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

Should you visit Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a trendy, high energy, and modern port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Rotterdam and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Rotterdam and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Rotterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotterdam is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Chartres is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Chartres and Rotterdam.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rotterdam. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Chartres can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Rotterdam is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Chartres offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Rotterdam or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Rotterdam for the nightlife scene. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Chartres?

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

Rotterdam is well-known for its shopping. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Rotterdam or Chartres Better for Families?

Rotterdam 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, Rotterdam is very family-friendly. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

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 Rotterdam or Chartres Better for Couples?

Rotterdam and Chartres both good destinations for a couple.

Rotterdam is a good port city for couples to visit. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Chartres is a nice destination for couples. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Rotterdam or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Chartres are good places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chartres. 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 Rotterdam or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Rotterdam is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam and Chartres both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Rotterdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Chartres. 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 Rotterdam or Chartres a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Chartres are superb when it comes to walkability.

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Chartres?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Chartres?

Rotterdam is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Chartres. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chartres has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Chartres?

Rotterdam 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and food around the spectacular destination of Chartres. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Chartres?

Rotterdam 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the grand town of Chartres. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Chartres?

Rotterdam 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 port city offers something for everyone.

Chartres is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, 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 Rotterdam and Chartres, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Chartres?

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

Both Chartres and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Chartres. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

Rotterdam is cooler than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Chartres. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, 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. Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Chartres. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Chartres. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm.

In April, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in April than Chartres. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Rotterdam