Nice vs Monaco: Which is Better to Visit in 2024?

Dreaming of a getaway to the stunning Côte d’Azur? If so, you’ve likely considered Nice and Monaco, two of the region’s most dazzling jewels. Both cities boast breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, a laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife. But, if you only have time to visit one place, you may struggle to decide: Nice vs Monaco, which is better to visit? As someone who has enjoyed visiting both cities multiple times, I’m here to help! Below, I’ll provide an honest comparison of Nice vs Monaco and give you all the information to decide which is best for you!

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Pros & Cons of Nice

Pros of Nice

Although I love Nice for many reasons, you likely don’t have all day to read, so here are my top three! First, the beaches in Nice are insanely beautiful. When I first saw them, my jaw literally dropped because the waters have such an unbelievably bright turquoise color. You think it’s CGI because you don’t see blue waters that vibrant at most beaches… well, not unless you’re traveling through Tahiti… 👀

Second, the weather is simply amazing year-round. Much like my beloved San Diego, Nice is fortunate enough to experience year-round incredible weather. This is because Nice’s location on the French Riviera and many beaches help regulate air temperatures. During the warmest month, average high temperatures reach about 80°F (27°C), while the average low temperature is only 45°F (7°C) during the coldest month of the year.

So while places like Stockholm, Oslo, and Lyon have freezing cold winters, Nice is still warm enough that you could enjoy a beach day during the winter. Similarly, it’s cool enough during the summer that you won’t be frying in the heat — flashback to summer 2019 in Paris when I was living there, and they had a record-breaking heatwave. 🥵

Finally, Nice has such a relaxing atmosphere. Despite it having all the amenities of a big city, like restaurants, museums, historic sites, etc., it feels more approachable and cozy than Milan or other big cities in Europe. And, the architecture here is unique from what you’ll find elsewhere. In Nice, buildings are painted in bright pastel colors, which adds to the undeniable charm and beauty of the city!

Cons of Nice

While Nice is one of my favorite places in Europe, no city is perfect. There’s always something we wish we could change about a place. For one, air conditioning is almost nonexistent…except in fancy hotels. So, if you’re planning a trip during the summer and are sensitive to heat, you’ll likely struggle a little bit. Personally, I’ve never really found it to be an issue since it reaches 113°F (45°C) in my hometown during the summer, but people used to colder places will want to factor in the lack of AC units.

Second, staying in line with most places in Europe, shops close early or are completely closed on Sundays. You can also expect restaurants to close in the middle of the day, usually after 2 PM, and then reopen at night around 7 PM. These cultural differences (at least for Americans) aren’t the biggest deal, but finding a place to eat during the early afternoon can be challenging. My recommendation is to just plan ahead your meals, grocery shopping, etc.

Finally, the beaches can get quite busy with tourists and locals alike, especially in the peak summer season. This means finding a spot that isn’t inches away from a stranger’s body may be difficult if you don’t arrive early enough. Again, these aren’t huge issues for me, but something to be aware of and that I would change if I could.

Pros & Cons of Monaco

Pros of Monaco

I think the most obvious pro of visiting Monaco is that the views are spectacular. Between its picturesque harbors filled with lavish yachts and the sleek skyscraper buildings dotting the hillside, Monaco offers a new perspective of the French Riviera.

And, of course, we can’t forget the fact that Monaco is known for its luxurious lifestyle and ridiculously wealthy residents. As such, spending some time in Monaco allows you a sneak peek into the opulent lifestyle of the elite, at least for a fleeting moment… because we can all dream right?! 🥹

Finally, despite having a reputation for catering to those with money to burn, Monaco is still a place that any type of traveler can likely enjoy. Yes, even for my fellow budget travelers! I mean there are all kinds of activities to do, from sightseeing tours and relaxing beaches to wandering through the Prince’s Palace and discovering the history of the world’s most famous Formula 1 race! 🏎️ For these reasons, I enjoy visiting Monaco and always recommend it to my friends traveling to the French Riviera!

