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

Should you visit Chartres or Rome?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Rome? 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Chartres and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Rome?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome. Although Chartres and Rome are both popular with visitors, Rome has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Rome is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

The Colosseum

How is Chartres different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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 Rome are world-renowned. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome 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, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Rome is a world class party destination. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Chartres is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Rome. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Chartres is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Rome?

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

Known for shopping, Rome draws large crowds to its stores. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Rome Better for Families?

Rome 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, Rome is very family-friendly. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

Rome is great for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Rome is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome 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, Rome is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Rome is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Rome has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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.

Is Chartres or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Rome?

Both Chartres and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Chartres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Rome?

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.

Rome is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Rome?

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.

Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chartres or Rome?

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.

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

The grand 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.

Rome is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome 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 Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Rome, 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 Rome?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chartres or Rome in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Rome. Many visitors come to Chartres in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. In the summer, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Rome. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chartres usually receives less rain than Rome. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chartres or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Chartres during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Chartres because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

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

In the winter, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Rome. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Rome in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Rome. The small town charm are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chartres usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Chartres