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

Should you visit Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a waterfront, active, and nature-focused 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 posh, glitzy, and glamorous coastal resort area. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Helsinki and Monaco: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Monaco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monaco than Helsinki, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monaco is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Helsinki is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Monaco is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Also, Monaco is famous for Monte Carlo. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Helsinki
Monaco

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

Many visitors head to Helsinki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Helsinki
Monaco

Monaco is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Monaco

Monaco is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Monaco just to party. 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.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Helsinki
Monaco

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

Helsinki is not a resort destination.


Is Helsinki or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Helsinki
Monaco

Monaco is a coastal resort area with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Helsinki or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Helsinki
Monaco

Monaco is a coastal resort area with good options for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

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.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Monaco?

Helsinki
Monaco

Monaco is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.


Is Helsinki or Monaco Better for Families?

Helsinki
Monaco

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

Helsinki is a very kid-friendly city. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki or Monaco Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Monaco

Monaco is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Is Helsinki or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Monaco

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

Helsinki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

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 Helsinki or Monaco Better for Students?

Helsinki
Monaco

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

Helsinki is very popular with students. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki
Monaco

Helsinki 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 Helsinki can get you to some places easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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

Is Helsinki or Monaco a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Monaco

Monaco is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.


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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Helsinki and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Helsinki than in Monaco. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

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


  • How many days in Helsinki or Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Monaco 1-3

One day in Helsinki or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Helsinki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Monaco is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Monaco?

Helsinki 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal resort area makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monaco, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Helsinki or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront destination of Helsinki. 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 great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland.


Which place is cheaper, Monaco or Helsinki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, 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 Helsinki and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Monaco 119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Monaco 238
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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 Helsinki


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: Helsinki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Monaco 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Helsinki Port to Helsinki City by luxury van: $57
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki in Business Car: $98
  • Departure Private Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL by business car: $58
  • Departure Private Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL by luxury van: $69
  • Departure Private Transfer from Helsinki City to Helsinki Port by business car: $45
  • Departure Private Transfer from Helsinki City to Helsinki Port by luxury van: $57
  • Departure Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL in Business Car: $98
  • Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $221
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki City hotel Round-Trip Transfer: $84
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $147
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $131

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 Helsinki or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco and Helsinki 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
    Helsinki 34
    Monaco 53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $108
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $109
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Monaco 23

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tip-Based City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $2.17
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Historic Helsinki Walking Tour: $6.43
  • Helsinki Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $7.06
  • Escape Game and Tour: $7.06
  • Temppeliaukio Church Entrance Ticket: $8.69
  • From Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Suomenlinna: $8.77
  • Suomenlinna Museum Ticket: $9.77
  • Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $14
  • 4D Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki Tickets: $14

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:

  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $71
  • Eze and Full Day Shared Tour: $103
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $71
  • From Nice: Italian Riviera, Monaco, & Monte Carlo Tour: $733
  • Italian Riviera & Monaco/ Monte-Carlo Sightseeing Tour: $733
  • Jewels of Monaco – Walking Tour for Couples: $477
  • La Condamine: City Highlights Walking Tour: $379
  • Monaco & Monte-Carlo: Guided Hidden Gems Tour: $141
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.43
  • Monaco Private Walking Tour: $339
  • Monaco by Night Private Tour: $505

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Monaco 26

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

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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Monaco?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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.