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

Should you visit Zurich or Versailles?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Versailles. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Zurich 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 Zurich or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zurich is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Zurich and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster.

How is Zurich different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich
Versailles

Versailles is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Zurich 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.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.


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

Zurich
Versailles

Zurich 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 Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in 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 Zurich or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Zurich
Versailles

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

The nightlife in Zurich has something for everybody. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Zurich or Versailles Better for Music?

Zurich
Versailles

Zurich is a great city for live music. However, Versailles is not a live music destination.

Zurich has a thriving music scene. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Versailles is not a live music destination.


Is Zurich or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Zurich
Versailles

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

Zurich offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Versailles?

Zurich
Versailles

Zurich 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 Zurich. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zurich or Versailles Better for Families?

Zurich
Versailles

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

Zurich is a very family-friendly destination. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Versailles Better for Couples?

Zurich
Versailles

Zurich and Versailles both great destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich
Versailles

Zurich 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 Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Zurich or Versailles Better for Students?

Zurich
Versailles

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

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Versailles is not popular with students.


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

Zurich
Versailles

Both Zurich and Versailles offer great public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

The public transit in Versailles can get you to most 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 Zurich or Versailles a more walkable city?

Zurich
Versailles

Zurich and Versailles both are great when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zurich or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zurich 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 Zurich, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

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

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

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


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

One day in Zurich or Versailles?

With live music and food around the beautiful city of Zurich, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 Zurich or Versailles?

With food and shopping around the destination of Zurich, 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 shopping. 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 Zurich or Versailles?

Zurich, 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 Zurich or Versailles?

Zurich is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 ornate 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles or Zurich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $273, while the average daily cost in Versailles is $86. 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 Zurich and Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $173
    Versailles $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $346
    Versailles $128
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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 Zurich


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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Versailles $7.36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

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


  • City Pass (2)
    $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Switzerland: Private Transfer to Interlaken & Grindelwald: $618
  • Private Transfer between Zurich and Interlaken: $444
  • Private Transfer From Zurich to Vaduz, 2 Hour Stop in Balzers: $296
  • Private Transfer From Zurich to St. Gallen, With a 2 Hour Stop: $282
  • Private Transfer From St. Gallen to Zurich With a 2 Hour Stop: $282
  • Private Sightseeing Transfer from Zurich to Basel With Stops: $271
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Basel in Luxury Van: $264
  • Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to Zug: $258
  • Private Transfer from Zurich to Interlaken with English Driver: $243
  • Private Transfer From Zurich to Bern: $232
  • Private Transfer Zurich city to Zurich Airport ZRH by Minibus: $213
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Basel City in Car or Van: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles and Zurich 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
    Zurich $63
    Versailles $8.98
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.

  • Zürich Food Tour: $100
  • Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Versailles $32

Tours and Activities in Zurich

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour to Explore the Gems of Zürich: $281
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Around Zurich: $229
  • 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $103
  • A Cairo Adventure to Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur Pyramids: $56
  • A Guided Tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo: $78
  • A Thrifty Luxor Adventure to the West Bank's Top Sights: $61
  • Adventure to Mount Pilatus from Zurich: $188
  • Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $159
  • Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $89
  • Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $73
  • Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour with a local: $88
  • Cairo Tour To Pyramids of Giza, Old Cairo, Khan Bazaar: $95

Tours and Activities in Versailles

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $30
    Versailles $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

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

  • Pub Crawl Zurich: $32


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


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Versailles?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Versailles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Versailles. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Versailles. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Versailles. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area.

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

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Versailles. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

It's quite cold in Versailles in the winter. The weather in Zurich can be very cold. In the winter, Zurich is much colder than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Versailles in the Spring?

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

In April, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Versailles. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Versailles. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Zurich

Zurich Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)