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

Should you visit Munich or Chartres?

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

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

Munich

Munich is a high energy, multicultural, and economically thriving city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Munich and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Munich. Although Munich and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Munich has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Munich is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Munich is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also home to The Nymphenburg Palace. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Munich different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Munich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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 Munich or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Munich 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.

Munich has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

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 Munich or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Munich is a world class party destination. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Munich or Chartres Better for Music?

Munich 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 Munich. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Chartres is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Chartres?

Munich is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Munich draws large crowds to its stores. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Munich or Chartres Better for Families?

Munich 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, Munich is very family-friendly. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

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 Munich or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Munich is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

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 Munich or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich 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, Munich is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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 Munich or Chartres Better for Students?

Munich is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Munich. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Munich is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Munich has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

Chartres offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Munich or Chartres a more walkable city?

Munich and Chartres both are very good when exploring on foot.

Munich is a very walkable destination. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Munich?

How long in Munich or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Munich or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Munich 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 Munich, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

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

One day in Munich or Chartres?

Munich is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Chartres. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Munich or Chartres?

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

Chartres is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Munich or Chartres?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Munich or Chartres?

Munich 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the grand destination of Chartres. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Munich or Chartres?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Munich during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Munich 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, Munich is generally around the same temperature as Chartres. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 20°C (68°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Munich. In the summer, Munich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets more rain in July than Chartres. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Chartres. Most visitors come to Munich 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.

Munich is cooler than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Munich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Munich or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Munich as well as Chartres. The winter months attract visitors to Munich 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 Munich can be very cold. In the winter, Munich is much colder than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Munich in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Munich often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in January than Chartres. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

In April, Munich is generally around the same temperature as Chartres. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 11°C (53°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Munich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during spring. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Munich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Munich