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

Should you visit Athens 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 Athens 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.

Athens

Athens is a energetic, historic, and ancient city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Athens and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Athens has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Athens is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Athens are world-renowned. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Athens is a world class party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Athens or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Athens can be explored in its historical center. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Chartres?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Athens. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Athens or Chartres Better for Families?

Athens 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, Athens is very family-friendly. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Chartres Better for Couples?

Athens and Chartres both good destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Chartres is a nice destination for couples. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Athens or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Athens is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Athens or Chartres Better for Students?

Athens is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Athens and Chartres both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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.

Is Athens or Chartres a more walkable city?

Athens and Chartres are superb when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Athens?

How long in Athens or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

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

One day in Athens or Chartres?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Chartres. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Chartres?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Chartres is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Chartres?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. 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 Athens or Chartres?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the grand destination of Chartres. This town 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Chartres, we can see that Athens is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Chartres?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Chartres?

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 Athens or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Chartres. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

Athens is a little warmer than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Chartres. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Chartres can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Chartres. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Chartres. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm.

In April, Athens is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Chartres. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Athens