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

Should you visit Versailles or Pompeii?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Pompeii, 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 beautiful, grand, and ornate palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a one-of-a-kind, ancient, and famous archeological site. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Versailles and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Pompeii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pompeii than Versailles, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pompeii is better known for its nightlife and shopping, while Versailles is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Versailles is well known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Pompeii is well known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Also, Pompeii is famous for the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Versailles different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the terrific sights and museums in either Versailles or Pompeii.

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 Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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

Versailles is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Versailles may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Versailles or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Pompeii is mediocre for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Pompeii As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Pompeii?

Pompeii is mediocre for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Pompeii can be found for those interested. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is a great archeological site for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly destination. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

Versailles is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Versailles makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Versailles or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Versailles offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Versailles or Pompeii a more walkable city?

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

Pompeii is a very easy archeological site to get around on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Pompeii?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Versailles than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii.

One day in Versailles or Pompeii?

In Versailles, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This palace offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums around the ancient archeological site of Pompeii, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pompeii, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Pompeii?

In Versailles, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer.

With museums around the destination of Pompeii, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this archeological site.

Five days in Versailles or Pompeii?

Versailles is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pompeii, a popular archeological site, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Versailles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Pompeii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Versailles or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Pompeii. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Versailles is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 20°C (68°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Versailles usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Pompeii. The autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area.

Versailles is cooler than Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Versailles usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the museums.

It's quite cold in Versailles in the winter. In the winter, Versailles is much colder than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Versailles in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In January, Versailles usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Versailles or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Versailles during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty.

In April, Versailles is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 11°C (52°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Versailles