles a more walkable city?

Cologne and Versailles both are very good when exploring on foot.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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 Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Versailles?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cologne or Versailles?

When visiting Cologne, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cologne, one day is sufficent for most.

In Versailles, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This palace offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cologne or Versailles?

When visiting Cologne, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Versailles, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Versailles?

Cologne, a popular city, 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.

Versailles is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cologne or Versailles?

Cologne 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Versailles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Versailles?

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

Both Versailles and Cologne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cologne is around the same temperature as Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Versailles averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Versailles. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Versailles. Many visitors come to Cologne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cologne is generally around the same temperature as Versailles. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Versailles. Most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. Cologne can be very cold during winter. Cologne is much colder than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

In the spring, Cologne is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives more rain than Versailles. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Cologne