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

Should you visit Versailles or Pamplona?

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

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

Pamplona

Pamplona is a laid-back, historic, and elegant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Pamplona: 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to the Running of the Bulls Festival
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Versailles or Pamplona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Pamplona is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Pamplona and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Pamplona is famous for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also well known for The Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Versailles different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles
Pamplona

Versailles is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.


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

Versailles
Pamplona

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

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 Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Versailles
Pamplona

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

The nightlife in Pamplona has something for everybody. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Versailles
Pamplona

Pamplona is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Pamplona is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.


Is Versailles or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Versailles
Pamplona

Pamplona is a great city for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Pamplona for the hiking trails. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Pamplona?

Versailles
Pamplona

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Pamplona. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Pamplona Better for Families?

Versailles
Pamplona

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

Pamplona offers lots of family activities. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

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 Pamplona Better for Couples?

Versailles
Pamplona

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

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.

Pamplona is a good palace for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Versailles or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Versailles
Pamplona

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

Pamplona is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Pamplona Better for Students?

Versailles
Pamplona

Pamplona is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Versailles is not popular with students.


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

Versailles
Pamplona

Versailles is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Pamplona has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Versailles or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Versailles
Pamplona

Versailles and Pamplona are very good when it comes to 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.

Pamplona is a very walkable palace. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Versailles or Pamplona to fill your time. In our opinion, Pamplona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pamplona than Versailles. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Versailles or Pamplona?

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 laid-back city of Pamplona, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pamplona, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Versailles or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona 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 Pamplona is €131. 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 Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Versailles 128
    Pamplona 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Versailles 256
    Pamplona 134
Compare Hotels in Versailles and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Versailles or Pamplona? 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 Pamplona


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 Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Versailles 53
    Pamplona 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244

Is it cheaper to fly into Versailles or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona 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
    Pamplona 41

Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pamplona are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Ice Cream
    4.50
  • Coffee
    1.30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Versailles 45
    Pamplona 34

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 Pamplona

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

  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour, lunch included: $260
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $427
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Fuenterrabia and San Sebastian.: $283
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Versailles 18
    Pamplona 31

Sample the Local Flavors in Pamplona

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

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283


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

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


Which is Bigger, Versailles or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Versailles during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Versailles is around the same temperature as Pamplona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Pamplona averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Versailles. In the summer, Versailles often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Versailles 20°C (68°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Versailles or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Pamplona. Most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Versailles is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Versailles 13°C (56°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Versailles or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Pamplona. The winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

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

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Versailles or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Versailles is around the same temperature as Pamplona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Pamplona averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Versailles usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In April, Versailles usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Versailles 11°C (52°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Versailles

Versailles Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)