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

Should you visit Kinsale or Versailles?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kinsale and Versailles can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a picturesque, colorful, and charming seaside town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Versailles

Versailles is a ornate, opulent, and historic palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums.

Kinsale and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Kinsale or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Kinsale and Versailles are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kinsale is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Kinsale and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Kinsale is famous for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort.

How is Kinsale different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kinsale
Versailles

Versailles is an amazing palace to visit for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Versailles are world-renowned. 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 Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.


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

Kinsale
Versailles

Kinsale is an amazing seaside town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kinsale is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Kinsale
Versailles

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

Kinsale doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kinsale or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Kinsale
Versailles

Kinsale is adequate for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Versailles is not a beach destination.


Is Kinsale or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale
Versailles

Kinsale is a great seaside town for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is Kinsale or Versailles Better for Hiking?

Kinsale
Versailles

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Versailles?

Kinsale
Versailles

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kinsale. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Kinsale or Versailles Better for Families?

Kinsale
Versailles

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

Kinsale offers lots of family activities. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

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 Kinsale or Versailles Better for Couples?

Kinsale
Versailles

Versailles is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Versailles is a great palace if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Kinsale is a good seaside town for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Kinsale or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale
Versailles

Kinsale 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 Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


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

Kinsale
Versailles

Versailles is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Kinsale or Versailles a more walkable city?

Kinsale
Versailles

Versailles is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

Versailles is a very walkable palace. 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.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable seaside town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Versailles?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Versailles than Kinsale. 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 Kinsale 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 Kinsale.


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

One day in Kinsale or Versailles?

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kinsale, 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 Kinsale or Versailles?

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

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 Kinsale or Versailles?

Kinsale, a popular seaside 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 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 Kinsale or Versailles?

Kinsale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles or Kinsale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kinsale is €129, while the average daily cost in Versailles is €234. 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 Kinsale and Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kinsale 74
    Versailles 128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kinsale 148
    Versailles 256
Compare Hotels in Kinsale and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Kinsale 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 Kinsale


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: Kinsale Hotel Prices and Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kinsale 17
    Versailles 53

Is it cheaper to fly into Kinsale or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles and Kinsale 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
    Kinsale 46
    Versailles 67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kinsale 5.00
    Versailles 45

Tours and Activities in Kinsale

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

  • Cobh Evening Ghost Tour: $43
  • Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour Cobh: $21
  • Visit 16 Sites Key Historical Sites And Experience Cobh Rebel Tours: $27

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
    Kinsale 16
    Versailles 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Kinsale

Also in Kinsale, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery: $147


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

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


Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Versailles?

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

Both Versailles and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Versailles. Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during summer. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kinsale usually receives less rain than Versailles. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kinsale 16°C (60°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Kinsale during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Kinsale gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kinsale 11°C (52°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Versailles. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. In the winter, Kinsale is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kinsale in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Kinsale usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during winter. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kinsale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Versailles. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kinsale 6°C (43°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Versailles. Many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Kinsale is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 9°C (48°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets more rain in April than Versailles. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kinsale 9°C (48°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Kinsale

Kinsale Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)


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