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

Should you visit Cologne or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Chartres? 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Cologne and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne. Although Cologne and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Cologne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cologne is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Cologne is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also home to The Cologne Cathedral. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chartres and Cologne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cologne or Chartres?

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

Cologne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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 Cologne or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Cologne and Chartres can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cologne area. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chartres. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Cologne or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is great for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Cologne or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Cologne 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 Cologne. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Chartres?

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

Cologne is well-known for its shopping. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cologne or Chartres Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Chartres does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Cologne is a top place to visit during Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Chartres does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Chartres Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Chartres does not offer Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make Cologne very popular during this season. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Chartres does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Chartres Better for Families?

Cologne 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, Cologne is very family-friendly. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne or Chartres Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Chartres make for a good place to visit.

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Chartres is a nice destination for couples. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Cologne or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Chartres are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for 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 Cologne or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Cologne is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Cologne 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.

Cologne has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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 Cologne or Chartres a more walkable city?

Cologne and Chartres both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cologne or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cologne than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cologne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

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

One day in Cologne or Chartres?

Cologne is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

A weekend in Cologne or Chartres?

Cologne 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cologne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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.

Five days in Cologne or Chartres?

Cologne 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.

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.

A week in Cologne or Chartres?

Cologne 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 city offers something for everyone.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Chartres?

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

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 Cologne or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Cologne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In July, Cologne is generally around the same temperature as Chartres. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 19°C (66°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Chartres. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Chartres. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

Cologne is around the same temperature as Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives more rain than Chartres. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Chartres. Many travelers come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. In the winter, Cologne is much colder than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cologne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in January than Chartres. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Chartres in the Spring?

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

In April, Cologne is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 10°C (50°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives more rain than Chartres. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Cologne