A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Monaco vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Monaco and Aix-en-Provence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Monaco

Monaco is a thrilling, posh, and glitzy 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Monaco and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Aix-en-Provence are both popular with visitors, Monaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monaco is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its museums and food. Monaco is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Monaco different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Aix-en-Provence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is an amazing town to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Aix-en-Provence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

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 Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Resorts?

Monaco is terrific for its resorts. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Monaco offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monaco has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Monaco has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Aix-en-Provence and Monaco.

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 people travel to Aix-en-Provence specifically to go shopping. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Monaco or Aix-en-Provence as a family destination.

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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Monaco is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Aix-en-Provence is a great coastal resort area if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aix-en-Provence is very good for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Aix-en-Provence is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

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 Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Aix-en-Provence is very popular with students. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Monaco and Aix-en-Provence.

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

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Monaco or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Monaco is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Monaco or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monaco, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence.

One day in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Monaco is a big city with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Monaco is a big city with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Aix-en-Provence 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 Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Monaco is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. 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 Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Monaco. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Aix-en-Provence. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is bigger, and its population is about 143.9 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the population of Monaco vs. Aix-en-Provence, 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 and the activities that interest you.