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

Should you visit Rhodes or Monaco?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rhodes and Monaco. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a active, world famous, and ancient island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Monaco

Monaco is a glitzy, glamorous, and captivating coastal resort area. 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Rhodes and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rhodes or Monaco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monaco than Rhodes, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monaco is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Rhodes is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Monaco is more touristy than Rhodes and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Also, Monaco is famous for Monte Carlo. Rhodes is well known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural setting, and long running history.

How is Rhodes different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rhodes is an amazing island to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rhodes are among the most recognizable in the world. Many of the villages feel like outdoor museums, with churches and archaeological sites throughout. Some of the most well known sites include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital of the Knights, Süleyman Mosque, and Roloi Clock Tower.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Rhodes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The island offers Greek classics with a local flair. Common ingredients include wheat, olives, legumes, wine, and cheese. Many dishes are flavored with cumin, which is more heavily used here than elsewhere in Greece. Popular local dishes include matsi (a pasta cooked in meat broth and prepared with cheese, butter, and legumes), tsouka (a veal and pasta casserole), and lakani (veal, goat, or lamb meat that is slow-cooked in tomato sauce).

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 Rhodes or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Rhodes is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Rhodes has a few options to choose from. It's not the most party-oriented island, but you'll find plenty to do at night. Most of the clubs are found in Rhodes Town near Hippocrates Square, along Menekleous Street, or near Orfanidou Street. Faliraki has long been a popular nightlife area that brings in the British crowd, but it's not as lively as it once was. Some resorts offer more of a nightlife scene than others so if that's a priority, do your research before you book.

Is Rhodes or Monaco Better for Resorts?

There are first-rate resorts to choose from in both Rhodes and Monaco.

Vacationers flock to Rhodes for its luxury resorts. It is a large and diverse island with a variety of resorts and towns to choose from. There are quiet areas like those around Kallithea Beach, Kolymbia, and Kalathos, as well as more lively areas like Faliraki. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts around the island but there are also boutique hotels and apartments if that's more your style.

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.

Is Rhodes or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Rhodes is well known for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Rhodes. The island has many snorkeling and dive spots where you can enjoy the underwater world. There are plenty of snorkeling or scuba diving trips that you can organize in advance as well. Because of the island's large size, there's a diversity of vendors and areas to pick between.

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.

Is Rhodes or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Rhodes is an amazing island to visit for the beache. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Rhodes is a very popular vacation destination. The island has spectacular beaches with crystal blue waters. Many of the beaches are sandy with swimming or snorkeling opportunities. The island is also known for its watersports and several beaches are great windsurfing or kite surfing locations. There are countless beaches to choose from but some of the favorites are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.

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.

Is Rhodes or Monaco Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Rhodes specifically for its hiking. The breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and beautiful waters make this an amazing hiking island. There are a wide range of trails to choose from with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. The many quaint villages and unique archaeological sites all make this a fantastic place to hike.

Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rhodes or Monaco?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Monaco and Rhodes.

The abundance of shops in Rhodes make it a world-class shopping destination. For a unique shopping experience head to Nea Agora (The New Market), which has a mix of shops and restaurants. You can also pick up fresh produce or pastries there. Sprinkled around the island you'll find many local artisan shops where you can buy ceramics, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more.

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.

Is Rhodes or Monaco Better for Families?

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

Rhodes is a very kid-friendly island. It's large size, varied activities, and wonderful outdoor setting makes this one of the most kid-friendly islands in Greece. There are many local villages that everyone will enjoy as well as beautiful walks and stunning beaches. Kids will appreciate the diversity of water activities that are available and the family-friendly restaurants ensure everyone can eat out comfortably.

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 Rhodes or Monaco Better for Couples?

Rhodes and Monaco both first-rate destinations for a couple.

Rhodes is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The larger size and diversity of activities make this island a great option for a honeymoon. The beaches are breathtaking, but there are also a number of water sports that couples will enjoy. The hiking, archaeological sites, and amazing restaurants will make for an unforgettable honeymoon.

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.

Is Rhodes or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rhodes is well known for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rhodes is a great island to visit for backpackers. The island has something for everyone, and because it's one of the larger islands, there are more hostels and budget restaurants to choose from. You'll find all kinds of travelers on the island and there really is something that everyone can enjoy.

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

Rhodes 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 Rhodes can get you to some places easily. There is a comprehensive bus system that covers most of the island.

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

Is Rhodes or Monaco a more walkable city?

Monaco is very popular for its high level of walkability. However, Rhodes is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Rhodes is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large so unless you're interested in hiking, most places are best reached with a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Rhodes?

How long in Rhodes or Monaco?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rhodes or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Rhodes. 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.

Monaco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Rhodes or Monaco?

Rhodes is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Monaco 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 Rhodes or Monaco?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Rhodes or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Rhodes. This island 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the glitzy big city of Monaco. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rhodes or Monaco?

Rhodes has a larger population, and is about 570 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Rhodes 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.