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

Should you visit York or Versailles?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a grand, ornate, and opulent palace. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for museums.

York and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in York than Versailles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. York is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than York and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. York is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles.

How is York different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Versailles that are not to be missed. 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 York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

York 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, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in York has something for everybody. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is York or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

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

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Versailles?

York is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Versailles Better for Families?

York is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Versailles Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Versailles makes for a fun place to visit for 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 York or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

York is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York 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 is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Versailles a more walkable city?

Versailles is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or York?

How long in York or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Versailles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

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

One day in York or Versailles?

With museums and nightlife around the fanciful city of York, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

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.

A weekend in York or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of York, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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.

Five days in York or Versailles?

York, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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.

A week in York or Versailles?

York 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.

The grand 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Versailles?

York has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Versailles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Versailles. Many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences.

York is cooler than Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Versailles. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Versailles. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, York is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Versailles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Versailles. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. York can be very cold during winter. In January, York is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Versailles. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Versailles. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Versailles. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

York is cooler than Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and York