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

Should you visit Versailles or Florence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Florence, 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 ornate, opulent, and historic palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture. Florence is famous for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore).

How is Versailles different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence 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 Florence?

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Versailles or Florence.

Travelers visit Versailles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Florence 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 Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Florence Better for its Old Town?

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

Florence offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Florence?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Florence Better for Families?

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

Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

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 Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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.

Is Versailles or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Florence Better for Students?

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

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles is a great palace for times when you don't have a car. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Versailles or Florence a more walkable city?

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

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Florence?

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

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Florence?

The beautiful palace of Versailles offers museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the artistic city of Florence, there's plenty to do. 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 Florence?

Versailles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this palace makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Versailles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Florence, 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 city.

Five days in Versailles or Florence?

Versailles is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence, 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 Florence?

Versailles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This palace offers something for everyone.

Florence 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Versailles or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In the summer, Versailles is cooler than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Versailles usually receives more rain than Florence. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Versailles during the autumn are popular places to visit. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Versailles is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Florence. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Florence. Many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. Versailles is much colder than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Versailles usually receives less rain than Florence. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Versailles or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Florence. Many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Versailles is cooler than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Florence. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Versailles