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

Should you visit Chartres or Como?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Como? 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. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Chartres and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Como?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Como. Although Chartres and Como are both popular with visitors, Como has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Como is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its museums and small town charm. Como is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chartres is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como 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, Como is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

Como 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 Como has a few options to choose from. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Como Better for Beaches?

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

Como is a good option for a beach vacation. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Chartres or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is great for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Como for the hiking trails. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Como?

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

Known for shopping, Como draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Como Better for Families?

Como 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, Como is very family-friendly. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como Better for Couples?

Como is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Como makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Chartres is a good 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 Chartres or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Como 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, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Chartres or Como a more walkable city?

Chartres and Como are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Como is a very walkable destination. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Chartres or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Como?

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 beautiful lake area of Como offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Como?

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.

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

Five days in Chartres or Como?

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

Como 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.

A week in Chartres or Como?

The spectacular 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.

Como is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This lake area 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

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

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Como. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chartres is cooler than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chartres in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chartres usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives less rain than Como. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chartres or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Como. Many visitors come to Chartres in the autumn for the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Chartres is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 13°C (56°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Como. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Como. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. Chartres can be very cold during winter. Chartres is around the same temperature as Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Como. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Chartres during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the spring, Chartres is cooler than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chartres in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Chartres often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Como. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Chartres