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

Should you visit Chartres or Pompeii?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Pompeii? 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.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a one-of-a-kind, ancient, and famous archeological site. Visitors also love the museums.

Chartres and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pompeii. Although Chartres and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Pompeii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pompeii is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Chartres is known for its food and small town charm. Pompeii is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Chartres different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii 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 Pompeii are world-renowned. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chartres is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Chartres is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Chartres or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Pompeii is mediocre for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Pompeii As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Pompeii?

Pompeii is mediocre for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Pompeii can be found for those interested. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii 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, Pompeii is very family-friendly. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chartres and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a good town for couples to visit. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Chartres or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chartres and Pompeii are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chartres. 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.

Pompeii is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Chartres or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Chartres is not popular with students.

Is Chartres or Pompeii 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, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Chartres offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Chartres or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a very easy archeological site to get around on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chartres or Pompeii to fill your time. In our opinion, Pompeii has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pompeii than Chartres. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Pompeii?

In Chartres, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. 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 Pompeii?

In Chartres, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chartres has to offer.

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

Five days in Chartres or Pompeii?

Chartres is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Chartres. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Chartres or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Pompeii. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chartres is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chartres in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Chartres or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Pompeii. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Chartres is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 13°C (56°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. Chartres is much colder than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Chartres during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

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

In the spring, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Chartres