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

Should you visit Monaco or Lillehammer?

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

Monaco

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

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Monaco and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Lillehammer?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Lillehammer are popular destinations, Monaco has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monaco is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lillehammer attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, hiking, and small town charm. Monaco is more touristy than Lillehammer and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Monaco different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lillehammer and Monaco. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Monaco or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is well known for winter skiing. However, Monaco is not a skiing destination.

People head to Lillehammer specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Monaco is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Monaco or Lillehammer?

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

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Monaco and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Monaco or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

People head to Monaco just to party. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Monaco or Lillehammer Better for Resorts?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Lillehammer Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Lillehammer Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Is Monaco or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lillehammer. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Lillehammer?

Monaco is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Monaco or Lillehammer Better for Families?

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

Lillehammer is a very kid-friendly city. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Monaco is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Lillehammer is a great coastal resort area if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Monaco or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Lillehammer is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

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 Lillehammer Better for Students?

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

Lillehammer is popular with students. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Monaco or Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Monaco or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Lillehammer?

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

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

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

One day in Monaco or Lillehammer?

Monaco is a glamorous coastal resort area where you can fill many days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal resort area has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer?

Monaco is a posh big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

The thrilling coastal resort area of Monaco offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Monaco. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 skiing and nightlife when visiting the natural destination of Lillehammer. This city 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Lillehammer?

Lillehammer has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Lillehammer, 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.