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

Should you visit Chartres or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Barcelona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

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.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a cultural, friendly, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Chartres and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona. Although Chartres and Barcelona are popular destinations, Barcelona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Barcelona is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres attracts visitors for its small town charm. Barcelona is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Barcelona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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 Chartres or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Barcelona 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.

Barcelona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

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 Chartres or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Barcelona is a world class party destination. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Chartres is not a live music destination.

Is Chartres or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a popular place for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Barcelona is a good option for a beach vacation. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Chartres or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Barcelona draws large crowds to its stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Barcelona Better for Families?

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

Barcelona offers lots of family activities. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

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 Chartres or Barcelona Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chartres and Barcelona make for a nice place to visit.

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

Barcelona is a good town for couples to visit. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Chartres or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Barcelona is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

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.

Is Chartres or Barcelona Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Barcelona. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Chartres and Barcelona both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

The public transit in Chartres can get you around 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.

Barcelona offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

Is Chartres or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Chartres is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable town. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Barcelona?

Both Chartres and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Chartres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Chartres or Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chartres or Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Chartres or Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chartres and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Chartres Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Barcelona, 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 Chartres or Barcelona?

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 Chartres or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Chartres during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chartres in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chartres is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 20°C (68°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chartres. In the summer, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Barcelona. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chartres is cooler than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chartres usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chartres or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Barcelona. The winter months attract visitors to Chartres because of the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

The weather in Chartres can be very cold. In the winter, Chartres is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chartres in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Chartres is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 11°C (52°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chartres usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Chartres