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

Should you visit Chartres or Florence?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Florence? 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 grand, spectacular, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Is there more to do in Chartres or Florence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Florence than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Florence is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Florence is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Florence are world-renowned. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence 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, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Florence 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 Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Florence Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Florence can be explored in its historical center. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Florence?

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

Florence is well-known for its shopping. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Florence Better for Families?

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

Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

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 Florence Better for Couples?

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

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence 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, Florence is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Chartres is not popular with students.

Is Chartres or Florence 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, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Chartres can get you to some 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.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Chartres or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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.

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Florence?

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

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Florence?

The town of Chartres offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful city of Florence offers food and shopping. 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 Florence?

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

Florence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Florence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chartres or Florence?

Chartres 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.

Florence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, 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 Florence?

Chartres 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 town offers something for everyone.

Florence 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 Florence 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Chartres is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives more rain than Florence. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chartres or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Chartres during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chartres in the autumn for the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Chartres is cooler than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chartres in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Florence. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Florence. Most visitors come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chartres can be very cold during winter. In January, Chartres is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 5°C (40°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Florence. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Florence. The spring months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Chartres is cooler than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Florence. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Chartres