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

Should you visit Porto or Chartres?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Chartres can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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.

Porto and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Porto and Chartres are popular destinations, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres attracts visitors for its small town charm. Porto is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Porto different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Porto offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Porto for the nightlife scene. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Porto or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Porto is great for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Chartres?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Porto or Chartres Better for Families?

Porto 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, Porto is very family-friendly. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Chartres is a good port 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 Porto or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto 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, Porto is extremely popular for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Porto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Porto and Chartres both offer great public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Chartres has some very good public transit options. 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 Porto or Chartres a more walkable city?

Porto and Chartres are great when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Porto?

How long in Porto or Chartres?

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

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Chartres?

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 grand 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 Porto or Chartres?

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port 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 Porto, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Porto or Chartres?

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, 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 Porto or Chartres?

Porto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day 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 Porto and Chartres, we can see that Porto 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 Porto Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Chartres?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Porto is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°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 Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Chartres. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In October, Porto is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Porto gets 184 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 Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Chartres. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chartres. Porto is much warmer than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Chartres. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Chartres. Many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Chartres in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Porto is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Chartres. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Porto