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

Should you visit Cadiz or Monaco?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cadiz and Monaco can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a historic, authentic, and friendly port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a posh, glitzy, and glamorous coastal resort area. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cadiz and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cadiz or Monaco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Cadiz and Monaco are popular destinations, Monaco has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monaco is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cadiz attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Monaco is more touristy than Cadiz and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo. Cadiz is famous for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

How is Cadiz different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cadiz
Monaco

Cadiz is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Cadiz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cadiz
Monaco

Monaco is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Monaco makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Cadiz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

Is Cadiz or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Cadiz
Monaco

Monaco is renowned for nightlife. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Monaco is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

Is Cadiz or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Cadiz
Monaco

Monaco is renowned for its resorts. However, Cadiz is not a resort destination.

Monaco is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Cadiz is not a resort destination.


Is Cadiz or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cadiz
Monaco

Monaco is a coastal resort area with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cadiz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Cadiz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cadiz or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Cadiz
Monaco

Monaco is a coastal resort area with good options for its beaches. However, Cadiz is not a good port city for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monaco. 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.

You can check out the beach in Cadiz. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.

Is Cadiz or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Cadiz
Monaco

Cadiz is well known for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cadiz. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or Monaco?

Cadiz
Monaco

Monaco is renowned for shopping. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Monaco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Cadiz is well-known for its shopping. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

Is Cadiz or Monaco Better for Families?

Cadiz
Monaco

Cadiz 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 Cadiz. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

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 Cadiz or Monaco Better for Couples?

Cadiz
Monaco

Monaco is renowned for romance. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Monaco is a great coastal resort area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Cadiz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.


Is Cadiz or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cadiz
Monaco

Cadiz is very good for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cadiz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

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

Cadiz
Monaco

Both Cadiz and Monaco offer nice public transit options.

Cadiz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

Monaco has some public transit options. There is a bus system.

Is Cadiz or Monaco a more walkable city?

Cadiz
Monaco

Monaco is renowned for its walkability. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cadiz is a very walkable port city. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.


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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cadiz and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Monaco than in Cadiz. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cadiz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

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

Couples should spend more time in Monaco than Cadiz. 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.


  • How many days in Cadiz or Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cadiz 1-2 
    Monaco 1-3

One day in Cadiz or Monaco?

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

Each neighborhood in Monaco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Cadiz or Monaco?

Cadiz 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cadiz or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cadiz. 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.

Monaco is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Monaco. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Cadiz or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Cadiz. This port 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the captivating big city of Monaco. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Monaco or Cadiz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cadiz is €152, while the average daily cost in Monaco is €189. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cadiz and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cadiz 77
    Monaco 119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cadiz 154
    Monaco 238
Compare Hotels in Cadiz and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Cadiz or Monaco? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cadiz


Hotels in Monaco


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cadiz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cadiz 30
    Monaco 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cadiz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cadiz:

  • Private Transfer from Cadiz city hotels to Cadiz Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from/to Cadiz Airport to/from Hotel: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Monaco: $149
  • Private Transfer from Monaco to Nice: $192
  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Cadiz or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco and Cadiz change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cadiz 45
    Monaco 53
Typical Food Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Dinner and Tapas
    15
  • Lunch for 1
    10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cadiz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cadiz.

  • Tapas Food Tour in Jerez de la Frontera: $39
  • Food Tour Cadiz: $74
  • Tabancos Food Tour Jerez: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cadiz 27
    Monaco 23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Cadiz Sightseeing Tour
    15

Tours and Activities in Cadiz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cadiz are as follows:

  • Audioguided Tour of Cádiz Monumental, at your pace: $4.25
  • Cadiz Town Center Outdoor Escape Game: A Story Adventure: $6.92
  • Story Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Cadiz Town Center : $7.05
  • Cádiz Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Experience: $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.32
  • City Center Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Historical Walking Tour: $11
  • Guided tour of Cádiz: stories from the hand of a local guide: $11
  • Cádiz: Cadiz Milenaria Guided Tour: $13
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Charming Cadiz: $15
  • Cádiz: Self-Guided Audio Smartphone App Tour: $15
  • 2 Hours Tour around Cádiz: History, anecdotes and curiosities: $16

Typical Entertainment Prices in Monaco

Here are a few typical costs in Monaco for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Grand Prix for Two
    101

Tours and Activities in Monaco

Here are a few actual costs in Monaco for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.33
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Monte Carlo & Audioguide: $14
  • City Neighborhoods Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Ticket: $20
  • Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $26
  • From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour: $38
  • Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour: $53
  • Highlights of Monte Carlo Guided Walking Tour: $59
  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cadiz 28
    Monaco 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Cadiz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cadiz:

  • Private Tour with Tapas, Wine Tasting and Bike Rental: $107
  • Countryside Olive Oil & Wine Tasting: $128

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

Also in Monaco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Nice: Wine Tasting Class in City Center: $72


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cadiz and Monaco, we can see that Monaco is more expensive. And not only is Cadiz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cadiz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cadiz 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 Cadiz.

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


Which is Bigger, Cadiz or Monaco?

Cadiz has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz 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.