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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a fun, colorful, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Versailles

Versailles is a opulent, historic, and extensive palace. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums.

Palermo and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Palermo or Versailles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Palermo than Versailles. Palermo is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palermo is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral.

How is Palermo different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Palermo
Versailles

Versailles is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Versailles on the map. 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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.


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

Palermo
Versailles

Palermo is a great 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 Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Palermo
Versailles

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

The nightlife in Palermo has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Palermo or Versailles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo
Versailles

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

Palermo has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Palermo or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Palermo
Versailles

Palermo is a great city for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Palermo. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Versailles?

Palermo
Versailles

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Palermo or Versailles Better for Families?

Palermo
Versailles

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

Palermo is a very family-friendly destination. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Versailles Better for Couples?

Palermo
Versailles

Versailles is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palermo
Versailles

Palermo 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 Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Palermo or Versailles Better for Students?

Palermo
Versailles

Palermo 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 Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Versailles is not popular with students.


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

Palermo
Versailles

Versailles is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Versailles a more walkable city?

Palermo
Versailles

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

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

Versailles is very walkable. 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 Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Versailles?

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

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

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


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

One day in Palermo or Versailles?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the diverse city of Palermo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palermo, 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 Palermo or Versailles?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Palermo, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Palermo or Versailles?

Palermo, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Palermo or Versailles?

Palermo 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles or Palermo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Palermo is €92, 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 Palermo and Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Palermo 56
    Versailles 128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Palermo 112
    Versailles 256
Compare Hotels in Palermo and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Palermo 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 Palermo


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: Palermo Hotel Prices and Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Palermo 5.64
    Versailles 53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:


  • Bus to Monreale
    3.00
  • Bus From Airport
    6.00
  • 90 Minute Bus Pass
    1.30
  • Short Taxi Ride
    4.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:

  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Verdura Resort Sciacca or vice versa: $233
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Verdura Resort: $214
  • Private Golf Club Class w/ Transfer, Ticket, & Food: $176
  • Palermo Airport (PMO) Departure Transfer (Palermo Hotels or address to Airport): $156
  • Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from Adler SPA Resort Sicily: $149
  • Private Transfer Trapani or San Vito lo Capo to Palermo Airport by Car or Van: $146
  • Palermo Private Transfer from or to Palermo Airport in Sicily : $137
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Palermo: $131
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Santa Flavia: $124
  • Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from San Vito Lo Capo, Macari: $109
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Marsala port or vice versa: $109
  • Transfers From / to Palermo Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Palermo or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles and Palermo 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
    Palermo 29
    Versailles 67
Typical Food Prices in Palermo

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


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    32
  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo

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

  • Street Food Tour: $42
  • Street Food Tour: $65
  • Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
  • Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
  • Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
  • Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
  • Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
  • Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
  • Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
  • Sicilian Cooking Class: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Palermo 17
    Versailles 45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo

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


  • Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)
    6.00
  • Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)
    12
  • Theater Tickets (for Two)
    49

Tours and Activities in Palermo

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

  • 4 Hours Private Architectural Tour in Palermo: $165
  • Agrigento - Private Tour to the Valley of the Temples from Palermo: $295
  • Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo: $133
  • Ballaro 'street food market tour & Santa Rosalia Sanctuary: $208
  • Cappella Palatina and Palazzo dei Normanni Tour: $91
  • Captivating Agrigento Sunset Tour of Valle dei Templi: $43
  • Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour: $192
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo: $152
  • Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $38
  • Eating Street Food & Market Tour: $117
  • English or Spanish tour to immersive museum + lunch: $37
  • Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11

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
    Palermo 11
    Versailles 18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:


  • Beer
    2.56
  • Bottle of Quality Wine
    11

Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:

  • Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
  • Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
  • Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
  • Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
  • Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
  • From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196


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

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


Which is Bigger, Palermo or Versailles?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Versailles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Versailles. Most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Palermo is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palermo in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Versailles averages at about 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 Palermo this time of the year. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Versailles. Palermo 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
    Palermo 25°C (76°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

In October, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 20°C (67°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives more rain than Versailles. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Palermo 20°C (67°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Palermo during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. Palermo is much warmer than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Versailles. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Palermo 12°C (53°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Versailles. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Palermo is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palermo in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Versailles. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Palermo 15°C (58°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Palermo

Palermo Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 42 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)