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

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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.

Messina

Messina is a historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a grand, ornate, and opulent palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums.

Messina and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina than Versailles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Messina is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Versailles that are not to be missed. 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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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

Messina 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 Messina. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

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 Messina or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Messina has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Messina or Versailles Better for Beaches?

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

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Versailles?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Messina or Versailles Better for Families?

Messina is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Messina is a very family-friendly destination. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Versailles Better for Couples?

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

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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina 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 Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Messina or Versailles Better for Students?

Messina is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Versailles a more walkable city?

Messina and Versailles both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

Versailles is a very walkable port city. 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 Messina Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Messina?

How long in Messina or Versailles?

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Versailles?

With museums and nightlife around the local port city of Messina, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Messina or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Messina, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port 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 Messina or Versailles?

Messina, a popular port city, 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.

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 Messina or Versailles?

Messina 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Versailles?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Messina during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Messina is a little warmer than Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Versailles. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Versailles. The autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

In the autumn, Messina is much warmer than Versailles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Versailles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Versailles. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Versailles. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. In January, Messina is generally much warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty.

Messina is a little warmer than Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives more rain than Versailles. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Messina