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

Should you visit Howth or Versailles?

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

Should I visit Howth 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.

Howth

Howth is a beautiful, picturesque, and scenic fishing village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Versailles

Versailles is a extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums.

Howth and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Howth. Although Howth and Versailles are popular destinations, Howth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Howth is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Howth and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Howth is famous for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also well known for The Baily Lighthouse.

How is Howth different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is an amazing palace to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Versailles are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

Howth 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 Howth. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

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 Howth or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Howth is adequate for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Howth or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Howth is a great fishing village for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Howth. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Howth or Versailles Better for Hiking?

Howth is a great fishing village for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is Howth or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

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 Howth or Versailles Better for Couples?

Versailles is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good fishing village for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

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

Versailles is well known for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Howth or Versailles a more walkable city?

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

Howth is a very walkable fishing village. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

Versailles is a very walkable destination. 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 Howth Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Howth?

How long in Howth or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Howth or Versailles to fill your time. In our opinion, Howth has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Howth than Versailles. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Howth or Versailles?

With museums and food around the beautiful fishing village of Howth, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Howth, one day is sufficent for most.

In Versailles, many people enjoy the museums that this opulent destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Howth or Versailles?

With food and museums around the destination of Howth, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this fishing village.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Howth or Versailles?

Howth, a popular fishing village, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Howth or Versailles?

Howth 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.

You'll find museums around the beautiful destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Howth 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 Howth or Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Howth during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Howth is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 16°C (60°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Howth often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets less rain in July than Versailles. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Versailles. Many visitors come to Howth in the autumn for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Howth is cooler than Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Howth usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Howth usually receives more rain than Versailles. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Howth or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Howth as well as Versailles. Most visitors come to Howth for the museums 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. In the winter, Howth is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Howth in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Howth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

In April, Howth is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 8°C (47°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Howth usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during spring. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Howth usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Howth