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

Should you visit Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a lively, charming, and scenic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Heidelberg and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Versailles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Heidelberg than Versailles. Heidelberg is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Heidelberg is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Versailles is more popular for its museums. Versailles is more touristy than Heidelberg and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Heidelberg is well known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Also, Heidelberg is famous for The Heidelberg Castle.

How is Heidelberg different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is an amazing palace to visit for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is a great town 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 Heidelberg. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

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 Heidelberg or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a great town for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Heidelberg has something for everybody. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Heidelberg or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

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

Heidelberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Versailles?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Heidelberg. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heidelberg or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Heidelberg offers lots of family activities. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

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 Heidelberg or Versailles Better for Couples?

Heidelberg and Versailles both great destinations for a couple.

Heidelberg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great 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.

Is Heidelberg or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Heidelberg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Heidelberg or Versailles Better for Students?

Heidelberg is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Heidelberg. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg and Versailles both offer great public transit to get you around.

Heidelberg offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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.

Is Heidelberg or Versailles a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Versailles are great when it comes to walkability.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable.

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 Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Versailles?

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

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

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

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

One day in Heidelberg or Versailles?

With shopping and nightlife around the energetic town of Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg, one day is sufficent for most.

With museums around the beautiful 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 Heidelberg or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Heidelberg, 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 town.

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 Heidelberg or Versailles?

Heidelberg, a popular town, 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, 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 Heidelberg or Versailles?

Heidelberg 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.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in 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 Heidelberg and Versailles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Heidelberg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heidelberg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg.

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Versailles?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Versailles in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°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 Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Versailles. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Versailles in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Versailles. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Versailles. The winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of 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 Heidelberg can be very cold. Heidelberg is much colder than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Versailles in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in April than Versailles. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Heidelberg