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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Chartres?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Chartres can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a character-filled, vibrant, and gothic 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. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and theater.

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.

Edinburgh and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Edinburgh than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Chartres is more popular for its food and small town charm. Edinburgh is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Edinburgh different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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 Edinburgh or Chartres Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is great for its theatre productions. However, Chartres is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Chartres is not a theatre destination.

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

Chartres is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Edinburgh for the nightlife scene. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Edinburgh or Chartres Better for Music?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Chartres is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Chartres is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Edinburgh can be explored in its historical center. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Chartres?

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

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Edinburgh or Chartres Better for Families?

Edinburgh 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, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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 Edinburgh or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Edinburgh is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Chartres is a good city 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 Edinburgh or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh 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, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Edinburgh is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Chartres is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Chartres a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Edinburgh or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Edinburgh than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

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

One day in Edinburgh or Chartres?

The beautiful city of Edinburgh offers theater and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Chartres. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chartres has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Chartres?

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

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Chartres. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Chartres?

Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the grand town of Chartres. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Chartres?

Edinburgh 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 city offers something for everyone.

Chartres is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Edinburgh and Chartres, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Chartres?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Chartres?

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 Edinburgh or Chartres in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Chartres. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Edinburgh is cooler than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Chartres. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Chartres because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Chartres can be very cold. Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. In January, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Chartres. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

Edinburgh is much colder than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Chartres. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Edinburgh