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

Should you visit Monaco or Finale Ligure?

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 Finale Ligure 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.

Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a beautiful, scenic, and historic area. 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 Finale Ligure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Monaco or Finale Ligure?

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

How is Monaco different from Finale Ligure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Monaco
Finale Ligure

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

Finale Ligure offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The natural beauty is the main attraction to this part of Liguria, but there are also medieval towns such as Finalborgo and historic places such as Castel Gavone.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Monaco
Finale Ligure

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Monaco and Finale Ligure 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.

Finale Ligure has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood, local flavors, and even a couple of Michelin starred restaurants make this area a foodie's paradise. The dishes are rich in flavors and fine dining is common throughout the area.

Is Monaco or Finale Ligure Better for Nightlife?

Monaco
Finale Ligure

Monaco is terrific for nightlife. However, Finale Ligure is a area with minimal options 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.

Finale Ligure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This beautiful coastline is filled with fine dining restaurants and some nice wine and cocktail bars. It's not known for its party scene, but there are some nice places to spend the evening.

Is Monaco or Finale Ligure Better for Resorts?

Monaco
Finale Ligure

Monaco is terrific for its resorts. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury 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.

With a selection of resorts, Finale Ligure makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find a mix of smaller local hotels, many with pools, along the coastline. There are also a number of apartments to choose from.


Is Monaco or Finale Ligure Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco
Finale Ligure

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

Finale Ligure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Finale Ligure Better for Beaches?

Monaco
Finale Ligure

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

Finale Ligure is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This stretch of coastline has the longest sandy beaches in Liguria. You'll also find dramatic cliffs and beautiful views.

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 Monaco or Finale Ligure Better for Hiking?

Monaco
Finale Ligure

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Finale Ligure. There are many walking and trekking trails along the coast and through the hills. You'll pass medieval towns and beautiful viewpoints that let you experience the Ligurian coastline in all of its beauty.

Monaco is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Finale Ligure?

Monaco
Finale Ligure

Monaco is terrific for shopping. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Finale Ligure. You'll find clothing boutiques, food specialty stores, and places to pick up anything that you may have forgotten.

Is Monaco or Finale Ligure Better for Families?

Monaco
Finale Ligure

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

Finale Ligure is a very kid-friendly area. This section of the Italian Riviera has the longest sandy beach in Liguria. There are also places where kids can swim and just relax from sightseeing and travel.

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 Finale Ligure Better for Couples?

Monaco
Finale Ligure

Monaco is terrific for romance. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Finale Ligure is a great coastal resort area if you're traveling as a couple. With its sandy beaches and seaside cliffs, this area makes a great romantic getaway. Italian food on the Italian Riviera - what could be more romantic.


Is Monaco or Finale Ligure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monaco
Finale Ligure

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

Finale Ligure is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't a lot of hostels, there are a few reasonably priced guesthouses to choose from.

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 Finale Ligure Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Monaco
Finale Ligure

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Monaco and Finale Ligure.

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

While Finale Ligure offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are both trains and buses through the area.

Is Monaco or Finale Ligure a more walkable city?

Monaco
Finale Ligure

Monaco is terrific for its walkability. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

Finale Ligure is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking routes throughout this stretch of coastline.


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

Should I spend more time in Finale Ligure or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Finale Ligure?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Monaco than Finale Ligure. 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 Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure.


  • How many days in Monaco or Finale Ligure? Ideal Length of Stay
    Monaco 1-3 
    Finale Ligure 2-4

One day in Monaco or Finale Ligure?

Monaco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Finale Ligure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Monaco or Finale Ligure?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the glamorous big city of Monaco. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Finale Ligure. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Finale Ligure?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful coastal resort area of Monaco. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Finale Ligure. This area 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Finale Ligure or Monaco?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Monaco is €189, while the average daily cost in Finale Ligure is €143. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Monaco and Finale Ligure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Monaco 119
    Finale Ligure 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Monaco 238
    Finale Ligure 148
Compare Hotels in Monaco and Finale Ligure

Looking for a hotel in Monaco or Finale Ligure? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Monaco


Hotels in Finale Ligure


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Finale Ligure Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Monaco 17
    Finale Ligure 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $227
  • Private Transfer from Monaco to Nice: $192
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Monaco: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Monaco or Finale Ligure?

Prices for flights to both Finale Ligure and Monaco change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Monaco 53
    Finale Ligure 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Monaco 23
    Finale Ligure 28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Monaco

Here are a few typical costs in Monaco for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Grand Prix for Two
    101

Tours and Activities in Monaco

Here are a few actual costs in Monaco for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.33
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Monte Carlo & Audioguide: $14
  • City Neighborhoods Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Ticket: $20
  • Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $26
  • From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour: $38
  • Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour: $53
  • Highlights of Monte Carlo Guided Walking Tour: $59
  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Monaco 26
    Finale Ligure 6.99

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

Also in Monaco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Nice: Wine Tasting Class in City Center: $72


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

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


Which is Bigger, Monaco or Finale Ligure?

Finale Ligure has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Finale Ligure, 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.

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