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

Should you visit Versailles or Portofino?

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

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

Portofino

Portofino is a breathtaking, opulent, and exclusive seaside village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Portofino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portofino. Although Versailles and Portofino are popular destinations, Portofino has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portofino is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture. Portofino is famous for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also well known for its scenic harbor.

Its scenic harbor

How is Versailles different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village 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.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

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

Portofino is a great seaside village 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 Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt 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 Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is a great seaside village for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Portofino has something for everybody. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Versailles is not a resort destination.

Portofino offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Versailles is not a resort destination.

Is Versailles or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

Portofino has a beach worth visiting. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Versailles or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is a great seaside village for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Portofino to see the historical old town. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is Versailles or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a great seaside village for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portofino for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Portofino?

Portofino is a great seaside village for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Portofino. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Portofino Better for Families?

Portofino is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

For families, Portofino is not always the best place to visit. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

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 Portofino Better for Couples?

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

Portofino has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

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 Portofino Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Versailles is notable for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Versailles or Portofino a more walkable city?

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

Portofino is a very easy seaside village to get around on foot. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

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 Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Portofino?

In either Versailles or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino 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 Portofino.

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Portofino?

You'll find museums around the palace of Versailles. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Versailles or Portofino?

You'll find museums around the historic destination of Versailles. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this palace has to offer. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this seaside village.

Five days in Versailles or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the opulent palace of Versailles. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Portofino, a popular seaside village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this seaside village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Portofino?

Versailles is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Portofino 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Versailles and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Versailles much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Versailles would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Versailles 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 Portofino would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portofino than you might in Versailles.

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Portofino?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Portofino, 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.