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

Should you visit Monaco or Biarritz?

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

Monaco

Monaco is a glamorous, captivating, and thrilling coastal resort area. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Monaco and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monaco than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monaco is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is more popular for its museums, beaches, and small town charm. Monaco is more touristy than Biarritz and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Also, Monaco is famous for Monte Carlo. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Monaco different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Biarritz is a seaside town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Monaco and Biarritz can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Monaco. 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.

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Monaco or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

The people in Biarritz know how to have a good time. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Monaco or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Monaco is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Is Monaco or Biarritz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is well known for the beache. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Biarritz?

Monaco is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Monaco draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Monaco or Biarritz Better for Families?

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

Biarritz is a very kid-friendly seaside town. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

Monaco is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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 Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Monaco or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is well known for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

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

While Biarritz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Monaco or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Monaco is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Monaco. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Biarritz?

Both Monaco and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Monaco. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monaco, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

One day in Monaco or Biarritz?

Monaco is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Monaco or Biarritz?

Monaco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal resort area makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monaco, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz 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.

Five days in Monaco or Biarritz?

Monaco is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Monaco or Biarritz?

Monaco is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Biarritz?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Biarritz, 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.