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

Should you visit Valencia or Monaco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Monaco, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Valencia

Valencia is a architectural, friendly, and coastal coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a thrilling, posh, and glitzy 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 shopping, nightlife, and food.

Valencia and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Monaco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valencia than Monaco, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valencia is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Monaco is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping. Monaco is more touristy than Valencia and is known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Valencia is well known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). Also, Valencia is famous for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.

How is Valencia different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Valencia specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Valencia has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Valencia and Monaco.

Valencia has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its resorts. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Monaco offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Is Valencia or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monaco is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Valencia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Valencia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Valencia or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Both Valencia and Monaco have notable beaches worth visiting.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monaco. 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 Valencia or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is an amazing coastal city to visit for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Valencia offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or Monaco Better for Hiking?

Valencia is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Monaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Monaco?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Monaco make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Is Valencia or Monaco Better for Families?

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

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia or Monaco Better for Couples?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Monaco has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Valencia is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Is Valencia or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Valencia is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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 Valencia or Monaco Better for Students?

Valencia is an amazing coastal city to visit for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Valencia. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Monaco is not popular with students.

Is Valencia 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 Valencia and Monaco.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

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

Is Valencia or Monaco a more walkable city?

Monaco is an amazing coastal resort area to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valencia and Monaco. In our opinion, Valencia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Valencia than Monaco. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

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

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

One day in Valencia or Monaco?

Valencia 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.

The beautiful coastal resort area of Monaco offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valencia or Monaco?

Valencia 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal resort area makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monaco, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valencia or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Monaco is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valencia or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the architectural big city of Valencia. This coastal 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.

Monaco is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Monaco?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 790 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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.