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

Should you visit Monaco or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik 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. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a famous, cultural, and coastal coastal town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Dubrovnik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Dubrovnik 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, shopping, and big city activities, while Dubrovnik is known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Monaco is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Dubrovnik is popular for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows.

How is Monaco different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Dubrovnik specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Dubrovnik has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

Monaco is a world class 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Monaco or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Monaco is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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 Dubrovnik. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Is Monaco or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dubrovnik is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Snorkeling is an option in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Is Monaco or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Monaco and Dubrovnik are good choices for a beach vacation.

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.

Dubrovnik has a beach worth visiting. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Is Monaco or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town to visit for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Dubrovnik offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is Monaco or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Monaco is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dubrovnik. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Dubrovnik?

Monaco is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for shopping.

Many people travel to Monaco specifically to go shopping. 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.

Dubrovnik is a great destination for shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Monaco or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

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

Dubrovnik is a very kid-friendly coastal town. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Both Monaco and Dubrovnik are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Monaco has plenty to offer. 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.

Dubrovnik has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

Is Monaco or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town 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 Dubrovnik. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

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 Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

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

While Dubrovnik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Monaco or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Monaco and Dubrovnik both are world-class when exploring on foot.

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.

Dubrovnik is a very easy coastal resort area to get around on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Dubrovnik?

In either Monaco or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than Monaco because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monaco, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

One day in Monaco or Dubrovnik?

People visit Monaco because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monaco has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Dubrovnik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Monaco or Dubrovnik?

People visit Monaco because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal resort area has to offer. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the glamorous coastal resort area of Monaco. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubrovnik. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Dubrovnik?

Monaco is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Dubrovnik. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Dubrovnik?

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