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

Should you visit Versailles or Ravenna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Ravenna, 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 ornate, opulent, and historic palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a authentic, historic, and off-the-beaten-path town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Ravenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ravenna than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ravenna is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Ravenna is famous for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires. It is also well known for Basilica di San Vitale.

How is Versailles different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Versailles are world-renowned. 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.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

Ravenna is a great town 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 Ravenna. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

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 Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Ravenna is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Ravenna has a few options to choose from. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Ravenna?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ravenna. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Ravenna Better for Families?

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

Ravenna is a very family-friendly destination. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is 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 Ravenna Better for Couples?

Versailles and Ravenna are both great 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.

Ravenna is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Versailles or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ravenna 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 Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Versailles or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Versailles and Ravenna are great 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable palace. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Ravenna?

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

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ravenna, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Ravenna?

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.

Even though Ravenna is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Versailles or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna, a popular town, 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Ravenna?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Ravenna. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Versailles is cooler than Ravenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Versailles in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Ravenna averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In July, Versailles usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Ravenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Ravenna. Many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Versailles is generally around the same temperature as Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 13°C (56°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Versailles usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ravenna. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Ravenna in the Winter?

Both Ravenna and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ravenna can be very cold. Versailles can be very cold during winter. Versailles is much warmer than Ravenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Versailles usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Versailles or Ravenna in the Spring?

Both Ravenna and Versailles during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

In the spring, Versailles is around the same temperature as Ravenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Versailles in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Ravenna averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Versailles usually gets less rain in April than Ravenna. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Versailles