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

Should you visit Monaco or Genoa?

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

Monaco

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

Genoa

Genoa is a colorful, energetic, and historic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Genoa 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, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is known for its museums and historical sights. Monaco is more touristy than Genoa and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Monaco different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Genoa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Monaco and Genoa can be difficult as they are each excellent 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.

Genoa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Monaco or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Monaco or Genoa Better for Resorts?

Monaco is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Genoa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Monaco or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Genoa is very good for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Genoa to see the old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Genoa?

Monaco is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Monaco or Genoa Better for Families?

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

Genoa is a very kid-friendly port city. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa Better for Couples?

Monaco is terrific for couples. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Monaco has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Genoa is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Monaco or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Genoa is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

Genoa is well known for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Genoa is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Monaco or Genoa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Genoa is well known for its public transit. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Genoa can get you to some places easily. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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

Is Monaco or Genoa a more walkable city?

Monaco is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Monaco is a very easy coastal resort area to get around 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.

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Genoa?

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

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

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

One day in Monaco or Genoa?

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 Genoa. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Monaco or Genoa?

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.

Genoa 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 Genoa?

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 Genoa. 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 Genoa?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the glitzy 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 vibrant destination of Genoa. This port 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 590 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Genoa, 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.