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

Should you visit Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a trendy, high energy, and modern port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a glitzy, glamorous, and captivating 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. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Rotterdam and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Monaco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Rotterdam and Monaco are both popular with visitors, Monaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monaco is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is known for its museums. Monaco is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rotterdam is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Rotterdam offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Monaco is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Rotterdam or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

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.

Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

Is Rotterdam or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Monaco for its luxury resorts. 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.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rotterdam or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Monaco is a good destination for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Monaco offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Monaco?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

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.

Rotterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Is Rotterdam or Monaco Better for Families?

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

Rotterdam is a very kid-friendly port city. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

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 Rotterdam or Monaco Better for Couples?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Monaco is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Rotterdam or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Rotterdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to 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 Rotterdam or Monaco Better for Students?

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

Rotterdam is very popular with students. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam can get you to some places easily. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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

Is Rotterdam or Monaco a more walkable city?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Rotterdam is very walkable. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rotterdam and Monaco. In our opinion, Monaco has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Monaco than Rotterdam. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Rotterdam or Monaco?

Rotterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal resort area of Monaco. 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.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Monaco?

Rotterdam 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the thrilling big city of Monaco. 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.

Five days in Rotterdam or Monaco?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the captivating 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.

A week in Rotterdam or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the modern big city of Rotterdam. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Monaco?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 590 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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.