Cons of Monaco

Despite all that Monaco has to offer, there are some clear downsides. First and foremost is the fact that it can be more expensive than a lot of other places. Many of Monaco’s fine dining restaurants and hotels are quite pricey. This makes it expensive to be based out of Monaco and is why most people normally just day trip over from Nice as an affordable excursion.

Similarly, some areas can be quite touristy and overpriced. I’m looking at you, Monte Carlo Casino, which charges an entrance fee to the gambling rooms. Yay for starting the ledger in debt…😔 But, as I mentioned earlier, there are some more affordable or even free things to do, which help you feel better about spending more on housing accommodations.

The last thing that might be a con to some people is that it’s not exactly a family-friendly destination.
Families with little ones are more than welcome to travel to Monaco, but it doesn’t have a ton of activities that cater to them. Thus, kids might get bored pretty quickly or you may run out of things to do and see since the country is so small. For these reasons, Monaco may not be an ideal destination for everyone.

Top 5 Things to Do in Nice

To give you an idea of what the coastal city has to offer, here are what I believe to be the top 5 things to do in Nice, France.

1. Walk to the Top of Castle Hill

This is something that I’m fairly positive every person visiting the city does, and for good reason! Within Nice’s Old Town is Colline du Chateau or Castle Hill, which was once a military fortress during the 13th century, but now it functions as a lovely public park. As you ascend the hill, you’ll pass several observation decks, an artificial waterfall, and even a really nice cemetery that I recommend checking out.

At the top of Castle Hill is where you’ll be able to take in the most incredible panoramic views of the city. This is where the picture that shows up on almost every Nice travel brochure is taken…including the one for this post and my other post written about Nice 😁 — guilty!

But in my defense, the view is genuinely spectacular. In one direction, you can admire the iconic Côte d’Azur coastline, while behind you, you’ll see the surrounding hills and mountainsides! And, for a more in-depth look into the historic landmark and surrounding area, consider taking a walking tour. It’s one of the best ways to maximize your limited time in the city.

✅🚶‍♀️Check rates and availability for this highly-rated & affordable walking tour

2. Sample the Local Food

No trip to Nice is complete without indulging in the delicious local cuisine. From savory socca, which is a delicious four-ingredient chickpea pancake, to refreshing salade niçoise — there are so many amazing dishes to try. And the best way to take it all in is by embarking on a food and wine-tasting tour. You can easily find guided food tours throughout the city, but the one I loved going on and highly recommend checking out is the NO DIET CLUB food tour through Nice!

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 440+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3.5 hours

The NO DIET CLUB Walking Food Tour includes:

• Walking around Nice’s shops and restaurants in Old Town
• Visiting the famous Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya (local market)
• Tasting local treats, like pissaladière & artisanal macarons
• Small group limited to 14 guests

This is the perfect tour to introduce you to some of the best flavors of Provençe and Nice’s local culinary scene. You’ll get to sample all kinds of regional favorites, including a glass of locally produced French wine, as you walk around famous markets and specialty food shops. So, if you’re a foodie who loves discovering a city through their taste buds, then I highly recommend this tour.

✅ 🍽 Check availability for this wildly popular & delicious food and wine-tasting tour through Nice!

3. Wander Around Old Town

Whether or not you opt to do a local food tour, I suggest taking some time to wander through the narrow, winding alleys of Old Town. You’ll find a mix of colorful buildings and historic sites, as well as plenty of quaint cafes and boutique shops.

Old Town is also the best place to buy some locally made art or products as many local artists showcase and sell their works here. Over the years, I acquired a fat stack of bars from the vendors here because I love them and they’re the perfect gift for my loved ones back home who prefer gifts that don’t last forever!

4. Spend Time at the Beach

Of course, no trip to Nice is complete without some rest and relaxation at one of the gorgeous beaches that line the coast! And what I really appreciate is that Nice’s beaches are all centrally located. You can walk for 5 minutes from Old Town to Plage des Ponchettes, or keep walking along Promenade des Anglais and find another beach to set up at.

