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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Versailles?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Versailles? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a historic, vibrant, and high energy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a ornate, opulent, and historic palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums.

Thessaloniki and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Thessaloniki is famous for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Thessaloniki different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Versailles are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

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 Thessaloniki or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Thessaloniki has something for everybody. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Thessaloniki or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

Thessaloniki is a good spot to see the beach. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Versailles?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Thessaloniki offers lots of family activities. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

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 Thessaloniki or Versailles Better for Couples?

Versailles is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Thessaloniki is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Versailles Better for Students?

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

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Thessaloniki or Versailles a more walkable city?

Versailles is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Versailles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Versailles?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do 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 palace offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this palace.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Thessaloniki, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Versailles is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Versailles?

Thessaloniki, a popular 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.

You'll find museums around the extensive destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Versailles?

Thessaloniki 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 place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Versailles?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Versailles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Versailles. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Versailles. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Versailles. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Versailles. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. In the winter, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Versailles. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Versailles. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Thessaloniki