A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montpellier vs. Monaco for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Montpellier or Monaco?

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 Montpellier and Monaco. 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.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of Montpellier is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Montpellier travel costs.

Monaco

Monaco is a glitzy, glamorous, and captivating coastal resort area. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Monaco attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Monaco travel costs.

Montpellier and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Monaco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Montpellier and Monaco are both popular with visitors, Monaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monaco is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and big city activities, while Montpellier is known for its museums and attractions, beaches, and historical sights. Monaco is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Montpellier different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Montpellier or Monaco?

Montpellier is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Montpellier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Montpellier or Monaco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monaco is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Monaco is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine is heavily influenced by both French and Italian cuisines. You'll find many dishes that take advantage of the coastal location, with seafood being very common. The national dish is Barbagiuan, which is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss chard, and other vegetables.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Monaco is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's where sophistication meets glam, with many luxury nightclubs, cocktail bars, casinos, and even opera houses that you can explore. The city attracts celebrities, wealthy business people, and jetsetters who are looking to socialize, see, and be seen.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Montpellier or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Monaco for its luxury resorts. As the playground for the rich and famous, this city has its share of luxury resorts. Famous hotels include the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, and the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Montpellier or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Monaco. There are both beaches that offer walk-in snorkeling spots as well as boat tours that you can book that will take you to some of the best snorkeling and dive sights around Monaco.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Montpellier or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is well known for the beach. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Monaco has a beach worth visiting. Located along the French Riviera, the beaches are a mix of pebbles and sand. The only public beach is Plage du Larvotto in Monte Carlo and there are a number of activities available including jet skis and wind-surfing. This is also a very family-friendly beach that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Is Montpellier or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Monaco?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Monaco is a world class destination for shoppers. A visit would not be complete without experiencing the city's shopping. There are couture, luxury brands as well as local boutiques that are frequented by the wealthy and famous. Popular shopping areas include Le Metropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Centre, and La Condamine Market.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Montpellier or Monaco More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Montpellier and Monaco.

With stunning beauty, Montpellier attracts visitors from all around. With it's long history and beautiful architecture, this is a beautiful town.

Monaco is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's located along the French Riviera and it is a captivating area with an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

Is Montpellier or Monaco Better for Families?

Montpellier is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

For families, Monaco is not always the best place to visit. The city has a few family-friendly activities like an Oceanography Museum, a Zoological Park, and a harbor where kids can explore. You can also check out the Changing of the Guards in the Old Town. The public beach in town, Plage du Larvotto, is very family-friendly as well.

Is Montpellier or Monaco Better for Couples?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Monaco is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Filled with luxury, a couple can enjoy perusing the yachts in the harbor, dining on fine cuisine at an award winning restaurant, or staying at one of the many fancy hotels in town. You can also explore the area by air, by taking a truly spectacular helicopter tour.

Montpellier is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Montpellier or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is well known for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Monaco is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Known for it's luxury accommodation and posh visitors, this coastal area isn't known for its backpacker friendly atmosphere. Most budget travelers skip the glitz and glam of this microstate in order to save a few bucks.

Is Montpellier or Monaco Better for Students?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Montpellier or Monaco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Montpellier is well known for its public transit. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Monaco offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system.

Is Montpellier or Monaco a more walkable city?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Monaco on foot is easy. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is Monaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Montpellier and Monaco. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Monaco 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 Montpellier.

One day in Montpellier or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Monaco is a thrilling coastal resort area where you can fill many days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal resort area has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Monaco?

Montpellier 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.

Monaco is a glamorous big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Montpellier or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The thrilling coastal resort area of Monaco offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Montpellier. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Monaco. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montpellier and Monaco, we can see that Monaco is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Monaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monaco than you might in Montpellier.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montpellier Expensive? and Is Monaco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Monaco?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Monaco, 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.