Just be aware that the beaches in Nice are quite rocky so it’s best to bring a thick mat and towel if you plan on lying down. Flip flops or sandals are also strongly recommended for navigating all the tiny pebbles. They may look unassuming and harmless, but let me tell you — they hurt so much to walk barefoot on. Save yourself and don’t make my mistake!

Oh! And if you feel like seeing some of the local marine life up close, you can take a little snorkeling tour. It’s not a proper guided tour, but essentially, they boat you out to a part of the Mediterranean Sea that has clearer waters since the water in the Bay of Angels is fairly opaque. This way, you can swim around and see schools of fish and other sea creatures.

✅ 🐠 Check availability for this affordable 2-hour snorkeling tour.

5. Check out Place Massena

Last on this top 5 list is checking out Place Massena. It’s located in the heart of Nice and is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. This main square of Nice is home to bright red buildings featuring Italian architecture, the striking Fontaine du Soleil, and lots of shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to people-watch and take in the atmosphere or just stroll around as you peruse the various shops!

Top 5 Things to Do in Monaco

Alrighty, now that you have a decent overview of what Nice has to offer, let’s talk about some of the things to do in Monaco!

1. Admire the Monte-Carlo Casino

It’s no secret that the most iconic landmark, even more so than the Prince’s Palace, is the opulent Monte-Carlo Casino! For a bit of background, the casino was originally created as a solution for some of the bankruptcy issues that The Grimaldi family (royal family) was facing back in the 19th century. Since then, we’ve all come to know it as the place where everyone loves to gamble and try their luck.

In addition to the classic card games and slot machines, the casino also houses the Monte Carlo Opera and hosts exclusive galas…so you can pretty much always expect something happening there. For those interested in just walking around the front rooms, you can do so from 10 AM – 1 PM. Meanwhile, those who want to partake in some games will want to visit after 2 PM.

♠️ NOTE: You need to bring your passport or National photo ID. And as I mentioned earlier, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee… because how else would they pay out hundreds of millions of euros each year!?

2. Walk Formula 1 Track

For anyone who’s a fan of Formula 1, you’ve likely heard of the historic Monaco Grand Prix and the beloved Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc. **One day, it will be Ferrari’s year… just not this year 🥲** As you likely know, it’s a street circuit around Monaco, so anyone can walk it! I highly recommend checking out some key points along the circuit, such as the Fairmont hairpin curve or Tunnel Larvotto. You can even find a little statue in homage to Juan Manuel Fangio near Port Hercules.

And for any super fans like myself, I recommend doing this awesome Formula 1 walking tour! You’ll spend a little over 2 hours walking the entire Monaco Grand Prix Circuit, learning about the circuit’s history, past winners, notable points along the circuit, and of course, all the unforgettable crashes! It’s a true treat that isn’t available for most grand prix circuits and an activity I thoroughly enjoyed. (Say hello to Tom for me if you take his awesome tour! 🤠)

🏎 Check availability for this great Monaco Formula 1 Walking Tour

3. Enjoy Panoramic View Points

Monaco is a pretty compact and mountainous country. As such, it’s fairly easy to see stunning panoramic views of the surrounding French Riviera. Two viewpoints you won’t want to miss out on seeing and taking pictures from “Panoramic View of Monaco” and “Vue panoramique sur Fontvieille.” Both are situated on different sides of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco and offer views of different harbors! Feel free to click either link to see the location on Google Maps.

There’s also the one shown in the picture above, “The Frame.” Around this area are a bunch of benches surrounded by flowers, a water fountain, and of course, a marvelous view of the glistening French Riviera waters!

4. Visit the Musee de Oceanographique

Another popular thing to do in Monaco is spending time at the Musee de l’Oceanographique. It’s an aquarium and museum that was founded by Prince Albert I of Monaco in 1910 when his interest in oceanography inspired him to create this space dedicated to protecting and increasing knowledge of the ocean.

