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

Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a beautiful, friendly, and welcoming port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Versailles

Versailles is a extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums.

Malaga and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • 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 Malaga or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Malaga is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba.

How is Malaga different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Malaga
Versailles

Versailles is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Malaga
Versailles

Malaga is a great port city 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 Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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 Malaga or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Malaga
Versailles

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Malaga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Malaga or Versailles Better for Music?

Malaga
Versailles

Malaga is a great port city for live music. However, Versailles is not a live music destination.

Malaga has a thriving music scene. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Versailles is not a live music destination.


Is Malaga or Versailles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga
Versailles

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Malaga has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Malaga
Versailles

Malaga is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

Malaga has a beach worth visiting. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Malaga
Versailles

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

Many visitors go to Malaga to see the historical old town. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Versailles?

Malaga
Versailles

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Malaga. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malaga or Versailles Better for Families?

Malaga
Versailles

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

Malaga offers lots of family activities. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

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 Malaga or Versailles Better for Couples?

Malaga
Versailles

Versailles is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.


Is Malaga or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga
Versailles

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers frequent Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Malaga or Versailles Better for Students?

Malaga
Versailles

Malaga is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

Malaga is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Malaga
Versailles

Versailles is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.


Is Malaga or Versailles a more walkable city?

Malaga
Versailles

Malaga and Versailles both are great when exploring on foot.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malaga or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malaga than Versailles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Malaga or Versailles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Malaga 3-7 
    Versailles 1-2

One day in Malaga or Versailles?

With live music and food around the beautiful port city of Malaga, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Versailles?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Malaga, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Versailles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Malaga or Versailles?

Malaga, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this port city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Versailles?

Malaga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this port city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Versailles. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles or Malaga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, 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 Malaga and Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Versailles 128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Versailles 256
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Malaga 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 Malaga


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: Malaga Hotel Prices and Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Versailles 53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $295
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ubrique: $291
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $267
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Bubión: $266
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $262
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cortes de la Frontera: $247
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $242
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $242
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Órgiva: $232
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Gaucín: $223

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles and Malaga 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
    Malaga 35
    Versailles 67
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.

  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
  • Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Versailles 45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
  • Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
  • 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • 1h buggy tour: $115
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
  • 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
  • 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
  • 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20

Tours and Activities in Versailles

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Versailles 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

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

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136


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

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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Versailles?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Versailles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Versailles. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Versailles. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music 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.

Malaga is a little warmer than Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga 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. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Versailles. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty.

In April, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Versailles. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Malaga

Malaga Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)