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

Should you visit Versailles or San Sebastian?

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

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

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and beautiful city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Sebastian than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Sebastian is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than San Sebastian and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. San Sebastian is famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. It is also well known for La Concha Bay.

How is Versailles different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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

San Sebastian 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, San Sebastian is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in San Sebastian has something for everybody. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Versailles is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Versailles is not a resort destination.

Is Versailles or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a great city for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Sebastian. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is a great city for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Sebastian. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or San Sebastian Better for Families?

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

San Sebastian is a very family-friendly destination. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

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 San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Versailles and San Sebastian are both superb 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.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is Versailles or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

San Sebastian is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

San Sebastian is a great city to visit as a student. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles is notable for its public transit. Also, San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Versailles or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Versailles and San Sebastian are superb 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.

San Sebastian is a very walkable palace. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Versailles and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Sebastian than in Versailles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in Versailles or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the grand destination of Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With museums and nightlife around the fun-filled city of San Sebastian, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Versailles or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of San Sebastian, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Versailles or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the grand destination of Versailles. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

San Sebastian, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 San Sebastian?

You'll find museums around the beautiful palace of Versailles. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Sebastian is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or San Sebastian?

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

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Versailles during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

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

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

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

Should I visit Versailles or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and San Sebastian. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene.

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

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

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

Should I visit Versailles or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Versailles as well as San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. Versailles is much colder than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

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

Should I visit Versailles or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches during these months.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Versailles