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

Should you visit Helsinki or Versailles?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Versailles can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a active, nature-focused, and coastal city. Many visitors also come to Helsinki because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Helsinki travel costs.

Versailles

Versailles is a ornate, opulent, and historic palace. Versailles is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums. See Versailles travel costs.

Helsinki and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Helsinki than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Helsinki is very popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Versailles is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. It is also well known for The Helsinki Cathedral.

How is Helsinki different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Helsinki 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

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 Helsinki or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Helsinki has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Most people don't head to Versailles specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip from Paris, but those who linger can grab a drink at a pub or bar.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Versailles?

Helsinki is a great city for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Helsinki or Versailles More Beautiful?

Helsinki and Versailles are somewhat similar when it comes to the first-rate scenery.

Helsinki is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's location on the tip of a peninsula means that the water has a huge influence over daily life. There are more than 300 islands in the area and plenty of nature and parkland. The city is filled with striking color and tons of beauty.

The famous beauty of Versailles is one of the main draws. The Palace of Versailles is famous for its grand beauty and opulent setting.

Is Helsinki or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Helsinki is a very family-friendly destination. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki or Versailles Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Versailles are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Couples visit Versailles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Helsinki or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Helsinki or Versailles Better for Students?

Helsinki is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

Helsinki is a great city to visit as a student. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Helsinki and Versailles.

The public transit in Helsinki can get you around easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Versailles offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Helsinki or Versailles a more walkable city?

Versailles is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Versailles is a very walkable palace. 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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Versailles?

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

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Versailles?

With museums and nightlife around the waterfront city of Helsinki, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful palace of Versailles offers museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Helsinki, there's plenty to do. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this palace makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Versailles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Versailles?

Helsinki, a popular city, 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Versailles?

Helsinki 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.

Versailles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This palace offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Versailles?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Versailles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Versailles. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°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 Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Versailles. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Versailles. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

Helsinki is much colder than Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Versailles. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Versailles. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Helsinki