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

Should you visit Versailles or Rome?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Rome, 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 opulent, historic, and extensive palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums.

Rome

Rome is a popular, ancient, and archeological city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Versailles and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Rome?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than Versailles. Rome is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Versailles is well known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Rome is well known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum.

The Colosseum

How is Versailles different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the first-rate sights and museums in either Versailles or Rome.

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 Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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

Rome 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, Rome is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Rome has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Rome Better for Music?

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

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Versailles is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Rome?

Rome 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 Rome. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Rome Better for Families?

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

Rome is a very family-friendly destination. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

Versailles and Rome 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.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Versailles or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers frequent Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Rome Better for Students?

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

Rome is a great destination for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Rome 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 Rome is top-notch. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Rome?

Both Versailles and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Versailles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Versailles or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

When visiting Rome, 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 Rome?

Versailles is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

When visiting Rome, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Versailles or Rome?

You'll find museums around the extensive destination of Versailles. This palace offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rome, 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 Rome?

The extensive palace of Versailles offers museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Rome. Additionally, many travelers come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Versailles is generally cooler than Rome. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 20°C (68°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In the summer, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Rome. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Versailles usually receives less rain than Rome. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Versailles during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Versailles in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Rome. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Rome in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Rome. Most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rome because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Versailles is generally cooler than Rome. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 11°C (52°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Versailles