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

Should you visit Monaco or Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a charming, under-rated, and authentic capital city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Monaco or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Ljubljana are popular destinations, Monaco has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monaco is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ljubljana attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Monaco is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo. Ljubljana is famous for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Monaco different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Monaco
Ljubljana

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

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Monaco
Ljubljana

Monaco is a great coastal resort area for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Monaco or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Monaco
Ljubljana

Monaco is renowned for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

Monaco is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Monaco or Ljubljana Better for Resorts?

Monaco
Ljubljana

Monaco is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is not a resort destination.


Is Monaco or Ljubljana Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco
Ljubljana

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

Ljubljana is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Ljubljana Better for Beaches?

Monaco
Ljubljana

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

Ljubljana is not a beach destination.

Is Monaco or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Monaco
Ljubljana

Ljubljana is well known for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ljubljana. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Ljubljana?

Monaco
Ljubljana

Monaco is renowned for shopping. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Monaco. 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.

Ljubljana is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Is Monaco or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Monaco
Ljubljana

Most people don't think of either Monaco or Ljubljana 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, Ljubljana is not always the best place to visit. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Monaco or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Monaco
Ljubljana

Monaco is renowned for romance. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city 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.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.


Is Monaco or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monaco
Ljubljana

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

Ljubljana is a great capital city to visit for backpackers. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget 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 Ljubljana Better for Students?

Monaco
Ljubljana

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

Ljubljana is popular with students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

Monaco
Ljubljana

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Monaco and Ljubljana.

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

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


Is Monaco or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Monaco
Ljubljana

Monaco is renowned for its walkability. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its high level of 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.

Ljubljana is a very walkable coastal resort area. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Monaco and Ljubljana. In our opinion, Monaco has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Monaco than Ljubljana. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


  • How many days in Monaco or Ljubljana? Ideal Length of Stay
    Monaco 1-3 
    Ljubljana 1-3

One day in Monaco or Ljubljana?

People visit Monaco because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monaco has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana?

People visit Monaco because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal resort area has to offer. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the posh coastal resort area of Monaco. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Monaco is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Ljubljana. This capital 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 Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana or Monaco?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Monaco is €189, while the average daily cost in Ljubljana is €86. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Monaco and Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Monaco 119
    Ljubljana 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Monaco 238
    Ljubljana 108
Compare Hotels in Monaco and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Monaco or Ljubljana? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Monaco


Hotels in Ljubljana


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Monaco 17
    Ljubljana 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $227
  • Private Transfer from Monaco to Nice: $192
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Monaco: $149

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Private Transfer Ljubljana City to Ljubljana Airport by Business Car: $65
  • Ljubljana Airport Private Transfer : $103
  • Ljubljana to Ljubljana Airport (LJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Ljubljana-Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer.Price per car.: $62
  • Ljubljana-Zagreb. Private transfer.Price per car: $215
  • Airport Transfer to/from Ljubljana Station: $13
  • Guided Truffle Hunting Tour with Hotel Transfers: $373
  • Private Transfer Ljubljana Airport to or from Ljubljana city: $73
  • Private Transfer from Brnik Airport to Ljubljana Centre: $28
  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana: $522
  • Private Transfer from Kranj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $54
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Bled: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Monaco or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana and Monaco change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Monaco 53
    Ljubljana 17

Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    2.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
  • Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $64
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $64
  • sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $65
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $74
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $81
  • Dinner in the Dark: $86
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $91
  • Dinner in the Dark: $105
  • Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $128
  • The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Monaco 23
    Ljubljana 14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Monaco

Here are a few typical costs in Monaco for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Grand Prix for Two
    101

Tours and Activities in Monaco

Here are a few actual costs in Monaco for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $69
  • Eze and Full Day Shared Tour: $101
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $69
  • From Nice: French Riviera Full Day Tour: $105
  • From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour: $38
  • From Nice: Italian Riviera, Monaco, & Monte Carlo Tour: $719
  • Italian Riviera & Monaco/ Monte-Carlo Sightseeing Tour: $719
  • Jewels of Monaco – Walking Tour for Couples: $468
  • La Condamine: City Highlights Walking Tour: $372
  • Monaco & Monte-Carlo: Guided Hidden Gems Tour: $139
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.33

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $6.29
  • Ljubljana City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Ljubljana:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.93
  • From Swamp to State: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Ljubljana: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride: $13
  • Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket: $13
  • House of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Virtual Reality Gaming Experience Ljubljana: $17
  • Tour of the Festive Decorations: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Monaco 26
    Ljubljana 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

Also in Monaco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Nice: Wine Tasting Class in City Center: $72

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $59
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $63
  • Brunch and Wine Tasting at a Sommelier's Kitchen Table: $69
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $93
  • Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $96
  • Private Family-Owned Vineyard Wine Tasting Trip: $144
  • From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $191
  • Wine Tours in Slovenia: $216
  • Wine Tour Slovenia: $259


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

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


Which is Bigger, Monaco or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Ljubljana, 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.