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

Should you visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands and Versailles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a remote, serene, and tranquil archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

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.

Orkney Islands and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Versailles?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orkney Islands than Versailles, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orkney Islands is better known for its food, beaches, and hiking, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. Also, Orkney Islands is famous for The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

How is Orkney Islands different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Versailles?

Versailles is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago 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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago 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 Orkney Islands. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Orkney Islands. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Versailles Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

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 Orkney Islands or Versailles Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Versailles are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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 Orkney Islands or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Orkney Islands is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Orkney Islands 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, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

The public transit in Versailles can get you to most 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.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Versailles a more walkable city?

Versailles is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Versailles?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Versailles?

With museums and food around the pristine archipelago of Orkney Islands, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

In Versailles, you'll find museums. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Versailles?

With food and museums around the destination of Orkney Islands, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Versailles?

Orkney Islands, a popular archipelago, 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 archipelago. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Versailles?

Orkney Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the palace of Versailles. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is much colder than Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Versailles averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Versailles. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Versailles. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Versailles can be very cold during winter. Orkney Islands can get quite cold in the winter. Orkney Islands is cooler than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Versailles. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Versailles. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is much colder than Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Versailles. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Orkney Islands