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

Should you visit Vienna or Versailles?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Vienna and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Vienna or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums. Vienna is famous for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace
The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Versailles and Vienna. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Vienna or Versailles?

Vienna
Versailles

Versailles is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Vienna 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.


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

Vienna
Versailles

Vienna is a great city 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 Vienna. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Vienna
Versailles

Vienna 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 Vienna has a few options to choose from. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Vienna or Versailles Better for Music?

Vienna
Versailles

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

Vienna is known as a music capital around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Versailles is not a live music destination.


Is Vienna or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Vienna
Versailles

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Vienna offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Versailles?

Vienna
Versailles

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Vienna or Versailles Better for Families?

Vienna
Versailles

Vienna is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Vienna offers lots of family activities. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

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 Vienna or Versailles Better for Couples?

Vienna
Versailles

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

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna
Versailles

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Vienna or Versailles Better for Students?

Vienna
Versailles

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

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Versailles is not popular with students.


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

Vienna
Versailles

Vienna 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 Vienna is top-notch. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna or Versailles a more walkable city?

Vienna
Versailles

Vienna 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.

Vienna is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Versailles is a very walkable city. 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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vienna or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vienna than Versailles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Vienna or Versailles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vienna 2-5 
    Versailles 1-2

One day in Vienna or Versailles?

With live music and food around the musical city of Vienna, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Vienna or Versailles?

With food and shopping around the destination of Vienna, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Versailles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Vienna or Versailles?

Vienna, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Vienna or Versailles?

Vienna 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the opulent destination of Versailles. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles or Vienna?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vienna is €151, while the average daily cost in Versailles is €79. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Vienna and Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vienna 94
    Versailles 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vienna 188
    Versailles 118
Compare Hotels in Vienna and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Vienna or Versailles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Vienna


Hotels in Versailles


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Vienna Hotel Prices and Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vienna 19
    Versailles 6.77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vienna:


  • Bus to Airport
    30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna

Also for Vienna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from Vienna to Zagreb: $945
  • Private transfer from Vienna to Munich: $945
  • Melk Abbey and Salzburg Trip with Private Transfer: $936
  • Private transfer from Vienna to Salzburg: $749
  • Private transfer from Vienna to Prague: $646
  • Private One-Way Transfer to Cesky Krumlov: $631
  • Private transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $597
  • Transfer from Prague to Vienna: $584
  • Transfer by Car to/from Vienna & Budapest: $407
  • 2-in-1 Jewish Museums in Vienna Private Tour with Transfers: $366
  • Vienna-Budapest One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $298
  • Private Transfer: Vienna → Salzburg with a stop in Mauthausen Concentration Camp: $287

Is it cheaper to fly into Vienna or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles and Vienna change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vienna 33
    Versailles 8.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vienna

For Vienna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • 1 Hour Tradtional Kaiserschmarrn Cooking Class & Tasting in Wien: $42
  • Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School: $44
  • Naschmarkt Food Tour: $65
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner With Folk Music: $69
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner with Folk Music: $71
  • Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: $75
  • Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner: $75
  • 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller: $86
  • 3-Course Dinner and Concert at Schönbrunn Palace: $93
  • Evening at Schönbrunn Palace 3-course Dinner and Concert: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vienna 38
    Versailles 29

Tours and Activities in Vienna

For Vienna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private themed Tour of the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum):"The Saviour, the Ruler, and Simply a Beauty: Women in Art": $166
  • "Girls just want to have Wine" - TUK TUK Sightseeing Tour: $154
  • "The Third Man" Film Location Tour: $26
  • 2 Hour Private Alpine Hiking, Gosing Mountain Vienna Tour: $170
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Vienna with Photography: $99
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour in the Footsteps of Princess Sissi in Vienna: $54
  • 2-Hour Private Hiking Tour to Experience Nature and Culture at Goettweig Abbey: $170
  • 2-Hour Private Hiking Tour to Meet History at Braunsberg Mountain from Vienna: $170
  • 2-hour Private Alpine Hiking Tour on Seekopf Mountain, Wachau Valley from Vienna: $170
  • 3 hour private walking tour - Vienna: $140
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour of Vienna Central Cemetery: $325
  • 4-Hour Private Alpine Hiking Tour 'Enzian': $212

Tours and Activities in Versailles

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Versailles.

  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $217
  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $62
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $265

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vienna 17
    Versailles 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

Also in Vienna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Vienna: $16
  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $17
  • City Center Pub Crawl: $27
  • Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $28
  • Wine Tasting at Traditional Cellar: $35
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Private Wine Cellar: $39
  • Viennese Wine Tasting in a Private Hidden Wine Cellar: $40
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace: $49
  • Austrian Wine Tasting Experience: $64
  • Vienna Historical Highlight City Tour + Wine Tasting: $75
  • Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Entry & Wine Tasting: $84
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $92


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vienna and Versailles, we can see that Vienna 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna 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 Vienna Expensive? and Is Versailles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vienna or Versailles?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Versailles, 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 Vienna or Versailles?

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 Vienna or Versailles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Versailles. The summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 23°C (73°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives more rain than Versailles. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vienna 23°C (73°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Vienna or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Versailles. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Versailles. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vienna 12°C (54°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Vienna or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Versailles in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Versailles can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. In the winter, Vienna is much colder than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vienna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Versailles. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vienna 2°C (36°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Vienna or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Vienna during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Versailles. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vienna 13°C (55°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Vienna

Vienna Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)