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

Should you visit Porto or Monaco?

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 Porto and Monaco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a captivating, thrilling, and posh 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Porto and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Porto or Monaco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monaco. Although Porto and Monaco are popular destinations, Monaco has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monaco is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Porto attracts visitors for its museums, food, and historical sights. Monaco is more touristy than Porto and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also well known for Monte Carlo. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

How is Porto different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Porto or Monaco?

Porto
Monaco

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

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Porto
Monaco

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

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Porto
Monaco

Monaco is very popular for nightlife. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife and partying.

Monaco is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Porto or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Porto
Monaco

Monaco is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a resort destination.


Is Porto or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Porto
Monaco

Monaco is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Porto or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Porto
Monaco

Monaco is very good for its beaches. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Porto
Monaco

Porto 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 Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Monaco?

Porto
Monaco

Monaco is very popular for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or Monaco Better for Families?

Porto
Monaco

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

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Monaco Better for Couples?

Porto
Monaco

Monaco is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its romantic activities.

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.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.


Is Porto or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto
Monaco

Porto is an amazing port 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 Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Monaco Better for Students?

Porto
Monaco

Porto is well known for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

Porto
Monaco

Porto 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 Porto can get you to some places easily. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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


Is Porto or Monaco a more walkable city?

Porto
Monaco

Monaco is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its high level of walkability.

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

Porto is a very walkable port city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Porto?

How long in Porto or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Porto and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than in Monaco. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

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

Couples should spend more time in Monaco than Porto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Monaco that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto 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 Porto.


  • How many days in Porto or Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Porto 2-5 
    Monaco 1-3

One day in Porto or Monaco?

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Monaco, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this captivating big city offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Porto or Monaco?

Porto 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Porto or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. 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 visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Monaco is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Monaco. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic big city of Porto. This port 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the glitzy big city of Monaco. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Monaco or Porto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Porto is €126, while the average daily cost in Monaco is €189. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Porto and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Porto 65
    Monaco 119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Porto 130
    Monaco 238
Compare Hotels in Porto and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Porto or Monaco? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Porto


Hotels in Monaco


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Porto 21
    Monaco 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer: Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Luxury Van : $94
  • Airport Transfers: $28
  • Arrival Transfer from Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Private Car/Van: $93
  • Arrival Transfer: Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Business Car: $76
  • Arrival Transfer: Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Luxury Van: $93
  • Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Luxury Van: $93
  • Douro Valley Private One-Way Transfer (Régua, Pinhão, Lamego): $176
  • Effortless Wheels Seamless Transfer Experience Porto-Lisbon: $369
  • Exclusive Private Transfer Porto - Porto Airport: $38
  • Exclusive Private Transfer Porto Airport - Porto: $38
  • From Lisbon: Private Transfer to Porto with Aveiro Tour: $863
  • From Porto Bus Station: Transfer to/from Lisbon Oriente: $5.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $231

Is it cheaper to fly into Porto or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco and Porto change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Porto 36
    Monaco 53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Local Wine: $38
  • Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $49
  • Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $53
  • Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $57
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $69
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $69
  • Immersive Food Tour Experience: $71
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $71
  • Oporto Food Tour Immersive Experience with +12 Tastings: $72
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $75
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $76
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Porto 25
    Monaco 23

Tours and Activities in Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $1.09
  • Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.10
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.89
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $5.43
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.46
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.80
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.80
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.97
  • Casa São Roque Direct Entry Ticket: $8.69
  • Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket: $8.69
  • Porto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00

Typical Entertainment Prices in Monaco

Here are a few typical costs in Monaco for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Grand Prix for Two
    101

Tours and Activities in Monaco

Here are a few actual costs in Monaco for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $71
  • Eze and Full Day Shared Tour: $103
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $71
  • From Nice: Italian Riviera, Monaco, & Monte Carlo Tour: $733
  • Italian Riviera & Monaco/ Monte-Carlo Sightseeing Tour: $733
  • Jewels of Monaco – Walking Tour for Couples: $477
  • La Condamine: City Highlights Walking Tour: $379
  • Monaco & Monte-Carlo: Guided Hidden Gems Tour: $141
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.43
  • Monaco Private Walking Tour: $339
  • Monaco by Night Private Tour: $505

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Porto 19
    Monaco 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.69
  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket with Wine Tasting: $8.81
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $20
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $20
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
  • Pub Crawl Porto Live night: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

Also in Monaco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting : Tour de France in Nice city centre: $74


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

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


Which is Bigger, Porto or Monaco?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Monaco, 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.