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

Should you visit Monaco or Pompeii?

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

Monaco

Monaco is a captivating, thrilling, and posh 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. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Monaco and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Monaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monaco is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Monaco is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Pompeii is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

How is Monaco different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Monaco is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Monaco or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Monaco or Pompeii Better for Resorts?

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

Pompeii is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Pompeii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Monaco is very good for the beach. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Pompeii?

Monaco is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many people travel to Monaco specifically to go shopping. 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Monaco or Pompeii Better for Families?

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

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

Monaco is renowned for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Monaco or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pompeii is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

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 Pompeii Better for Students?

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

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Monaco or Pompeii 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 Pompeii.

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

While Pompeii offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Monaco or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Monaco and Pompeii both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

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.

Pompeii is a very easy coastal resort area to get around on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Pompeii?

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

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

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

One day in Monaco or Pompeii?

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 when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Monaco or Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. 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 Pompeii?

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 museums when visiting the famous destination of Pompeii. This archeological site 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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