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

Should you visit Utrecht or Versailles?

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

Should I visit Utrecht 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.

Utrecht

This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a grand, ornate, and opulent palace. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for museums.

Utrecht and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Utrecht than Versailles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Utrecht is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Utrecht and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Utrecht is popular for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. It is also home to the Dom Tower.

How is Utrecht different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Versailles that are not to be missed. 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.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

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 Utrecht or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Utrecht has something for everybody. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Utrecht or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is an amazing to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Utrecht offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Versailles?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Utrecht. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Utrecht or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Utrecht offers lots of family activities. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

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 Utrecht or Versailles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Utrecht and Versailles make for a very good place to visit.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

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 Utrecht or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Utrecht is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Utrecht or Versailles Better for Students?

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

Utrecht is a great to visit as a student. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Both Utrecht and Versailles offer very good public transit options.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Utrecht. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

Public transit in Versailles can get you to some places 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.

Is Utrecht or Versailles a more walkable city?

Utrecht is an amazing to visit for its walkability. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its high level of walkability.

Utrecht is a very easy to get around on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

Versailles is a 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 Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Versailles?

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

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

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

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

One day in Utrecht or Versailles?

With museums and nightlife around the quaint of Utrecht, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Utrecht, 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 Utrecht or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Utrecht, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this .

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 Utrecht or Versailles?

Utrecht, a popular , is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Utrecht or Versailles?

Utrecht 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Utrecht and Versailles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Utrecht much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Utrecht would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Utrecht 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 Utrecht.

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

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Versailles?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Versailles. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences.

Utrecht is cooler than Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. In the summer, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in July than Versailles. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Utrecht in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Utrecht is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Utrecht in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Versailles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

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

In October, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Versailles. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Utrecht or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Utrecht during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Utrecht 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. Utrecht can be very cold during winter. In January, Utrecht is generally much colder than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 2°C (36°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Utrecht or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Versailles. The spring months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

Utrecht is cooler than Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during spring. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Utrecht