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

Should you visit Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a cultural, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Lucerne and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Versailles?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Versailles. While Versailles is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Lucerne and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Lucerne is well known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Lucerne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

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

Lucerne 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 Lucerne. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

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 Lucerne or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a great city for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Lucerne has something for everybody. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lucerne or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a great city for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lucerne to see the historical old town. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Versailles?

Lucerne is a great city for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lucerne or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Lucerne offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

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 Lucerne or Versailles Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Versailles both great destinations for a couple.

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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

Versailles is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system 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.

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Lucerne or Versailles a more walkable city?

Versailles is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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.

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Versailles?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Versailles?

With museums and nightlife around the active city of Lucerne, 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 Lucerne, 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 Lucerne or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lucerne, 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 city.

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 Lucerne or Versailles?

Lucerne, a popular city, 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 Lucerne or Versailles?

Lucerne 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.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in 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 Lucerne and Versailles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Lucerne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lucerne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lucerne 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 Lucerne.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Versailles?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Versailles in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°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 Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Lucerne or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Versailles. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

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

Should I visit Lucerne or Versailles in the Winter?

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

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

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

Should I visit Lucerne or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Versailles. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Versailles and Lucerne