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

Should you visit Lagos or Chartres?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Chartres. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a beautiful, scenic, and adventure-filled resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food and museums.

Lagos and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and Chartres are popular destinations, Lagos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lagos is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Lagos is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for Ponta da Piedade. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Lagos different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chartres is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Chartres is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lagos is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Lagos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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

Is Lagos or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Lagos for the nightlife scene. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lagos or Chartres Better for Resorts?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Lagos is a great choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Chartres Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lagos. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Chartres Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Chartres?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lagos or Chartres Better for Families?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Lagos is a very family-friendly destination. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos or Chartres Better for Couples?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Lagos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Chartres is a good resort town 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 Lagos or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos 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, Lagos is extremely popular for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy 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 Lagos or Chartres Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chartres is well known for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Chartres a more walkable city?

Chartres is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lagos or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lagos than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Chartres?

The beautiful resort town of Lagos offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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, many people enjoy the food and museums that this historic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Chartres?

Lagos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or Chartres?

Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lagos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Chartres is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Chartres. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Chartres?

Lagos is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches 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 resort town offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and food around the spectacular destination of Chartres. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Lagos and Chartres, we can see that Lagos 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 Lagos Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Chartres. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Chartres. Many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Lagos is generally much warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Chartres. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Chartres. Many visitors come to Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Chartres can be very cold during winter. Lagos is much warmer than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Chartres. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Chartres. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Lagos