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

Should you visit Chartres or Dubrovnik?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Dubrovnik? 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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a charming, famous, and cultural coastal town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Chartres and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Dubrovnik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Chartres and Dubrovnik are both popular with visitors, Dubrovnik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubrovnik is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also home to The Old Town Walls. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

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 Dubrovnik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubrovnik 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, Dubrovnik is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik has a few options to choose from. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is great for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres is not a resort destination.

Dubrovnik is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Chartres or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chartres or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

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

Dubrovnik is a good option for a beach vacation. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Chartres or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Dubrovnik can be explored in its historical center. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is Chartres or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Dubrovnik?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dubrovnik. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Dubrovnik 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, Dubrovnik is very family-friendly. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

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

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik 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, Dubrovnik is extremely popular for backpackers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town 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 Dubrovnik 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, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

Dubrovnik has a few public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Chartres or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

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 Chartres Worth Visiting? and Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Dubrovnik?

In either Chartres or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than Chartres because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Dubrovnik?

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.

The beautiful coastal town of Dubrovnik offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Dubrovnik?

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.

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

Five days in Chartres or Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic 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.

Dubrovnik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 coastal town 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chartres and Dubrovnik, we can see that Chartres is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Chartres would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chartres than you might in Dubrovnik.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chartres Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Dubrovnik?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In the summer, Chartres is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chartres in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In July, Chartres usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chartres or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Chartres during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chartres is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 13°C (56°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Dubrovnik. Many travelers come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chartres. Chartres is much colder than Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Dubrovnik. Many visitors come to Chartres in the spring for the small town charm. Additionally, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Chartres is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chartres in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Chartres