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

Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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.

Ghent

Ghent is a high energy, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. 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.

Ghent and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Monaco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Ghent and Monaco are popular destinations, Monaco has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monaco is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Ghent attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Monaco is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Ghent specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Ghent and Monaco both to be high quality destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

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 Ghent or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Both Ghent and Monaco are first-rate when it comes to partying.

People head to Ghent just to party. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

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.

Is Ghent or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ghent 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.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Ghent or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ghent or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a good destination for its beaches. However, Ghent 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.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Ghent 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 Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Monaco?

Monaco is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Ghent is well-known for its shopping. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Is Ghent or Monaco Better for Families?

Ghent 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 Ghent. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

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 Ghent or Monaco Better for Couples?

Monaco is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Ghent makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Ghent or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Ghent is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

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 Ghent or Monaco Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

Ghent 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 Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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

Is Ghent or Monaco a more walkable city?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Ghent is a very walkable city. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Monaco?

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

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

One day in Ghent or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ghent. 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 Ghent or Monaco?

Ghent is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

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 Ghent or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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 Ghent or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Ghent. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the thrilling 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Monaco?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Ghent 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.