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

Should you visit Monaco or Naples?

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

Monaco

Monaco is a thrilling, posh, and glitzy coastal resort area. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Naples

Naples is a colorful, fascinating, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Naples?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Naples are both popular with visitors, Monaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monaco is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Naples is known for its museums, food, and historical sights. Monaco is more touristy than Naples and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.

How is Monaco different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Naples specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Naples is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Naples has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Monaco has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Monaco or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

Many people head to Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Monaco or Naples Better for Resorts?

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

Naples is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Naples Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Naples Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Monaco or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples 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 Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Naples?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Monaco is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Monaco or Naples Better for Families?

Naples is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Naples. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

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 Naples Better for Couples?

Monaco is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Naples is a great coastal resort area if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Monaco or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Naples is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

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

Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

Naples is well known for its public transit. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Naples can get you to some places easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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

Is Monaco or Naples a more walkable city?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Monaco and Naples. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Monaco or Naples?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Naples. 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 Naples?

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.

Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Naples?

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 Naples. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the thrilling 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 gritty big city of Naples. 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 in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 970 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Naples, 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.