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

Should you visit Versailles or Madrid?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Madrid, 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 historic, extensive, and beautiful palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Madrid

Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Versailles and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Madrid?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Madrid than Versailles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Madrid is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Madrid and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Madrid is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum.

How is Versailles different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Madrid offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

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

Madrid 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, Madrid is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

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 Madrid Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Madrid has something for everybody. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Madrid Better for Music?

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

Madrid is known as a music capital around the world. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.

Versailles is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Madrid?

Madrid 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 Madrid. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Madrid Better for Families?

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

Madrid is a very family-friendly destination. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.

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 Madrid Better for Couples?

Versailles and Madrid 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.

Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.

Is Versailles or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Madrid is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Madrid Better for Students?

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

Madrid is a great destination for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Madrid is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its public transit.

Public transit in Madrid is top-notch. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

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 Versailles or Madrid a more walkable city?

Madrid 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.

Madrid is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

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 Madrid Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Madrid?

In either Versailles or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Versailles because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

When visiting Madrid, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

A weekend in Versailles or Madrid?

Versailles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

When visiting Madrid, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Madrid, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. 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 Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the historic destination of Versailles. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Madrid 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.

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 Madrid, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Madrid much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Madrid would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Madrid 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 Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Madrid, 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.