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

Should you visit Chartres or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Zadar? 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. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Zadar

Zadar is a vibrant, laid back, and relaxed town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chartres and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Zadar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zadar than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zadar is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Chartres is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting. Also, Zadar is famous for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Chartres different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Chartres and Zadar.

Chartres offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Zadar. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

Is the Food Better in Chartres or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar 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.

Zadar has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

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 Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Zadar 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 Zadar has a few options to choose from. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Chartres or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chartres or Zadar Better for Beaches?

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

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Chartres or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is great for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Zadar?

Zadar is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zadar. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Zadar Better for Families?

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

Zadar offers lots of family activities. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

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 Zadar Better for Couples?

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

Zadar is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

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 Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

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 Zadar Better for Students?

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

Zadar is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Chartres is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Chartres has some very good public transit options. 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.

Zadar has some public transit options. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Chartres or Zadar a more walkable city?

Chartres and Zadar are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Zadar is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Zadar?

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

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Zadar?

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 beautiful town of Zadar offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Zadar?

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.

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

Five days in Chartres or Zadar?

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.

Zadar 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 Zadar?

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.

Zadar is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Chartres during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

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

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chartres. In the summer, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Zadar. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chartres usually receives less rain than Zadar. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chartres or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chartres. In January, Chartres is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 5°C (40°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chartres in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chartres usually receives less rain than Zadar. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Chartres