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

Should you visit Belfast or Chartres?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and shopping.

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.

Belfast and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Belfast. Although Belfast and Chartres are popular destinations, Belfast has more sights and attractions for tourists. Belfast is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres attracts visitors for its museums, food, and small town charm. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". It is also well known for Belfast Castle. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Belfast different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chartres is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Chartres is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Chartres is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Chartres offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Belfast 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 Belfast has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Chartres?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Belfast or Chartres Better for Families?

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

Belfast offers lots of family activities. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

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 Belfast or Chartres Better for Couples?

Chartres is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Chartres Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Chartres is not popular with students.

Is Belfast 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. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Chartres. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Chartres a more walkable city?

Chartres is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Chartres?

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

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Chartres?

The city of Belfast offers shopping and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Belfast or Chartres?

Belfast 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Belfast, 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 Belfast or Chartres?

Belfast 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 Belfast or Chartres?

Belfast 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 city 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 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 Belfast and Chartres, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Chartres?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Chartres in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°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, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Chartres. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

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

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives more rain than Chartres. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Belfast during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Belfast can be very cold. Belfast is cooler than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Chartres. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Chartres. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

In the spring, Belfast is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

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

In April, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Belfast