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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Versailles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a historic, charming, and quaint university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Versailles

Versailles is a extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums.

Saint Andrews and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Andrews. Although Saint Andrews and Versailles are popular destinations, Saint Andrews has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Andrews is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Saint Andrews is famous for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. It is also well known for The Old Course.

The Old Course
The Old Course

How is Saint Andrews different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Versailles?

Saint Andrews
Versailles

Versailles is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Versailles are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.


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

Saint Andrews
Versailles

Saint Andrews is a great university town 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 Saint Andrews. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

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 Saint Andrews or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews
Versailles

Saint Andrews is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Andrews has a few options to choose from. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Saint Andrews or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews
Versailles

Saint Andrews is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

Saint Andrews has a beach worth visiting. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Versailles is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Andrews or Versailles Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews
Versailles

Saint Andrews is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Versailles?

Saint Andrews
Versailles

Saint Andrews is a great university town for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Versailles Better for Families?

Saint Andrews
Versailles

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

Saint Andrews offers lots of family activities. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

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 Saint Andrews or Versailles Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews
Versailles

Saint Andrews and Versailles are both superb to visit as a couple.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Versailles makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Saint Andrews or Versailles Better for Students?

Saint Andrews
Versailles

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

Saint Andrews is a great destination for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Saint Andrews
Versailles

Versailles is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Versailles can get you around 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.

Saint Andrews has some public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.


Is Saint Andrews or Versailles a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews
Versailles

Versailles is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Versailles is a very walkable palace. 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.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Andrews Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Andrews or Versailles to fill your time. In our opinion, Saint Andrews has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Andrews than Versailles. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews.


  • How many days in Saint Andrews or Versailles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Andrews 1-2 
    Versailles 1-2

One day in Saint Andrews or Versailles?

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the historic destination of Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Versailles?

Even though Saint Andrews 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 university town.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Saint Andrews or Versailles?

Saint Andrews, a popular university 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Versailles. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Versailles?

Saint Andrews 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.

You'll find museums around the beautiful palace of Versailles. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles or Saint Andrews?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Andrews is £215, while the average daily cost in Versailles is £200. 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 Saint Andrews and Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Andrews £116
    Versailles £110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Andrews £232
    Versailles £220
Compare Hotels in Saint Andrews and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews


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: Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Andrews £53
    Versailles £45

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Andrews or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles and Saint Andrews 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
    Saint Andrews £62
    Versailles £57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Andrews £45
    Versailles £39

Tours and Activities in Saint Andrews

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

  • Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour: $145
  • Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students: $146
  • Private St. Andrews Tour with Dedicated Local Guide: $146
  • Private St. Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Walking Tour: $146
  • Rebels, Romance & Raisins St. Andrew's Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • St Andrews - Watch Building Experience with Kartel Scotland: $245
  • St Andrews Ghost Tours: $20
  • St Andrews Golf Oriented Heritage Tours - Town and Old Course: $19
  • St Andrews History Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm): $18
  • St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer: $19
  • St Andrews Walking Tours: $19

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
    Saint Andrews £26
    Versailles £15


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Andrews and Versailles, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Versailles?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Versailles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Versailles. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Andrews is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 14°C (58°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. In the summer, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in July than Versailles. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Andrews 14°C (58°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Versailles. Saint Andrews gets 62 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
    Saint Andrews 10°C (49°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Saint Andrews during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews. In the winter, Saint Andrews is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Andrews in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Andrews 3°C (38°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Versailles. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Andrews is generally much colder than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 7°C (45°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during spring. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Versailles. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Andrews 7°C (45°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)


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