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

Should you visit York or Chartres?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food and museums.

York and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in York. Although York and Chartres are popular destinations, York has more sights and attractions for tourists. York is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Chartres attracts visitors for its small town charm. York is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is York different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York 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, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to York for the nightlife scene. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is York or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

York is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of York can be explored in its historical center. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Chartres?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Chartres Better for Families?

York is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

York is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks 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 York or Chartres Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chartres is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Chartres is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Chartres a more walkable city?

Chartres is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or York?

How long in York or Chartres?

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

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

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

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

One day in York or Chartres?

The city of York offers food and shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Chartres. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Chartres?

York 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in York, 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. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Chartres?

York is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 historic destination of Chartres. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Chartres?

York 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 city offers something for everyone.

The grand town of Chartres offers food and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Chartres?

York has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Chartres in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Chartres. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In the summer, York is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Chartres. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Chartres. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

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

York usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives more rain than Chartres. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. York is cooler than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Chartres. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Chartres. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Chartres. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, York is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. York gets 47 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 York