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

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

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a historic, extensive, and beautiful palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Porto and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto than Versailles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Porto is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Porto and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Porto is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira.

How is Porto different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Porto or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Versailles?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Porto or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Porto is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Versailles Better for Couples?

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

Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Porto or Versailles Better for Students?

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

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Porto and Versailles both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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.

Is Porto or Versailles a more walkable city?

Porto and Versailles are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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 Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Porto?

How long in Porto or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Porto or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Porto than Versailles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Versailles?

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

In Versailles, many people enjoy the museums that this beautiful destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Porto or Versailles?

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Porto or Versailles?

Porto, 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.

Versailles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Versailles?

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

You'll find museums around the ornate destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Versailles?

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

Both Versailles and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

Porto is around the same temperature as Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Versailles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Versailles. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Porto is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Versailles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Porto gets 184 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 Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Versailles. Many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Versailles can be very cold during winter. In January, Porto is generally much warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Versailles. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Versailles. Most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty.

Porto is a little warmer than Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Versailles. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Porto