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

Should you visit Monaco or Giverny?

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

Monaco

Monaco is a glamorous, captivating, and thrilling 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Giverny

Giverny is a inspiring, picturesque, and peaceful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Monaco and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Giverny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monaco than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monaco is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Giverny is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Monaco is well known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Also, Monaco is famous for Monte Carlo. Giverny is well known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet.

How is Monaco different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Giverny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Monaco is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Monaco has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Monaco or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Monaco has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Monaco or Giverny Better for Resorts?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Giverny is not a resort destination.

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.

Giverny is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Giverny Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Giverny Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a popular place for the beache. However, Giverny is not a beach destination.

Monaco is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Giverny is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Giverny?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Monaco or Giverny Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Monaco or Giverny 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, Giverny is not always the best place to visit. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Monaco or Giverny Better for Couples?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

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.

Giverny is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Is Monaco or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Giverny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

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 Giverny 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 Giverny.

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

While Giverny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Is Monaco or Giverny a more walkable city?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable coastal resort area. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

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

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Monaco or Giverny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Monaco than Giverny 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 Giverny.

Families should spend more time in Monaco than Giverny. 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 Giverny. 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 Monaco than Giverny 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 Monaco.

One day in Monaco or Giverny?

Because Monaco is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Giverny. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Monaco or Giverny?

Because Monaco is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monaco has to offer.

Giverny 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 Giverny?

Monaco is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Giverny. 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 Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Monaco. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Giverny. This town 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 Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Giverny?

Monaco has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Giverny, 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.