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

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

London

London is a diverse, iconic, and global city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a captivating, thrilling, and posh 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

London and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Monaco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in London. Although London and Monaco are both popular with visitors, London has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Monaco is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. London is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Monaco is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities.

Big Ben

How is London different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London 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 London are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Is London or Monaco Better for Theater?

London is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Monaco is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in London is world-class. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Monaco is not a theatre destination.

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

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

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 London or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find fantastic options in both London and Monaco.

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Monaco is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 London or Monaco Better for Music?

London 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 London Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Monaco is not a live music destination.

Is London or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Monaco is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, London 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.

London is not a resort destination.

Is London or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, London 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.

London is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is London or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Monaco is very good for the beach. However, London 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.

London is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Monaco?

If you're looking to go shopping, London and Monaco both offer plenty of fantastic spots.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Monaco Better for Christmas?

London is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Monaco does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, London is not to be missed. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Monaco does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Monaco Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Monaco does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit London because of the beautiful Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Monaco does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Monaco Better for Families?

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

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Monaco Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London 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 London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Monaco Better for Students?

London is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

London 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 London is top-notch. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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

Is London or Monaco a more walkable city?

London and Monaco are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or London?

How long in London or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both London and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in London than in Monaco. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

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

Couples should spend more time in London than Monaco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in London that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London 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 London.

One day in London or Monaco?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 London or Monaco?

London 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 London or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 London or Monaco?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 glitzy 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 United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Monaco, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Monaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Monaco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Monaco 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Monaco.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Monaco?

London has a larger population, and is about 7280 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of London 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.