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

Should you visit Birmingham or Chartres?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Birmingham and Chartres can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a fun-filled, bustling, and historic city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Birmingham and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham. Although Birmingham and Chartres are popular destinations, Birmingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Birmingham is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Chartres attracts visitors for its small town charm. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Birmingham different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Birmingham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

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 Birmingham or Chartres Better for Theater?

Birmingham is great for its theatre productions. However, Chartres is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Chartres is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Chartres can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Chartres. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Birmingham or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Birmingham for the nightlife scene. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Birmingham or Chartres Better for Music?

Birmingham is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Chartres is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Birmingham. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Chartres is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Chartres?

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

Birmingham is well-known for its shopping. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Birmingham or Chartres Better for Families?

Birmingham 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, Birmingham is very family-friendly. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

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 Birmingham or Chartres Better for Couples?

Birmingham is great for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Birmingham is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

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 Birmingham or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Birmingham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there's at least one affordable hostel in town.

Is Birmingham or Chartres Better for Students?

Birmingham is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Birmingham. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

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

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.

Birmingham has a few public transit options. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Is Birmingham or Chartres a more walkable city?

Birmingham and Chartres are great when it comes to walkability.

Birmingham is very walkable. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

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 Birmingham Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Birmingham or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Birmingham than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

One day in Birmingham or Chartres?

The city of Birmingham offers shopping and museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and food around the historic town of Chartres, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chartres, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Chartres?

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

With food and museums around the destination of Chartres, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Birmingham or Chartres?

Birmingham is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Chartres, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Chartres?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in 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 Birmingham and Chartres, we can see that Birmingham 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 Birmingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Birmingham 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 Birmingham Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Chartres?

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

Both Chartres and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Birmingham is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Birmingham in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Chartres. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Birmingham or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Birmingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In October, Birmingham is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Chartres. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine.

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

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Chartres. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Birmingham or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Chartres. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Birmingham is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Birmingham in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Chartres. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Birmingham