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

Should you visit Monaco or Girona?

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

Monaco

Monaco is a glitzy, glamorous, and captivating 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. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Girona

Girona is a beautiful, colorful, and medieval city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Monaco and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Girona?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monaco than Girona, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monaco is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Monaco is more touristy than Girona and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Also, Monaco is famous for Monte Carlo. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Monaco different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Girona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Monaco and Girona can be difficult as they are each high quality 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.

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Monaco or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Monaco or Girona Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Monaco for its luxury resorts. 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.

Girona is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Girona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Monaco. 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.

Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Girona Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a good destination for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

Monaco offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Monaco or Girona Better for its Old Town?

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

Girona offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Girona?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Monaco make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Monaco or Girona Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Monaco or Girona as a family destination.

Monaco doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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.

For families, Girona is not always the best place to visit. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Monaco or Girona Better for Couples?

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Monaco is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Girona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Monaco or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Girona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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 Girona Better for Students?

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

Girona is popular with students. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Monaco or Girona 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 Girona.

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

While Girona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Monaco or Girona a more walkable city?

Monaco and Girona both are first-rate 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.

Girona is a very easy coastal resort area to get around on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Monaco or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Monaco than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monaco, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

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

One day in Monaco or Girona?

Monaco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Monaco or Girona?

Monaco 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.

Girona 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 Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the captivating big city of Monaco. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Girona. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Girona?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Girona, 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.