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

Should you visit Monaco or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Monaco and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Reykjavik 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, and big city activities, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Monaco is more touristy than Reykjavik and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Monaco different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Monaco or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Monaco has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Monaco or Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Reykjavik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

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

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Monaco or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Reykjavik?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Monaco or Reykjavik Better for Families?

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

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Monaco or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Reykjavik is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

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 Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Monaco or Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik.

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

While Reykjavik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Monaco or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Monaco. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.

Reykjavik is a very walkable coastal resort area. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Reykjavik?

In either Monaco or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Monaco because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monaco, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Monaco than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik?

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 shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Monaco or Reykjavik?

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.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the glitzy 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 Reykjavik. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Monaco or Reykjavik?

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 nightlife and shopping when visiting the green destination of Reykjavik. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Monaco and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Monaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Monaco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Monaco 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik than you might in Monaco.

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Reykjavik, 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.