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

Should you visit Chartres or Split?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Split? 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.

Split

Split is a touristy, fun-filled, and budget-friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chartres and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Split?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Split than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Split is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Split is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Split offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic 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 Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Split is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Split has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

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 Split Better for Nightlife?

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

Split is a world class party destination. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Split Better for Resorts?

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

Split is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Chartres or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chartres or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is great for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Split is considered a top beach destination. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Chartres or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a popular place for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Split. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Split?

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

Split is well-known for its shopping. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Split Better for Families?

Split 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, Split is very family-friendly. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Split Better for Couples?

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

Split makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split 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, Split is extremely popular for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

Split is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

Split is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Chartres is not popular with students.

Is Chartres or Split 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, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Chartres or Split a more walkable city?

Chartres and Split are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Split is a very walkable destination. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Chartres or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Split?

In Chartres, many people enjoy the food and museums that this grand destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The city of Split offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Split 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Split, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chartres or Split?

Chartres is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Chartres. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Split is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Split?

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Chartres. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Split is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Chartres and Split, we can see that Chartres is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

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

Chartres is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives more rain than Split. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chartres or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Split. The autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the autumn, Chartres is cooler than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chartres in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Split. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Split. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Split in the Winter?

Both Split 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 Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. In January, Chartres is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 5°C (40°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Split. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Chartres during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Chartres is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Split. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Split. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Chartres