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

Should you visit Basel or Chartres?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Chartres, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a vibrant, historic, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Basel and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Basel than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Basel is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town. Also, Basel is famous for The Kunstmuseum Basel. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Basel different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Basel offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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 Basel or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Basel and Chartres both to be notable destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Basel. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Chartres is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Basel or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Basel 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 Basel has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Basel or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Chartres?

Basel is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Basel is well-known for its shopping. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Basel or Chartres Better for Families?

Basel 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, Basel is very family-friendly. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Chartres Better for Couples?

Basel and Chartres are both notable to visit as a couple.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

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

Is Basel or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Chartres are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Chartres is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Basel or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Basel is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Both Basel and Chartres offer very good public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Chartres can get you to most places easily. 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 Basel or Chartres a more walkable city?

Basel is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Basel is a very easy city to get around on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Basel?

How long in Basel or Chartres?

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

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

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

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

One day in Basel or Chartres?

The beautiful city of Basel offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Chartres, many people enjoy the food and museums that this historic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Basel or Chartres?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Chartres?

Basel 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Chartres. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Chartres?

Basel 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.

You'll find museums and food around the spectacular destination of Chartres. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, 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 Basel and Chartres, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Basel or Chartres?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Chartres. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Basel is around the same temperature as Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

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

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Chartres. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Basel is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

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

In October, Basel usually receives more rain than Chartres. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Chartres in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. The weather in Basel can be very cold. In January, Basel is generally much colder than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

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

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

Should I visit Basel or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Chartres. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

Basel is around the same temperature as Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Chartres. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Basel