A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Monaco vs. Ventimiglia for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Monaco or Ventimiglia?

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

Monaco

Monaco is a glamorous, captivating, and thrilling 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a scenic, traditional, and understated seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Monaco and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monaco or Ventimiglia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Monaco and Ventimiglia 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, shopping, and big city activities, while Ventimiglia is known for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Monaco is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Ventimiglia is popular for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Monaco different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Monaco and Ventimiglia can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

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.

Ventimiglia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

Is Monaco or Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Monaco or Ventimiglia Better for Resorts?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Monaco is a great 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.

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

Is Monaco or Ventimiglia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monaco has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monaco or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Monaco and Ventimiglia are good 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.

Ventimiglia has a beach worth visiting. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Is Monaco or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Monaco or Ventimiglia?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Is Monaco or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

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 Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

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

Monaco makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Ventimiglia is a great coastal resort area if you're traveling as a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Is Monaco or Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia.

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

While Ventimiglia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

Is Monaco or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Monaco is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is very walkable. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Monaco?

How long in Monaco or Ventimiglia?

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

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

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

One day in Monaco or Ventimiglia?

Monaco is a thrilling coastal resort area where you can fill many days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal resort area has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Ventimiglia might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Ventimiglia?

Monaco is a captivating big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Ventimiglia 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.

Five days in Monaco or Ventimiglia?

The posh coastal resort area of Monaco offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Monaco. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ventimiglia is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside town 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monaco or Ventimiglia?

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