Today, the museum is open to the public with interactive exhibitions showcasing thousands of aquatic species from around the world. Some of these species include starfish, turtles, crabs, lobsters, rays, jellyfish, sharks, sea urchins, eels, and lots more.

5. See the Inside of Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Finally, be sure to take the time to visit Saint Nicholas Cathedral, an iconic Catholic church located near the Prince’s Palace. While the exterior of this stunning building is already quite imposing and beautiful with its Romanesque architecture, its interior is quite lovely too! Inside, you’ll find intricate statues and pieces of artwork, as well as the tombs of many members of the ruling family, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.

And, with its quiet peace and serenity, it’s a great place to take a break from all the hustle and bustle of Monaco! Oh, and it’s free to go inside, which can’t be said of a lot of things in Monaco. 🙃

Nice vs Monaco: Which is Better for Vacation?

By now, you might have an idea of which city would be better suited for you. However, if you’re still on the fence and trying to decide on Nice vs Monaco, here are some other factors to consider.

Which Has Better Nightlife?

Honestly, the nightlife scene in Nice and Monaco are pretty comparable. In the evening, Nice is renowned for its lively atmosphere and numerous places that stay open late. For example, you’ll find everything from places with live music and cozy wine bars to chic nightclubs and pubs!

Meanwhile, Monaco is just as vibrant but offers more upscale clubs and bars with incredible views of Monaco’s harbor. Plus, when major events come to town, like the Monaco Grand Prix or Monte Carlo Masters Tennis Tournament, you can expect lots of celebrities to be partying at these places!

So for me, there isn’t a clear winner. It depends more on your travel style and what you want out of the experience. But, since everyone hates that answer, when it comes to Nice vs Monaco, Nice is my personal preference. It’s more laid back, which fits my personality, and doesn’t do as much damage to my bank account as Monaco!

Which Is Better for Families?

As mentioned earlier, Monaco is a bit of an adult playground with its high-end restaurants and clubs, so it’s probably not the best destination for families. That said, there are still some activities that kids can partake in, such as the Oceanography Museum and walking through the many little gardens scattered across the city. You’ll just be more limited and possibly run out of things to do faster.

On the other hand, Nice has a wide range of attractions that both kids and adults can enjoy together. For starters, there are a couple of really awesome playgrounds that are suited for both kids and adults. I won’t lie, my friends and I had so much fun playing on them and were shamelessly screaming and laughing as we ran through the obstacle courses.

In addition to this, Nice has lots of kid-friendly beaches and more options to pick from than Monaco. And when it comes to walking around the city, it feels less chaotic. Thus, families with little kids might have an easier time navigating around and feel safer in general.

Based on this, I’d say Nice vs Monaco, Nice is definitely more family-friendly as it offers more attractions that are tailored for kids and parents alike. Plus, it’s also more budget-friendly, so you can keep costs down!

Which Is Better for Couples?

Again, I think Nice and Monaco are about the same. It comes down to travel style and what you want out of the experience. For couples who want a relaxing time together, Nice is the better option. You can wander through Old Town, check out the different markets like Liberation Market or Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, and travel to the top of Castle Hill for some stunning views! Plus, there are lots of cozy cafes and restaurants to try out too, which I think Nice has the upper hand in.

Contrastingly, Monaco can be a great destination for couples looking to experience some of the finer things in life. With its luxurious shops, high-end restaurants, and world-class casinos, it’s an experience that’ll take you from day to night.

Furthermore, there are some truly stunning luxury hotels in Monaco that would be perfect for a honeymoon or romantic escape! On my most recent trip to Monaco, I may have set my bank account back a bit by opting to stay at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo… and let me say, it was worth every single penny!

If you have the budget to splurge a little, then Monaco can be a great choice for couples who want to live it up in a luxurious hotel and dance the night away. You can even do a private boat tour and discover Monaco from the water! So, I’d say both Nice and Monaco are great destinations for a couple’s getaways. It just comes down to personal preference and travel style!

When Is It Better to Visit: Summer or Winter?

