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

Should you visit Oxford or Versailles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Versailles, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a historic, extensive, and beautiful palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Oxford and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oxford than Versailles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Oxford is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Versailles is known for its museums. Versailles is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. It is also home to Radcliffe Square.

Radcliffe Square

How is Oxford different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Versailles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oxford. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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

Oxford 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 Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

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 Oxford or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is a great college town for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Oxford has something for everybody. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Versailles?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oxford or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Oxford offers lots of family activities. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Versailles Better for Couples?

Oxford and Versailles are both superb to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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.

Is Oxford or Versailles Better for Students?

Oxford is an amazing college town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Versailles a more walkable city?

Oxford and Versailles are superb when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Versailles is a very walkable college town. 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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Versailles?

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

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

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

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

One day in Oxford or Versailles?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, one day is sufficent for most.

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

A weekend in Oxford or Versailles?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this college town.

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 Oxford or Versailles?

Oxford, a popular college town, 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.

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 Oxford or Versailles?

Oxford 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.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in 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 Oxford and Versailles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Oxford much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oxford would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oxford 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 Oxford.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Versailles?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Versailles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Versailles. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Oxford is cooler than Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Versailles. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Versailles. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Oxford is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Versailles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Versailles. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Versailles in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Versailles can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. In January, Oxford is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty during these months.

Oxford is cooler than Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Versailles. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Oxford