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

Should you visit Chartres or Venice?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Venice? 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.

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. See Chartres travel costs.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. Many visitors also come to Venice because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Venice travel costs.

Chartres and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice. Although Chartres and Venice are both popular with visitors, Venice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Venice is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Venice is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Venice are world-renowned. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Chartres or Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Venice 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.

Venice has a huge number of terrific restaurants. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables. Many of the restaurants are excellent, but head into the local neighborhoods for the best 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 Chartres or Venice Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is decent in both Chartres and Venice.

Chartres doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few bars where you can grab a drink while you're in town.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Chartres or Venice Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Venice can be explored in its historical center. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Venice?

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

Known for shopping, Venice draws large crowds to its stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Venice More Beautiful?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Chartres is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Venice because of it's amazing beauty. The city's beautiful canals, architecture, and gondolas make it among the most stunning and unique places to visit in the world.

Chartres is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chartres or Venice Better for Families?

Venice 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, Venice is very family-friendly. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Chartres or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Chartres is a good town 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 Chartres or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Chartres or Venice Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Venice is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Venice has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Chartres offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Chartres or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Chartres Worth Visiting? and Is Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Venice?

Both Chartres and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Chartres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Chartres. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful city of Venice 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.

A weekend in Chartres or Venice?

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.

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

Five days in Chartres or Venice?

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.

Venice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Chartres or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the grand 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.

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chartres and Venice, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Chartres Expensive? and Is Venice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Venice?

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

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 Chartres or Venice in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Chartres is cooler than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chartres in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Venice. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Venice during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives less rain than Venice. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chartres or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Chartres during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chartres is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 13°C (56°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Venice. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Venice. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Venice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Venice. Many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. Chartres is much warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Venice during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chartres usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Venice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Venice. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Chartres is cooler than Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chartres in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Chartres often gets more sunshine than Venice. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Venice. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Chartres