A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Tropez vs. Monaco for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Families

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Monaco?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Monaco? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a extravagant, luxurious, and glamourous resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Monaco

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

Saint-Tropez and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Tropez or Monaco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monaco than Saint-Tropez, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monaco is better known for its food and big city activities, while Saint-Tropez is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Monaco is more touristy than Saint-Tropez and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Also, Monaco is famous for Monte Carlo. Saint-Tropez is well known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy.

How is Saint-Tropez different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Saint-Tropez or Monaco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monaco is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Saint-Tropez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Saint-Tropez or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint-Tropez or Monaco has a better nightlife scene.

Saint-Tropez has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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.

Is Saint-Tropez or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez and Monaco offer a relatively similar set of world-class luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Saint-Tropez is a great choice. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

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.

Is Saint-Tropez or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Saint-Tropez is not to be missed. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

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 Saint-Tropez or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is well known for the beache. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Saint-Tropez is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

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 the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Monaco?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Monaco and Saint-Tropez.

The abundance of shops in Saint-Tropez make it a world-class shopping destination. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

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 Saint-Tropez or Monaco Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint-Tropez is one of the most popular family destinations. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

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 Saint-Tropez or Monaco Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Saint-Tropez and Monaco make for a world-class place to visit.

Saint-Tropez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

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.

Is Saint-Tropez or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint-Tropez is very good for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Saint-Tropez is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint-Tropez and Monaco.

You'll find some public transit in Saint-Tropez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

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

Is Saint-Tropez or Monaco a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez and Monaco both are world-class when exploring on foot.

Getting around Saint-Tropez on foot is easy. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

Monaco is a very easy resort town 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting? and Is Monaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Saint-Tropez?

How long in Saint-Tropez or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint-Tropez and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint-Tropez than in Monaco. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Tropez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.

One day in Saint-Tropez or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Monaco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this coastal resort area.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Monaco?

Saint-Tropez 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.

Monaco is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint-Tropez or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint-Tropez or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the celebrity-filled destination of Saint-Tropez. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Monaco is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Monaco?

Saint-Tropez has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez 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.