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

Should you visit Stuttgart or Monaco?

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

Should I visit Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a modern, authentic, and commercial 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 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. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Stuttgart and Monaco: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Stuttgart or Monaco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Stuttgart and Monaco 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, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stuttgart is known for its museums. Monaco is more touristy than Stuttgart and is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo. Stuttgart is popular for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

How is Stuttgart different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Stuttgart
Monaco

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

Stuttgart offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Stuttgart
Monaco

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

Stuttgart has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Monaco makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Stuttgart or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Stuttgart
Monaco

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stuttgart is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

Is Stuttgart or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Stuttgart
Monaco

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart is not a resort destination.


Is Stuttgart or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Stuttgart
Monaco

Monaco is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Stuttgart or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Stuttgart
Monaco

Monaco is a popular place for the beach. However, Stuttgart is not a beach destination.

Monaco is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Stuttgart is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stuttgart or Monaco?

Stuttgart
Monaco

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stuttgart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.


Is Stuttgart or Monaco Better for Families?

Stuttgart
Monaco

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

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 Stuttgart or Monaco Better for Couples?

Stuttgart
Monaco

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for couples. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stuttgart is a nice destination for couples. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Stuttgart or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stuttgart
Monaco

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

Stuttgart is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

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 Stuttgart or Monaco Better for Students?

Stuttgart
Monaco

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

Stuttgart is very popular with students. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

Monaco is not popular with students.

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

Stuttgart
Monaco

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart can get you to some places easily. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

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

Is Stuttgart or Monaco a more walkable city?

Stuttgart
Monaco

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.


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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Stuttgart?

How long in Stuttgart or Monaco?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Stuttgart or Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stuttgart 2-4 
    Monaco 1-3

One day in Stuttgart or Monaco?

Stuttgart is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Stuttgart or Monaco?

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic big city of Stuttgart. This 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Monaco or Stuttgart?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Stuttgart is €164, 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 Stuttgart and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stuttgart 101
    Monaco 119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stuttgart 202
    Monaco 238
Compare Hotels in Stuttgart and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart


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: Stuttgart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stuttgart 25
    Monaco 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

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

  • Private Transfer Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $139
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Van: $91
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91
  • Stuttgart Airport (STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $175
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpsee Grünten Arrival Transfer: $87
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Monaco: $123
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Monaco: $150
  • Private Transfer from Monaco to Nice: $171
  • Private Transfer from Monaco to Nice: $192
  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $228

Is it cheaper to fly into Stuttgart or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco and Stuttgart 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
    Stuttgart 37
    Monaco 53
Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    2.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stuttgart 24
    Monaco 23

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Wine Museum Ticket: $4.28
  • Landesmuseum Württemberg Old Castle Entry Ticket: $6.42
  • Stuttgart Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • TV Tower Tickets: $11
  • VfB Fan-Tour at the MHPArena: $12
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $13
  • entertaining guided tour to old town highlights: $15
  • Stuttgart city tour: $15
  • Stuttgart city library - an architectural tour: $17
  • Stuttgart Nature Experience Day: $20

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: $70
  • Eze and Full Day Shared Tour: $102
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $70
  • From Nice: French Riviera Full Day Tour: $118
  • From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour: $64
  • From Nice: Italian Riviera, Monaco, & Monte Carlo Tour: $722
  • Guided tour of Monaco in 2 hours: $34
  • Italian Riviera & Monaco/ Monte-Carlo Sightseeing Tour: $722
  • Jewels of Monaco – Walking Tour for Couples: $469
  • La Condamine: City Highlights Walking Tour: $373
  • Monaco & Monte-Carlo: Guided Hidden Gems Tour: $74
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stuttgart 22
    Monaco 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

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

  • Nice: Wine Tasting Class in City Center: $73


When comparing the travel costs between Stuttgart and Monaco, we can see that Monaco is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or Monaco?

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