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

Should you visit Bristol or Chartres?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Chartres can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a cultural, friendly, and authentic 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 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.

Bristol and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bristol. Although Bristol and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Bristol has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bristol is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Bristol is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also home to The Bristol Harbour. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Bristol different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Bristol offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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 Bristol or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Bristol is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

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.

Is Bristol or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Bristol for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Chartres?

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

Bristol is well-known for its shopping. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bristol or Chartres Better for Families?

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

Bristol offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

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 Bristol or Chartres Better for Couples?

Both Bristol and Chartres are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bristol is a good city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

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 Bristol or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Chartres is a good town 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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Chartres Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Chartres is not popular with students.

Is Bristol 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, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Bristol or Chartres a more walkable city?

Bristol and Chartres are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Chartres?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chartres than Bristol 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 Bristol or Chartres?

The city of Bristol offers food and shopping. 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 Bristol or Chartres?

Bristol 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 Bristol, 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 Bristol or Chartres?

Bristol 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 Bristol or Chartres?

Bristol 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Bristol and Chartres, we can see that Chartres 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 Bristol Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Chartres?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bristol is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 18°C (64°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Bristol usually receives less rain than Chartres. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bristol or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Bristol during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bristol in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere during these months.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Chartres. Most visitors come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Chartres because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Chartres can be very cold. In the winter, Bristol is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bristol in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In January, Bristol usually receives more rain than Chartres. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bristol or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Chartres. The spring months attract visitors to Bristol because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In April, Bristol is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 10°C (50°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in April than Chartres. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Bristol