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

Should you visit Granada or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Granada and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Granada. Although Granada and Chartres are popular destinations, Granada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Granada is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres attracts visitors for its small town charm. Granada is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also well known for The Alhambra. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Granada different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada 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 Granada are world-renowned. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Granada and Chartres both to be nice destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Chartres. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Granada or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Granada for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Granada or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Granada can be explored in its historical center. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Chartres Better for Hiking?

Granada is great for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Chartres?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Granada. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Granada or Chartres Better for Families?

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

Granada offers lots of family activities. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

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 Granada or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Granada is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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 Granada or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

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 Granada or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Chartres is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Chartres a more walkable city?

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

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Granada?

How long in Granada or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Granada or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Granada than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

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

One day in Granada or Chartres?

The beautiful city of Granada offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Granada or Chartres?

Granada 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 Granada, 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 Granada or Chartres?

Granada is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Granada or Chartres?

Granada is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Granada and Chartres, we can see that Granada is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Chartres?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Chartres in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Chartres. The summer months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Chartres. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Granada as well as Chartres. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Granada is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Granada for the museums, 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. Granada is much warmer than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Chartres. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Granada during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Granada is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Chartres. Granada 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 Granada