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

Should you visit Monaco or Dijon?

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

Monaco

Monaco is a glamorous, captivating, and thrilling coastal resort area. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Dijon

Dijon is a historical, cultural, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Dijon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Dijon are popular destinations, Monaco has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monaco is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dijon attracts visitors for its museums and food. Monaco is more touristy than Dijon and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo. Dijon is famous for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards.

How is Monaco different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dijon is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Dijon specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dijon 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.

Dijon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is terrific for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Monaco or Dijon Better for Resorts?

Monaco is terrific for its resorts. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Dijon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Dijon Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a popular place for its beaches. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Dijon?

Monaco is terrific for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Monaco or Dijon Better for Families?

Dijon is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dijon. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

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 Dijon Better for Couples?

Monaco is terrific for romance. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Dijon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Monaco or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

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 Dijon Better for Students?

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

Dijon is popular with students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Monaco or Dijon 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 Dijon.

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

While Dijon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Monaco or Dijon a more walkable city?

Monaco is terrific for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Monaco or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon 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 Dijon.

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

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

One day in Monaco or Dijon?

Each neighborhood in Monaco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

A weekend in Monaco or Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Dijon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Dijon?

Monaco is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Monaco. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Dijon. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Dijon?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the thrilling big city of Monaco. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Dijon. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Dijon?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Dijon, 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.