A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Windsor or Paris?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Paris? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Windsor and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Paris?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris. Although Windsor and Paris are popular destinations, Paris has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Paris is more touristy than Windsor and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Windsor is famous for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Windsor different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Windsor or Paris?

Paris is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Many visitors head to Windsor specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Is Windsor or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is a world-class destination for its theatre productions. However, Windsor is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Windsor is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Windsor or Paris? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paris is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Paris just to party. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Windsor is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Windsor is not a live music destination.

Is Windsor or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Windsor is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Paris?

Paris is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Windsor does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Windsor does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Windsor or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Is Windsor or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is a world-class destination for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Windsor is not popular with students.

Is Windsor or Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Paris a more walkable city?

Windsor and Paris both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Paris?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Windsor 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 Paris.

One day in Windsor or Paris?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Windsor or Paris?

Windsor is a fun place to experience. Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Paris?

Windsor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor and Paris, 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 Windsor or Paris?

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 Windsor or Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In July, Windsor is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Paris. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Paris. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Paris. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Windsor is cooler than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Paris during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Paris. Many travelers come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Windsor. In the winter, Windsor is around the same temperature as Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Paris. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Paris. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Windsor in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Windsor is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 9°C (48°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Paris during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Paris. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Windsor