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

Should you visit Chartres or Bari?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Bari? 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 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.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Chartres and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari. Although Chartres and Bari are both popular with visitors, Bari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bari is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Chartres is more touristy than Bari and is known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Chartres different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari 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 Bari?

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

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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 Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Bari is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Bari for the nightlife scene. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Bari Better for Beaches?

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

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Chartres or Bari Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Bari?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bari. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Bari Better for Families?

Bari 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, Bari is very family-friendly. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bari Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chartres and Bari make for a good 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.

Bari is a good town for couples to visit. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Chartres or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Bari Better for Students?

Bari is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

Bari is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system 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.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Chartres or Bari a more walkable city?

Chartres and Bari are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Bari is a very walkable destination. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chartres and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bari than in Chartres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Chartres. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The port city of Bari offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Chartres or Bari?

Chartres is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bari, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chartres or Bari?

You'll find museums and food around the grand destination of Chartres. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

A week in Chartres or Bari?

The historic town of Chartres offers food and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Bari is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Chartres and Bari, 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 Chartres Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Chartres or Bari in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Chartres is cooler than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chartres in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives more rain than Bari. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chartres or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Chartres during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In October, Chartres is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 13°C (56°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Bari. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Bari. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Bari in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. Chartres is much colder than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Bari during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Bari. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Bari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Bari. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm. Additionally, many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Chartres is cooler than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chartres in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. In the spring, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Bari. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Chartres