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

Should you visit Interlaken or Versailles?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Versailles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Versailles

Versailles is a historic, extensive, and beautiful palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Interlaken and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Interlaken or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Interlaken. Although Interlaken and Versailles are both popular with visitors, Interlaken has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Versailles is known for its museums. Interlaken is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. It is also home to its many mountain views.. Versailles is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture.

How is Interlaken different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Versailles Better for Skiing?

Interlaken
Versailles

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Versailles is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Versailles is not a skiing destination.


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

Interlaken
Versailles

Versailles is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Versailles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken
Versailles

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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 Interlaken or Versailles Better for Hiking?

Interlaken
Versailles

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Interlaken draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.


Is Interlaken or Versailles Better for Families?

Interlaken
Versailles

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Versailles Better for Couples?

Interlaken
Versailles

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

Interlaken has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken
Versailles

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


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

Interlaken
Versailles

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Interlaken and Versailles.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Versailles has some very good public transit options. 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 Interlaken or Versailles a more walkable city?

Interlaken
Versailles

Versailles is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than Versailles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Interlaken or Versailles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Interlaken 2-5 
    Versailles 1-2

One day in Interlaken or Versailles?

With food and skiing around the adrenaline-filled town of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums around the historic 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 Interlaken or Versailles?

With skiing and food around the destination of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Interlaken or Versailles?

Interlaken, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. 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 Interlaken or Versailles?

Interlaken is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles or Interlaken?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Interlaken is $231, while the average daily cost in Versailles is $251. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Interlaken and Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Versailles $138
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Versailles $276
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken or Versailles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Interlaken


Hotels in Versailles


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Interlaken Hotel Prices and Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Versailles $56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Interlaken or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles and Interlaken change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Interlaken $64
    Versailles $71
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Interlaken $104
    Versailles $48

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hidden gems e-bike tour with picnic at Lake Brienz : $212
  • Iseltwald, Aare Gorge and Lake Brienz Experience in Switzerland: $290
  • 007 Elegance: Private Tour to Schilthorn from Interlaken: $480
  • A Day at Lake Brienz and Lauterbrunnen Tour from Zurich: $1,260
  • Alpine Heights Jungfraujoch Small Group Tour from Interlaken: $529
  • Alpine Majesty: Bern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $835
  • Bern: Grindelwald First & Bachalpsee Hiking Private Tour: $709
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Canyoning Experience Grimsel from Interlaken : $200
  • From Grimsel Gorge Canyoning Tour: $196
  • From Gruyères, Cheese Factory & Cailler Tour: $290

Tours and Activities in Versailles

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Versailles.

  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Interlaken $17
    Versailles $19


When comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Versailles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Versailles?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Versailles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Versailles. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Versailles. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Versailles. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Versailles can be very cold during winter. Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Interlaken is generally much colder than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Versailles. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Versailles. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Interlaken

Interlaken Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)