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

Should you visit Dundee or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Dundee 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.

Dundee

Dundee is a cultural, historic, and coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food and museums.

Dundee and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Dundee or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dundee. Although Dundee and Chartres are popular destinations, Dundee has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dundee is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres attracts visitors for its small town charm. Chartres is more touristy than Dundee and is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Dundee is famous for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. It is also well known for Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Dundee different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dundee
Chartres

Both Dundee and Chartres have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Dundee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

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.


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

Dundee
Chartres

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dundee and Chartres can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Dundee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Chartres has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Dundee or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Chartres

Dundee 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 Dundee has a few options to choose from. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Chartres?

Dundee
Chartres

Dundee is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Dundee or Chartres Better for Families?

Dundee
Chartres

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

Dundee offers lots of family activities. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

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 Dundee or Chartres Better for Couples?

Dundee
Chartres

Chartres is a popular place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Dundee or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dundee
Chartres

Chartres is a popular place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chartres. 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.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Dundee or Chartres Better for Students?

Dundee
Chartres

Dundee is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Dundee
Chartres

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

Visitors to Chartres can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Is Dundee or Chartres a more walkable city?

Dundee
Chartres

Chartres is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.


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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dundee or Chartres to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chartres than Dundee 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 Chartres.


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

One day in Dundee or Chartres?

The city of Dundee offers nightlife and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Chartres. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dundee or Chartres?

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

Chartres is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dundee or Chartres?

Dundee 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Dundee or Chartres?

Dundee 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Chartres. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Chartres or Dundee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, while the average daily cost in Chartres is £100. 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 Dundee and Chartres in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Chartres £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Chartres £102
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Chartres

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Chartres? 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 Dundee


Hotels in Chartres


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: Dundee Hotel Prices and Chartres Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Chartres £22

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Chartres?

Prices for flights to both Chartres and Dundee 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
    Dundee £47
    Chartres £33
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dundee £106
    Chartres £19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dundee are as follows:

  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $83
  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Chartres £10


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


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Chartres?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Chartres in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Chartres. The summer months attract visitors to Dundee 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 the summer, Dundee is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dundee in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. In the summer, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Chartres. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Chartres 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Dundee is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 10°C (49°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dundee usually receives more rain than Chartres. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Chartres 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Dundee during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dundee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Dundee. Dundee is cooler than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets more rain in January than Chartres. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dundee 3°C (38°F) 
    Chartres 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Chartres. Many visitors come to Dundee in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Dundee is much colder than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dundee in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during spring. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dundee usually receives less rain than Chartres. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dundee 7°C (45°F) 
    Chartres 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Chartres and Dundee

Dundee Chartres
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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