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

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Should you visit Lisbon or Monaco?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Lisbon or Monaco? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a stunning, picturesque, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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 glamorous, captivating, and thrilling coastal resort area. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Lisbon and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Lisbon
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Monaco
Pros
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


How is Lisbon different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lisbon or Monaco Better for Food?

Lisbon
Monaco

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

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Monaco makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Lisbon or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon
Monaco

The nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and Monaco.

The nightlife in Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style.

Monaco is a world class 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.

Is Lisbon or Monaco Better for Shopping?

Lisbon
Monaco

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Lisbon and Monaco.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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.

Is Lisbon or Monaco Better for Families?

Lisbon
Monaco

There's generally more to do with your family in Lisbon than Monaco.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars.

Monaco doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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 Lisbon or Monaco Better for Couples?

Lisbon
Monaco

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Monaco make for a good place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting 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.


Is Lisbon or Monaco Better for Public Transit?

Lisbon
Monaco

Lisbon generally offers a better public transit system than Monaco.

Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

You'll find some public transit in Monaco, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system.

Is Lisbon or Monaco a more walkable city?

Lisbon
Monaco

Lisbon and Monaco are similar when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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.

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than Monaco.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Lisbon is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Monaco is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Lisbon or Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lisbon 3-7 
    Monaco 1-3

One day in Lisbon or Monaco?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Lisbon or Monaco?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. 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 Lisbon or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Lisbon or Monaco?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the posh 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.

Which city is cheaper, Monaco or Lisbon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €105, while the average daily cost in Monaco is €148. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lisbon and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon €47
    Monaco €94
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon €94
    Monaco €188
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon 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 Lisbon


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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Monaco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon €19
    Monaco €14
Typical Local Transportation prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    €6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

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

  • Airport Private Transfer in Van to Caldas da Rainha or Óbidos or Fátima: $165
  • Airport Private Transfer in Van to Cascais or Sintra or Estoril: $68
  • Airport Private Transfer to Caldas da Rainha or Óbidos or Fátima: $99
  • Airport Private Transfer to Cascais or Sintra or Estoril: $27
  • Airport Private Transfer to Costa da Caparica or Almada: $19
  • Airport Private Transfer to Ericeira or Torres Vedras: $46
  • Airport Transfer: $44
  • Airport Transfer Lisbon: $54
  • Algarve Private Direct Transfer from Lisbon: $760
  • Arrival Private Transfer Business Car Lisbon airport LIS to Lisbon City: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van Lisbon airport LIS to Lisbon City: $49
  • Arrival Transfer at Family & Friends: $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Private transfer: Monaco Airport (MCM) to Monaco: $622
  • Private Departure Transfer from Monaco Hotels to Nice Airport: $65
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $124
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Car: $157
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $108
  • Monaco Transfer: Monaco Cruise Port to Nice Airport: $80
  • Monaco Private Transfer from Monaco-Ville to Nice Airport: $174
  • Departure Private Transfers from Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $118
  • Departure Private Transfers from Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE: $98
  • Between Monaco and Nice: Single Helicopter Transfer: $199

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco and Lisbon 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
    Lisbon €34
    Monaco €43
Typical Food prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    €2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

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

  • Virtual Portuguese Cooking Lesson: $31
  • Live Online Cooking Class from Pastel de Nata with Filipa: $39
  • Bohemian dinner party on a beautiful rooftop near the coast: $42
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $51
  • The magic of Pasteis de Nata cooking class in Lisbon: $53
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Lisbon: $54
  • Withlocals Your Way: Lisbon Personalised Private Food Tour: $56
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Local Baker: $57
  • Private Groups: Pastel de Nata cooking class and tasting in Lisbon's pastry shop: $57
  • Authentic Portuguese dinner with a local chef: $58
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $62
  • Lisbon Old Town Food Tour by Sitway: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon €19
    Monaco €18

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

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

  • Lisbon Downtown Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.24
  • Lisbon Historical Walking Tour: $3.11
  • Sintra Myths and Legends Interpretative Center Entry Ticket: $3.99
  • Contemporary Park of Nations Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • The Soul of Alfama Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap Lisbon: $5.99
  • Museu Coleção Berardo Admission Ticket: $6.22
  • Skip the Line: Pilar 7 Bridge Experience Admission Ticket: $6.22
  • Street Art Virtual Tour in Lisbon: $6.22
  • Lisboa Story Centre: 1-Day Admission Ticket: $7.41
  • Lisboa Story Centre Admission Ticket: $8.09
  • Capuchos Convent Skip-the-Line Ticket: $8.71
  • Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Admission Ticket: $12

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:

  • 3 hours Deluxe Sightdriving tour: $926
  • 30 Minute Ferrari California T Sports Car Experience from Monaco: $290
  • Beautiful Nice only for you sightseeing from Monaco: $648
  • Cannes, Antibes and Nice Private Tour from Monaco: $750
  • Cities of artists in Provence sightseeing tour from Monaco: $778
  • Double Supercar Driving Experience from Monaco: $1,004
  • French Riviera Private Half-Day Tour: $363
  • French Riviera Sunset Boat Cruise: $859
  • French Riviera Tour: $1,021
  • French Riviera: 2-Hour Private Boat Cruise: $837
  • From Cannes: Monaco Small Group Night Tour: $96
  • From Nice: 1-Day Tour Côte d'Azur Extraordinary Houses: $735

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon €14
    Monaco €21

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
  • 3-Hour Portuguese History & Flavors Food & Wine Tour: $30
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting and Cheese Lunch: $56
  • Christ the King and Arrábida Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Lisbon: $58
  • Craft Beer, Port & Wine Tour: $68
  • Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $75
  • Santuário Cristo Rei-Sesimbra-Castle Palmela-Bacalhoa Winery with wine tasting: $81
  • Full-Day Évora Wine Tour: $84
  • Wine Tasting in Lisbon: $87
  • Private Van Tour Arrabida and Wine Tasting: $89
  • Wine tasting Private Day Tour ARRABIDA: $92
  • Van Private Tour Arrábida Wine Tour: $96

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

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

  • Authentic Wine Tasting Experience: $48
  • Monaco Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Nice and Eze with Wine Tasting: $657
  • Private St-Jeannet, St-Paul-de-Vence, and Wine Tour from Monaco: $843

About these numbers

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

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Lisbon vs. Monaco Travel Comparison

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