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

Should you visit Aberdeen or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Chartres? 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a authentic, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food and museums.

Aberdeen and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen. Although Aberdeen and Chartres are popular destinations, Aberdeen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aberdeen is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres attracts visitors for its small town charm. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also well known for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Aberdeen different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Aberdeen is great for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chartres. 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 Aberdeen or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Aberdeen and Chartres can be an enjoyable experience.

Aberdeen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Chartres has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Aberdeen or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Aberdeen has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Aberdeen or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is great for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Chartres?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aberdeen or Chartres Better for Families?

Aberdeen is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Aberdeen is very family-friendly. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s 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 Aberdeen or Chartres Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aberdeen and Chartres make for a nice place to visit.

Aberdeen is a nice destination for couples. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

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 Aberdeen or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Chartres Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Chartres is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Chartres is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Aberdeen or Chartres a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Chartres both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Chartres?

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

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

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

One day in Aberdeen or Chartres?

The city of Aberdeen offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

The town of Chartres offers museums and food. 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 Aberdeen or Chartres?

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

Chartres 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 Chartres, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Chartres?

Aberdeen 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 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.

A week in Aberdeen or Chartres?

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

Chartres 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Chartres?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Chartres. The summer months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In the summer, Aberdeen is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aberdeen in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in July than Chartres. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 9°C (49°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Chartres. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Aberdeen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Aberdeen. Aberdeen is cooler than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

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

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in January than Chartres. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Chartres. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Aberdeen is much colder than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aberdeen in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Chartres. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Aberdeen