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

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

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Monaco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon. Although Lisbon and Monaco are both popular with visitors, Lisbon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lisbon is more popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Monaco is known for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. Monaco is more touristy than Lisbon and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Lisbon is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge.

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.

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

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Lisbon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

The world-class 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. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Music?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Monaco is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Lisbon The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Monaco is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Lisbon is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Monaco is a great 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.

Lisbon is not a resort destination.

Is Lisbon or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lisbon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monaco has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Lisbon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lisbon or Monaco Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Lisbon and Monaco are good choices.

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

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.

Is Lisbon or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Lisbon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Monaco?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class 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 is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Lisbon is a very kid-friendly city. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or Monaco Better for Couples?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Monaco makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Is Lisbon or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lisbon. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Monaco Better for Students?

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

Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon is top-notch. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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

Is Lisbon or Monaco a more walkable city?

Lisbon and Monaco are world-class 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.

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

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 in Monaco. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

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

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

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Monaco?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 510 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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.