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

Should you visit Windsor or Versailles?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Versailles? 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.

Versailles

Versailles is a extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums.

Windsor and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Windsor. Although Windsor and Versailles are popular destinations, Windsor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Windsor is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and small town charm, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums. Versailles is more touristy than Windsor and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Windsor is famous for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. It is also well known for The Windsor Castle.

How is Windsor different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles 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 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.

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

Windsor is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Windsor. 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.

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 Windsor or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Windsor 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 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Windsor or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is Windsor or Versailles Better for Families?

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

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.

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 Windsor or Versailles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Versailles make for a very good place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Versailles is a great town 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.

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

Versailles is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Versailles can get you around 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.

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

Is Windsor or Versailles a more walkable city?

Windsor and Versailles both are very good 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.

Versailles is a very walkable destination. 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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Versailles?

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

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

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

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

One day in Windsor or Versailles?

Windsor 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 Windsor, one day is sufficent for most.

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.

A weekend in Windsor or Versailles?

Even though Windsor 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.

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.

Five days in Windsor or Versailles?

Windsor, 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.

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.

A week in Windsor or Versailles?

Windsor 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.

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.

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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and Versailles, we can see that Versailles 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 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 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 Versailles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Versailles?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor or Versailles?

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 Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Windsor or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Versailles. Many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Windsor or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Versailles. Most visitors come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. Windsor can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Windsor is around the same temperature as Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Windsor or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

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

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Versailles and Windsor