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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Monaco?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Frankfurt and Monaco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dynamic, diverse, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a captivating, thrilling, and posh coastal resort area. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Frankfurt and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Monaco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Frankfurt and Monaco are both popular with visitors, Monaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monaco is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Frankfurt is known for its museums and historical sights. Monaco is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Frankfurt different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Frankfurt specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Frankfurt and Monaco can be an enjoyable experience.

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

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.

Is Frankfurt or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

The people in Frankfurt know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

Is Frankfurt or Monaco Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Monaco is a perfect choice. 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.

Frankfurt is not a resort destination.

Is Frankfurt or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Frankfurt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Frankfurt or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Monaco is very good for the beach. However, Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Monaco to enjoy the beach. 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.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Is Frankfurt or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt is very good for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Frankfurt to see the old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Monaco?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Monaco specifically to go shopping. 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.

Frankfurt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Is Frankfurt or Monaco Better for Families?

Frankfurt is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Frankfurt is a very kid-friendly city. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt or Monaco Better for Couples?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Monaco 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.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Is Frankfurt or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Frankfurt is a great city to visit for backpackers. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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 Frankfurt or Monaco Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Frankfurt. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

Frankfurt is an amazing city to visit 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 Frankfurt is top-notch. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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

Is Frankfurt or Monaco a more walkable city?

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

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

Frankfurt is very walkable. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Frankfurt and Monaco. In our opinion, Monaco has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Monaco than Frankfurt. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Monaco than Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt.

One day in Frankfurt or Monaco?

Frankfurt is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal resort area of Monaco. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monaco has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Frankfurt or Monaco?

Frankfurt 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glitzy big city of Monaco. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal resort area has to offer. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Frankfurt or Monaco?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the captivating coastal resort area of Monaco. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Frankfurt or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible big city of Frankfurt. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Monaco is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Monaco?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 640 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt 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.