A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Monaco vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Monaco

Monaco is a captivating, thrilling, and posh 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Monaco and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monaco than Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums, hiking, 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. Mont-Saint-Michel is well known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

How is Monaco different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mont-Saint-Michel are among the most recognizable in the world. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monaco is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Resorts?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Monaco is a perfect 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Monaco is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Monaco to enjoy the beach. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel 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, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Both Monaco and Mont-Saint-Michel are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Monaco has plenty to offer. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Is Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mont-Saint-Michel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels 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 Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Monaco Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Families should spend more time in Monaco than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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.

One day in Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Monaco, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

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

A weekend in Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Monaco, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the posh big city of Monaco. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Monaco is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 inspiring destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Monaco has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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.