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

Should you visit Versailles or Barcelona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Barcelona, 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.

Versailles

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

Barcelona

Barcelona is a youthful, colorful, and laid-back city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Versailles and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Versailles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Barcelona is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Barcelona is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also home to Basilica Sagrada Familia.

How is Versailles different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

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 Versailles or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Barcelona has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Versailles is not a live music destination.

Barcelona is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Versailles is not a live music destination.

Is Versailles or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

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

Barcelona has a beach worth visiting. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Versailles or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Barcelona to see the historical old town. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Barcelona. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Barcelona Better for Families?

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

Barcelona offers lots of family activities. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

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 Versailles or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Versailles is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Versailles or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Barcelona. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

Barcelona is a great destination for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles and Barcelona both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

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.

Public transit in Barcelona can get you to some places easily. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

Is Versailles or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Versailles is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable palace. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Barcelona?

Both Versailles and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Versailles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

One day in Versailles or Barcelona?

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.

When visiting Barcelona, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A weekend in Versailles or Barcelona?

You'll find museums around the opulent 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.

When visiting Barcelona, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Versailles or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the ornate 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.

Barcelona, a popular 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Barcelona, 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 Versailles or Barcelona?

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 Versailles or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Versailles during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Versailles is cooler than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Versailles. In the summer, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Barcelona. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Versailles is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Versailles in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Barcelona. Many visitors come to Versailles in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Versailles can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Versailles is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 5°C (40°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Versailles is cooler than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Versailles