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

Should you visit Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a charming, historic, and beautiful university town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. 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 historic, grand, and spectacular town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Cambridge and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cambridge. Although Cambridge and Chartres are popular destinations, Cambridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cambridge is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. It is also well known for King's College and the King's College Chapel. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Cambridge different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Cambridge offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

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 Cambridge or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cambridge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

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 Cambridge or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Cambridge 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 Cambridge has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Chartres?

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

Cambridge is well-known for its shopping. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cambridge or Chartres Better for Families?

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

Cambridge offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

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 Cambridge or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Cambridge is a great university town if you're traveling as a couple. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Chartres is a good university town 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 Cambridge or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge and Chartres are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Is Cambridge or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Cambridge. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Chartres is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Cambridge or Chartres a more walkable city?

Cambridge 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.

Cambridge is a very easy university town to get around on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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 Cambridge Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cambridge or Chartres to fill your time. In our opinion, Cambridge has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cambridge than Chartres. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Cambridge or Chartres?

The beautiful university town of Cambridge 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.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Chartres. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chartres has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cambridge or Chartres?

Cambridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this university town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cambridge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and food around the spectacular destination of Chartres. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cambridge or Chartres?

Cambridge 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the grand town of Chartres. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cambridge or Chartres?

Cambridge 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 university town offers something for everyone.

Chartres is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, 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 Cambridge and Chartres, we can see that Cambridge 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 Cambridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cambridge 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 Cambridge Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Chartres?

Cambridge has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge 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.