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

Should you visit Versailles or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Hvar, 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 extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Hvar: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Versailles or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Versailles and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture. Hvar is famous for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort.

How is Versailles different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles
Hvar

Versailles is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island 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 Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.


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

Versailles
Hvar

Hvar is a great island 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 Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Versailles
Hvar

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

Hvar has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Versailles
Hvar

Hvar is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Versailles or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Versailles
Hvar

Hvar is a great island for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hvar. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Versailles or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Versailles
Hvar

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

Hvar has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Hvar?

Versailles
Hvar

Hvar is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hvar. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Versailles or Hvar Better for Families?

Versailles
Hvar

Hvar is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Hvar is a very family-friendly destination. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

Versailles
Hvar

Versailles and Hvar are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Versailles is a great palace if you're traveling as 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.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Versailles or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Versailles
Hvar

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

Many backpackers frequent Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


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

Versailles
Hvar

Versailles is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Versailles or Hvar a more walkable city?

Versailles
Hvar

Versailles is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable palace. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Versailles or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Versailles or Hvar? Ideal Length of Stay
    Versailles 1-2 
    Hvar 2-4

One day in Versailles or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful island of Hvar, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Versailles or Hvar?

Versailles is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Hvar, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Versailles or Hvar?

You'll find museums around the opulent destination of Versailles. This palace offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Hvar?

The ornate palace of Versailles offers museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Hvar is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Hvar or Versailles?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Versailles is €234, while the average daily cost in Hvar is €102. 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 Versailles and Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Versailles 128
    Hvar 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Versailles 256
    Hvar 76
Compare Hotels in Versailles and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in Versailles or Hvar? 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 Versailles


Hotels in Hvar


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 and Hvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Versailles 53
    Hvar 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $535

Is it cheaper to fly into Versailles or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar and Versailles 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
    Versailles 67
    Hvar 38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hvar.

  • Hvar Charming Abandoned Village Small Group Tour and Local Dinner: $180
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $187
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $202
  • Hvar Abandoned Village Tour with Local Dinner: $214
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner: $234
  • Food Tour: Traditional Flavours and Food Sampling on Hvar: $262
  • The Best of Hvar in a Day with Wine tasting and Local Dinner: $273
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Versailles 45
    Hvar 7.48

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

Tours and Activities in Hvar

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

  • BLUE CAVE & 5 islands tour from Hvar: $98
  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $22
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $23
  • 3-Hour Lavender Tour from Hvar: $150
  • Adventurous Blue and Green Cave group tour: $86
  • Back to the Roots - Ancient Island Interactive Experience: $141
  • Beach bar Laganini and Hula Hula half-day Private Boat Tour: $918
  • Blue & Green cave tour with yacht from town Hvar: $229
  • Blue Cave & Vis Island speedboat tour from Hvar: $109
  • Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands group Tour from Hvar: $107
  • Blue cave group tour with swimming and snorkelling from Hvar: $76
  • Blue cave tour with speed boat from town Hvar: $196

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Versailles 18
    Hvar 9.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Hvar

Also in Hvar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $118
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $142
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $157
  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour from Hvar: $175


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

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


Which is Bigger, Versailles or Hvar?

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

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Versailles during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Versailles is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Versailles. In the summer, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Versailles 20°C (68°F) 
    Hvar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Versailles or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Hvar. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Versailles is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Hvar. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Versailles 13°C (56°F) 
    Hvar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Versailles or Hvar in the Winter?

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

Versailles can get quite cold in the winter. Versailles is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Versailles 5°C (40°F) 
    Hvar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Versailles or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar 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 Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Versailles is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives less rain than Hvar. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Versailles 11°C (52°F) 
    Hvar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Hvar and Versailles

Versailles Hvar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)