A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Chartres for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Aalborg or Chartres?

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 Aalborg and Chartres. 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.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a charming, local, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food and museums.

Aalborg and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Aalborg or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aalborg. Although Aalborg and Chartres are popular destinations, Aalborg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aalborg is famous for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. It is also well known for the Utzon Center. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Aalborg different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aalborg or Chartres?

Aalborg
Chartres

Both Aalborg and Chartres have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aalborg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Chartres offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.


Is the Food Better in Aalborg or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg
Chartres

Aalborg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Aalborg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Aalborg or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Chartres

Aalborg is great for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Aalborg for the nightlife scene. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Aalborg or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Chartres

Aalborg is a popular place for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Aalborg. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Chartres?

Aalborg
Chartres

Aalborg is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aalborg. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aalborg or Chartres Better for Families?

Aalborg
Chartres

Aalborg is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Aalborg offers lots of family activities. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Aalborg or Chartres Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Chartres

Aalborg and Chartres both nice destinations for a couple.

Aalborg is a nice destination for couples. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Chartres makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.


Is Aalborg or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Chartres

Aalborg and Chartres are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chartres. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

Is Aalborg or Chartres Better for Students?

Aalborg
Chartres

Aalborg is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Aalborg. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Chartres is not popular with students.

Is Aalborg or Chartres Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aalborg
Chartres

Chartres is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Chartres can move around easily with public transportation. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

While Aalborg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system around town.


Is Aalborg or Chartres a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Chartres

Chartres is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Chartres is very walkable. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable place. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aalborg or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aalborg than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aalborg than Chartres 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 Aalborg.


  • How many days in Aalborg or Chartres? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aalborg 2-3 
    Chartres 1-2

One day in Aalborg or Chartres?

The town of Aalborg offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Chartres, you'll find food and museums. This town 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 Aalborg or Chartres?

Aalborg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aalborg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Chartres, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chartres has to offer.


Five days in Aalborg or Chartres?

Aalborg is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Chartres 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 Aalborg or Chartres?

Aalborg is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Chartres. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Chartres or Aalborg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Aalborg is $156, while the average daily cost in Chartres is $125. 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 Aalborg and Chartres in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $87
    Chartres $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $174
    Chartres $126
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Chartres

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Chartres? 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 Aalborg


Hotels in Chartres


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: Aalborg Hotel Prices and Chartres Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $32
    Chartres $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg (AAL) Airport to City centre: $131
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg city centre to Aalborg airport: $131
  • Private Airport and City Transfers in Aalborg: $87
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg Airport (AAL) to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg City Hotels to Skagen Cruise Port: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Chartres?

Prices for flights to both Chartres and Aalborg 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
    Aalborg $47
    Chartres $42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $24
    Chartres $24

Tours and Activities in Aalborg

Here are a few actual costs in Aalborg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3-Hours Street Art Tour in Aalborg: $44
  • Aalborg during WW2: Self-guided Audio Tour with StoryHunt: $14
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $246
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $480
  • The best of Aalborg walking tour: $219

Tours and Activities in Chartres

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $19
    Chartres $13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Chartres?

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

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 Aalborg or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Aalborg during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aalborg is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aalborg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Aalborg usually gets more rain in July than Chartres. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Chartres 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Chartres. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chartres in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Aalborg is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 9°C (48°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In October, Aalborg usually receives more rain than Chartres. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Chartres 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Chartres. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Chartres can be very cold during winter. Aalborg can get quite cold in the winter. Aalborg is much colder than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in January than Chartres. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Chartres 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Aalborg is much colder than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aalborg in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In April, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Chartres. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Chartres 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Chartres and Aalborg

Aalborg Chartres
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)