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

Should you visit Monaco or Sorrento?

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

Monaco

Monaco is a posh, glitzy, and glamorous 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a relaxing, accessible, and laid back small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Monaco and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Sorrento are popular destinations, Monaco has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monaco is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and big city activities, while Sorrento attracts visitors for its food and hiking. Monaco is more touristy than Sorrento and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo. Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast.

How is Monaco different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Sorrento has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is renowned for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Monaco or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Monaco is renowned for its resorts. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Monaco is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

There are plenty of resorts in Sorrento to choose from. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Is Monaco or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a coastal resort area with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sorrento is a small city with minimal options for its diving and snorkeling.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Is Monaco or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Monaco and Sorrento are nice choices for a beach vacation.

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.

Sorrento has a beach worth visiting. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Is Monaco or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Monaco is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sorrento. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Sorrento?

Monaco is renowned for shopping. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Monaco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Sorrento is well-known for its shopping. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Monaco or Sorrento Better for Families?

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

Sorrento is a very kid-friendly small city. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

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 Sorrento Better for Couples?

Both Monaco and Sorrento are amazing 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.

Sorrento has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

Is Monaco or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Sorrento. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sorrento 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 Sorrento can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

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

Is Monaco or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Monaco is renowned for its walkability. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

Sorrento is a very walkable coastal resort area. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Sorrento?

Both Monaco and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Monaco. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monaco, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

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

One day in Monaco or Sorrento?

Monaco is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sorrento. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Monaco or Sorrento?

Monaco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal resort area makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monaco, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Monaco or Sorrento?

Monaco is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sorrento. Don't miss the food, 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 Sorrento?

Monaco is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the accessible destination of Sorrento. This small city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Sorrento?

Sorrento has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Monaco and Sorrento, 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.