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

Should you visit Interlaken 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 Interlaken and Monaco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Monaco

Monaco is a captivating, thrilling, and posh 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Interlaken and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Monaco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Interlaken 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, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is famous for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Monaco is famous for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo.

How is Interlaken different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Monaco Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for winter skiing. However, Monaco is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Monaco is not a skiing destination.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Monaco both to be very good destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Monaco. 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 Interlaken or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Monaco Better for Resorts?

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

Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Is Interlaken or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Interlaken or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Monaco is very good for its beaches. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Monaco Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Monaco?

Monaco is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Monaco. 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Monaco Better for Families?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Monaco Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Monaco are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Monaco has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Is Interlaken or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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

Is Interlaken or Monaco a more walkable city?

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Monaco. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

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

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

One day in Interlaken or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

When visiting Monaco, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monaco, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Monaco?

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

When visiting Monaco, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal resort area.

Five days in Interlaken or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Monaco, a popular coastal resort area, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Interlaken. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Monaco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Monaco, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive? and Is Monaco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Monaco?

Interlaken has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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.