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

Should you visit Glasgow or Chartres?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Chartres, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a high energy, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Glasgow and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
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 Glasgow or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glasgow. Although Glasgow and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Glasgow has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Glasgow is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Glasgow different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Glasgow
Chartres

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

Glasgow offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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 Glasgow or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Glasgow
Chartres

Both Glasgow and Chartres offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Glasgow is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Chartres offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Glasgow or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow
Chartres

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

Glasgow is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Glasgow or Chartres Better for Music?

Glasgow
Chartres

Glasgow 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 Glasgow. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Chartres is not a live music destination.


Is Glasgow or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow
Chartres

Glasgow 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 Glasgow. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Chartres?

Glasgow
Chartres

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Glasgow. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Glasgow or Chartres Better for Families?

Glasgow
Chartres

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

Glasgow offers lots of family activities. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

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 Glasgow or Chartres Better for Couples?

Glasgow
Chartres

Glasgow and Chartres are both good to visit as a couple.

Glasgow is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

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 Glasgow or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow
Chartres

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Chartres are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Glasgow. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Chartres is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Glasgow or Chartres Better for Students?

Glasgow
Chartres

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

Glasgow is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Chartres is not popular with students.


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

Glasgow
Chartres

Glasgow and Chartres both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit in Chartres is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Glasgow or Chartres a more walkable city?

Glasgow
Chartres

Glasgow and Chartres are very good when it comes to walkability.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored 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 Glasgow Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Chartres?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Glasgow or Chartres? Ideal Length of Stay
    Glasgow 2-3 
    Chartres 1-2

One day in Glasgow or Chartres?

The city of Glasgow offers museums and nightlife. 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.

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 Glasgow or Chartres?

Glasgow 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 Glasgow, 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 Glasgow or Chartres?

Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Chartres?

Glasgow 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Chartres or Glasgow?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, 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 Glasgow and Chartres in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Glasgow £74
    Chartres £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Glasgow £148
    Chartres £102
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Chartres

Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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 Glasgow


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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Chartres Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Glasgow £27
    Chartres £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $834
  • Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $781
  • Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $312
  • Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $275
  • Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $241
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $213
  • Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $207
  • Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
  • Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $172
  • Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Car: $169
  • Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
  • Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Chartres?

Prices for flights to both Chartres and Glasgow 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
    Glasgow £45
    Chartres £33
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:


  • Dessert at Farmer's Market
    £1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Glasgow £22
    Chartres £19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)
    £12
  • Two Bike Rental
    £34

Tours and Activities in Glasgow

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.

  • 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $144
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Glasgow: $209
  • 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $260
  • 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $272
  • 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $284
  • Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
  • City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $512
  • Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow: $152
  • Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,124
  • From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,031
  • From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $262

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
    Glasgow £15
    Chartres £10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:


  • Bottle of Wine
    £12
  • Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
    £3.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:

  • Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
  • Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
  • Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456


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


Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Chartres?

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

Both Chartres and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Glasgow is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Chartres. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Glasgow 15°C (59°F) 
    Chartres 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Glasgow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

Glasgow is cooler than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Glasgow or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Chartres. The winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. In the winter, Glasgow is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Chartres. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Glasgow or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Chartres. The activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

In April, Glasgow is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Chartres. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Chartres and Glasgow

Glasgow Chartres
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)