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

Should you visit Leipzig or Chartres?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Leipzig 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.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a cultural, historic, and growing city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Leipzig and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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 Leipzig or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Leipzig. Although Leipzig and Chartres are popular destinations, Leipzig has more sights and attractions for tourists. Leipzig is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Chartres attracts visitors for its small town charm. Leipzig is famous for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner. It is also well known for The Old City Hall. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Leipzig different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Leipzig
Chartres

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

Leipzig offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.

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 Leipzig or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Leipzig
Chartres

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Leipzig and Chartres.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Leipzig. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

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 Leipzig or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Leipzig
Chartres

Leipzig 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 Leipzig has a few options to choose from. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Leipzig or Chartres?

Leipzig
Chartres

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

Leipzig is well-known for its shopping. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Leipzig or Chartres Better for Families?

Leipzig
Chartres

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

Leipzig offers lots of family activities. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.

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 Leipzig or Chartres Better for Couples?

Leipzig
Chartres

Leipzig and Chartres are both nice to visit as a couple.

Leipzig is a nice destination for couples. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.

Chartres makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Leipzig or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leipzig
Chartres

For backpackers, both Leipzig and Chartres are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Leipzig. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.

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

Leipzig
Chartres

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Leipzig. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.

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.

Is Leipzig or Chartres a more walkable city?

Leipzig
Chartres

Chartres is great for its walkability. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Leipzig is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Leipzig?

How long in Leipzig or Chartres?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Leipzig or Chartres?

The city of Leipzig offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Leipzig or Chartres?

Leipzig 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 Leipzig, 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 Leipzig or Chartres?

Leipzig 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 Leipzig or Chartres?

Leipzig 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Chartres or Leipzig?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leipzig is €166, while the average daily cost in Chartres is €117. 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 Leipzig and Chartres in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leipzig 91
    Chartres 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leipzig 182
    Chartres 118
Compare Hotels in Leipzig and Chartres

Looking for a hotel in Leipzig 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 Leipzig


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: Leipzig Hotel Prices and Chartres Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leipzig 27
    Chartres 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

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

  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $93
  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $68
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Leipzig or Chartres?

Prices for flights to both Chartres and Leipzig 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
    Leipzig 53
    Chartres 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leipzig

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

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leipzig 36
    Chartres 22

Tours and Activities in Leipzig

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

  • 1.5-Hour Historical Tour of Leipzig with Costumed Guide: $21
  • 2 hours Leipzig exclusive: Private city tour with Panorama Tower: $217
  • Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off: $20
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig Südvorstadt - independent discovery tour: $44
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig city center - independent city tour: $44
  • City tour on foot, by S-Bahn and tram: $24
  • Combo Tour in Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing: $21
  • Corpses, Leprosy, Lucifer 75-minute Tour at the Old Cemetery: $19
  • From Day Tour to the Green Belt: $631
  • From Markkleeberg: Full-Day Guided Cycling Tour by the Lakes: $48
  • Gruseltour Leipzig 90-minute walking tour about the Dark Secrets of Leipzig: $19
  • Gruseltour A Haunted Guided Tour: $18

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
    Leipzig 26
    Chartres 12


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


Which is Bigger, Leipzig or Chartres?

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

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

In the summer, Leipzig is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leipzig in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leipzig. Leipzig usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during summer. Leipzig gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leipzig usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Leipzig gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F) 
    Chartres 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Leipzig during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Leipzig for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

In October, Leipzig is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Leipzig average around 11°C (52°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Leipzig often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Leipzig gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Chartres. Leipzig gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F) 
    Chartres 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leipzig and Chartres. The winter months attract visitors to Leipzig 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 Leipzig can be very cold. Leipzig is much colder than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Leipzig averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Leipzig usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during winter. Leipzig gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leipzig usually receives less rain than Chartres. Leipzig gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F) 
    Chartres 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leipzig as well as Chartres. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

In the spring, Leipzig is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leipzig in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Leipzig often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Leipzig gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chartres. Leipzig gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F) 
    Chartres 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Chartres and Leipzig

Leipzig Chartres
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)