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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Chartres? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a historic, vibrant, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Thessaloniki and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thessaloniki is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Thessaloniki different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Thessaloniki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

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 Thessaloniki or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Thessaloniki for the nightlife scene. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Thessaloniki or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Thessaloniki. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Chartres?

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

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Chartres Better for Families?

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

Thessaloniki offers lots of family activities. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

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 Thessaloniki or Chartres Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Chartres make for a notable place to visit.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

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 Thessaloniki or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Chartres is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Chartres can get you around 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.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Thessaloniki or Chartres a more walkable city?

Chartres is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Chartres?

The city of Thessaloniki offers food and shopping. 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 museums and food that this grand town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Chartres?

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

Chartres is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Chartres?

Thessaloniki 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.

You'll find museums and food around the grand destination of Chartres. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Chartres?

Thessaloniki 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.

Chartres is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Chartres?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Chartres in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Chartres. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Chartres. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Chartres. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Chartres. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Chartres. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Thessaloniki