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

Should you visit Geneva 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 Geneva 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.

Geneva

Geneva is a professional, classy, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a glitzy, glamorous, and captivating 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Geneva and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • 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
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Geneva or Monaco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Geneva and Monaco are popular destinations, Monaco has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monaco is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Geneva attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Monaco is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization.

How is Geneva different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Geneva
Monaco

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

Many visitors head to Geneva specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Geneva
Monaco

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Monaco has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Geneva or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Geneva
Monaco

Monaco is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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 Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Geneva or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Geneva
Monaco

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Geneva 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.

Geneva is not a resort destination.


Is Geneva or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Geneva
Monaco

Monaco is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Geneva 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.

Geneva is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Geneva or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Geneva
Monaco

Monaco is a good destination for its beaches. However, Geneva is not a beach destination.

Monaco offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Geneva or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Geneva
Monaco

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

Many people head to Geneva to see the old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Monaco?

Geneva
Monaco

Shopping is a popular activity in both Monaco and Geneva.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Known for shopping, Monaco draws large crowds to its 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.

Is Geneva or Monaco Better for Families?

Geneva
Monaco

Geneva 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 Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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 Geneva or Monaco Better for Couples?

Geneva
Monaco

Monaco is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.


Is Geneva or Monaco Better for Students?

Geneva
Monaco

Geneva is well known for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Geneva is very popular with students. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

Geneva
Monaco

Geneva 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 Geneva is top-notch. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Geneva or Monaco a more walkable city?

Geneva
Monaco

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

Geneva is a very walkable city. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Geneva 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 Geneva than Monaco. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Geneva, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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


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

One day in Geneva or Monaco?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Monaco. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Geneva or Monaco?

Geneva is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Monaco 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 Geneva or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Geneva or Monaco?

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

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the captivating big city of Monaco. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Monaco or Geneva?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $213, while the average daily cost in Monaco is $206. 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 Geneva and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Geneva $147
    Monaco $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Geneva $294
    Monaco $258
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Geneva 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 Geneva


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: Geneva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Geneva $9.55
    Monaco $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Airport transfer - Geneva city center: $137
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Geneva airport GVA to Geneva City by Luxury Van: $101
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Geneva airport GVA to Geneva City by Minibus: $184
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Aix-les-Bains Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $94
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Aix-les-Bains Resorts-RoundTrip Transfer: $188
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Alpe d'Huez: Arrival Private Transfer: $154
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Arrival Private Transfer: $132
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $264
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Courchevel (FR) Arrival Private Transfer: $176
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Les Deux Alpes - Arrival Private Transfer: $165

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $231

Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco and Geneva 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
    Geneva $53
    Monaco $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

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

  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $148

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Geneva $30
    Monaco $25

Tours and Activities in Geneva

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

  • From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Best of Geneva City tour with Panoramic Bus: $17
  • Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $22
  • (STTG03)Geneva International Quarter & Lakeside Sightseeing Tour: $30
  • (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $33
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Bike Guided Tour in Geneva: $34
  • The Highlights Tour in a TaxiBike: Geneva : $61
  • Geneva Highlights 2-Hour Introductory Tour: $66
  • Geneva : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $83
  • Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $85
  • Chamonix Self-guided Sightseeing Tour from Geneva: $90

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
    $110

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: $3.26
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.43
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • 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: $21
  • Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
  • Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour: $54
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour with a local licensed guide: $54
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $71
  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Geneva $23
    Monaco $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

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

  • Wine Tasting : Tour de France in Nice city centre: $74


When comparing the travel costs between Geneva and Monaco, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Geneva or Monaco?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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.