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

Should you visit Chartres or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Sarajevo? 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. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Chartres and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Chartres or Sarajevo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sarajevo is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Chartres is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. Also, Sarajevo is famous for The Old Town.

How is Chartres different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chartres
Sarajevo

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

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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 Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chartres
Sarajevo

Sarajevo 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, Sarajevo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Chartres
Sarajevo

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo has a few options to choose from. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Chartres
Sarajevo

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

The rich history of Sarajevo can be explored in its historical center. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.


Is Chartres or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Chartres
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

People visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Sarajevo?

Chartres
Sarajevo

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

Sarajevo is well-known for its shopping. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Chartres
Sarajevo

Neither Chartres nor Sarajevo are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Chartres is not always the best place to visit. 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.

Sarajevo is not the most family-friendly destination. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.


Is Chartres or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Chartres
Sarajevo

Chartres is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Chartres or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres
Sarajevo

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

Many backpackers visit Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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 Sarajevo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chartres
Sarajevo

Chartres and Sarajevo both offer superb public transit to get you around.

The public transit in Chartres can get you around 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.

Sarajevo offers a very effecient public transportation network. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.


Is Chartres or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Chartres
Sarajevo

Chartres is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable town. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chartres and Sarajevo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sarajevo than in Chartres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sarajevo.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Chartres or Sarajevo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chartres 1-2 
    Sarajevo 1-3

One day in Chartres or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Chartres or Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo 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 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Chartres?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chartres is €117, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is €66. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chartres and Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chartres 59
    Sarajevo 26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chartres 118
    Sarajevo 52
Compare Hotels in Chartres and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Chartres or Sarajevo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Chartres


Hotels in Sarajevo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chartres Hotel Prices and Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chartres 26
    Sarajevo 6.58

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    1.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Split: $321
  • Split Private Transfer Service: $299
  • Dubrovnik Private Transfer Service: $299
  • Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Belgrade: $288
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Lukavac: $271
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Doboj: $271
  • Transfer from city of Sarajevo to city of Mostar: $251
  • Private transfer (FROM-TO) Sarajevo - Kotor - Budva : $245
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Travnik: $232
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Živinice grad: $232
  • Private transfer (FROM-TO) Sarajevo - Dubrovnik: $229
  • Sarajevo ⇄ Mostar / Private Transfer: $203

Is it cheaper to fly into Chartres or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo and Chartres change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chartres 39
    Sarajevo 29

Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chartres 22
    Sarajevo 11

Tours and Activities in Chartres

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chartres.

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    7.16

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Sarajevo and Mostar: $163
  • 4-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour with Food Tastings and Craft Experience: $44
  • 8 to 9 Hours Daily Tour To Travnik and Jajce From Sarajevo: $104
  • Amazing Prokoško jezero - Full day Tour: $82
  • Assassination Tour: $27
  • BOSNIAN PYRAMIDS TOUR (nature, history & archeology): $64
  • Best of Sarajevo - Full Day All Inclusive Tour: $76
  • Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Half-Day Tour from Sarajevo: $81
  • Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Tour from Sarajevo: $79
  • Bijambare Cave and Spring of River Bosna Tour: $45
  • Bosnia's Treasures: 7-Day Private Tour: $1,310
  • Bosnian Castles Tour: Vranduk Tešanj Srebrenik from Sarajevo: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chartres 12
    Sarajevo 6.88

Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo

Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chartres and Sarajevo, we can see that Chartres is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo.

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


Which is Bigger, Chartres or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chartres is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chartres 20°C (68°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Chartres or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Sarajevo. The autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the autumn, Chartres is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chartres in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chartres 13°C (56°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Chartres or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. In January, Chartres is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 5°C (40°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chartres 5°C (40°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Chartres or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Chartres during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Chartres is cooler than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Chartres often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chartres 11°C (52°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Chartres

Chartres Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)