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

Should you visit Monaco or Bergen?

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 Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly 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 and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Bergen are both popular with visitors, Monaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monaco is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Monaco is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Monaco different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergen 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 Bergen?

Bergen is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Bergen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Monaco is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Monaco is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Monaco or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Monaco is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Monaco or Bergen Better for Resorts?

Monaco is very popular for its resorts. However, Bergen 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.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Bergen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen 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.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a popular place for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Monaco is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Monaco or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is very good for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bergen to see the old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Bergen?

Monaco is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Monaco is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is Monaco or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Monaco or Bergen Better for Couples?

Monaco is very popular for couples. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Monaco or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bergen is very good for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

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 Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is very good for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Bergen is popular with students. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

Bergen is well known 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 Bergen can get you to some places easily. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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

Is Monaco or Bergen a more walkable city?

Monaco is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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.

Bergen is very walkable. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Bergen?

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

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

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

One day in Monaco or Bergen?

Monaco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A weekend in Monaco or Bergen?

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.

Bergen 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 Bergen?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. 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 Bergen?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Bergen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Bergen, 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.