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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Versailles?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Versailles. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a modern, trendy, and high energy port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Rotterdam and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Versailles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rotterdam than Versailles. Rotterdam is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rotterdam is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Also, Rotterdam is famous for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is an amazing palace to visit for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

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 Rotterdam or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Rotterdam has something for everybody. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Versailles?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rotterdam. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Rotterdam or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Rotterdam is a very family-friendly destination. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

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 Rotterdam or Versailles Better for Couples?

Versailles is great for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Versailles is a great palace if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Rotterdam or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Rotterdam or Versailles Better for Students?

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

Rotterdam is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam and Versailles both offer great public transit to get you around.

Rotterdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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.

Is Rotterdam or Versailles a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Versailles are great when it comes to walkability.

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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 Rotterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Versailles?

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Versailles?

When visiting Rotterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find museums around the palace of Versailles. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Versailles?

When visiting Rotterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

You'll find museums around the ornate destination of Versailles. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this palace has to offer. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Versailles?

Rotterdam, 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the opulent palace of Versailles. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Versailles?

Rotterdam 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.

Versailles is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Versailles?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rotterdam is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Versailles averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Versailles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Versailles. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Versailles. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

It's quite cold in Versailles in the winter. The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. Rotterdam is much colder than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Versailles. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Versailles. The activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rotterdam is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Versailles. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Rotterdam