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

Should you visit Monaco or Florence?

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

Monaco

Monaco is a thrilling, posh, and glitzy 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 shopping, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Florence?

Both Florence and Monaco have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Monaco is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Florence is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Monaco is well known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Florence is well known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens.

How is Monaco different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Florence 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.

Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Monaco is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Monaco or Florence Better for Resorts?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Florence is not a resort destination.

Monaco offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Florence is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Florence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monaco has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Florence Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

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.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Monaco or Florence Better for its Old Town?

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

Florence offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Florence?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Monaco or Florence Better for Families?

Florence 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 Florence. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

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 Florence Better for Couples?

Both Monaco and Florence are terrific 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.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Is Monaco or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is an amazing city 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 Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young 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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Monaco or Florence 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 Florence.

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

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

Is Monaco or Florence a more walkable city?

Monaco and Florence both are terrific 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.

Florence is a very easy coastal resort area to get around on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Florence?

Both Monaco and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Monaco. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monaco, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

One day in Monaco or Florence?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Monaco or Florence?

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.

Florence 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 Florence?

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 Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Florence?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the alluring destination of Florence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Florence, 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.