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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Zurich and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zurich than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zurich is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Zurich is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Zurich different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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 Zurich or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zurich 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.

Zurich has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Zurich for the nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Zurich or Chartres Better for Music?

Zurich is great for its live music scene. However, Chartres is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich draws a good crowd. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Chartres is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Chartres?

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

Known for shopping, Zurich draws large crowds to its stores. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zurich or Chartres Better for Families?

Zurich 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, Zurich is very family-friendly. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Zurich is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Chartres are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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 Zurich or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Both Zurich and Chartres offer superb public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

The public transit in Chartres can get you to most places 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.

Is Zurich or Chartres a more walkable city?

Zurich and Chartres both are superb when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Chartres?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Chartres?

The beautiful city of Zurich offers museums and nightlife. 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.

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 Zurich or Chartres?

Zurich 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 Zurich, 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 Zurich or Chartres?

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

Zurich is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the spectacular 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zurich and Chartres, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Chartres?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Chartres. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Chartres. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Zurich is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Chartres. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Chartres can be very cold during winter. Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Chartres. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Chartres. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Chartres. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Zurich