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

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

Inverness

Inverness is a local, historic, and cultural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a captivating, thrilling, and posh 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Inverness and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Home to Loch Ness
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


Is there more to do in Inverness or Monaco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monaco than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monaco is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Inverness is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Monaco is more touristy than Inverness and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Also, Monaco is famous for Monte Carlo. Inverness is well known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

How is Inverness different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Monaco

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

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Inverness
Monaco

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Inverness and Monaco.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Inverness. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Monaco has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Inverness or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Monaco

Monaco is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Monaco is a must-see party destination. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Inverness or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Inverness
Monaco

Monaco is terrific for its resorts. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not a resort destination.


Is Inverness or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Inverness
Monaco

Monaco is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Inverness or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Inverness
Monaco

Monaco is very good for the beache. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Monaco?

Inverness
Monaco

Monaco is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Monaco make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.


Is Inverness or Monaco Better for Families?

Inverness
Monaco

Inverness 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 Inverness. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

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 Inverness or Monaco Better for Couples?

Inverness
Monaco

Monaco is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

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

Inverness
Monaco

Monaco is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Monaco has a few public transit options. There is a bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.


Is Inverness or Monaco a more walkable city?

Inverness
Monaco

Monaco is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Monaco?

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

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

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


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

One day in Inverness or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Inverness. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

People visit Monaco because there is so much to do. 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 Inverness or Monaco?

Inverness 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.

People visit Monaco because there is so much to do. 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 Inverness or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. 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 glamorous 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 Inverness or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Inverness. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Monaco or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Monaco is £162. 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 Inverness and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Monaco £102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Monaco £204
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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 Inverness


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: Inverness Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Monaco £15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Monaco: $123
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Monaco: $150
  • Private Transfer from Monaco to Nice: $171
  • Private Transfer from Monaco to Nice: $192
  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $228

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Monaco £46

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Monaco £20

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57

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
    £86

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: $3.21
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Monaco Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Monte Carlo & Audioguide: $14
  • City Neighborhoods Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $26
  • Guided tour of Monaco in 2 hours: $34
  • Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour: $53
  • Highlights of Monte Carlo Guided Walking Tour: $59
  • From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Monaco £22

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

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

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

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

  • Nice: Wine Tasting Class in City Center: $73


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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Monaco?

Inverness has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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.