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

Should you visit Geneva 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 Geneva 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.

Geneva

Geneva is a classy, diverse, and international 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 grand, ornate, and opulent palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums.

Geneva and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Geneva than Versailles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Geneva is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Geneva and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Geneva is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau).

How is Geneva different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Geneva offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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

Geneva 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 Geneva. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Geneva 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 Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Geneva or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

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

Geneva is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Versailles?

Geneva is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Geneva. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Geneva or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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 Geneva or Versailles Better for Couples?

Versailles is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or Versailles Better for Students?

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

Geneva is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Geneva 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 Geneva is top-notch. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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 Geneva or Versailles a more walkable city?

Geneva and Versailles both are great when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily 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 Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Versailles?

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

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

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

One day in Geneva or Versailles?

When visiting Geneva, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Geneva, 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 Geneva or Versailles?

When visiting Geneva, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 Geneva or Versailles?

Geneva, 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.

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 Geneva or Versailles?

Geneva is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Versailles?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Versailles in the Summer?

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

Geneva is around the same temperature as Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Geneva. In the summer, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Versailles. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Versailles. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Geneva is around the same temperature as Versailles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Geneva in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Versailles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Geneva usually receives more rain than Versailles. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Geneva or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Versailles. The winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Geneva can be very cold. In January, Geneva is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 4°C (39°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Geneva or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty.

Geneva is around the same temperature as Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives more rain than Versailles. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Geneva