With both destinations being located on the French Riviera, it’s safe to say that they experience practically the same weather. Therefore, there’s no real comparison to be made.

Obviously, during the summer you’ll have to deal with crowds and peak travel season. And the winter season isn’t much better as both Nice and Monaco host Christmas markets. Thus, you’ll find lots of tourists and locals out and about, celebrating the holiday season.

So if you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to go during the shoulder season, specifically during April, May, September, or October. But, if you’re ready to experience the magic of the European Christmas markets…because America doesn’t do that kind of thing, unfortunately, then definitely visit during the winter!

Nice vs Monaco: Cost of Living

One of the most frequently asked questions on Google is, “Is Nice or Monaco Cheaper?” And while I think most of us can guess the answer to that relatively quickly…simply knowing Monaco is more expensive than Nice is not exactly helpful. Thus, to hopefully paint a clearer picture, here’s a Nice vs Monaco comparison/breakdown of different elements that should be considered when planning a vacation in Nice or Monaco.

Lodging in Nice

First, the average price of a one-night stay in a hotel in Nice is about $100 USD. Prices for cheaper hotels and hostels go as low as $30. Meanwhile, the fancier, more luxurious hotels and resorts cost ~$200, with the most expensive hotel coming in at ~ $300 / night. So compared to places like Paris or Switzerland, the hotels in Nice are relatively affordable. This is because Nice has 500+ hotels available for tourists to select from, so they need to have competitive prices.

If you’re leaning towards staying in Nice or simply want to have a better gauge of hotel prices, feel free to click the hotels below. These are all hotels that I recommend checking out for your stay in Nice as they all come highly rated and are centrally located.

Low-Cost Stays

• The Deck Hotel by Happy Culture — Awesome 4-star hotel near beach | ⭐️ 9 / 10
• Hotel de France — Highly rated, affordable 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10

Mid-Range Stays

• La Pérouse — 4-star hotel with pool | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
• Hotel Nice Côte D’Azur — 4-star hotel w/ terraces | ⭐️ 9 / 10

Luxury Stays

• Hotel Palais Saleya — great 4-star hotel near Castle Hill | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
• Le Negresco — famous 5-star hotel along Promenade des Anglais | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10

You can also use these buttons to go directly to your favorite booking platform and find housing yourself.

Lodging in Monaco

On the other hand, lodging in Monaco can be very expensive. There are only 23 hotels available to choose from, so prices can range quite a bit… For example, the cheapest hotels cost about $130 USD / night and the most expensive hotels cost $1000+ USD. And when major events are happening in Monaco, expect these prices to triple, if not more.

That said, if you want to catch a fleeting glimpse of the life of those living in the upper echelon, here are some hotels in Monaco to check out!

Lower-Cost Stay

• Le Meridien Beach Plaza — 4-star hotel located right on beach | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
• Columbus Hotel Monaco— popular 3-star hotel with outdoor pool | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10

Mid-Range Stay

• Fairmont Monte-Carlo — 4-star hotel next to casino and water | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
• Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort — 4-star hotel in less tourist area | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10

Fancy Stays

• Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo — 5-star hotel, right across from Casino | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
• Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo — 5-star hotel, right along Port Hercules | ⭐️ 9.5 / 10

Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.

Nice vs Monaco: Getting Around

When comparing Nice and Monaco in terms of ease of getting around, Nice definitely wins. The city has an extensive public transportation network that includes trains, buses, trams, and taxis. Therefore, navigating around the city is super convenient, easy, and pretty affordable. The city is also fairly walkable with lots of sites readily accessible on foot.

In contrast, public transportation options in Monaco are limited to just buses. That said, because of the compact size of Monaco, there isn’t a big need or space for a more extensive public transportation system. Plus, Monaco is also pretty walkable. You’ll have to trek up some ramps and hills as it’s located on a mountain, but it’s still manageable and the sidewalks/pathways are well-maintained.

And again, if you don’t want to deal with finding your way around either city, you can always opt for a walking tour. It’s the best way to see the popular spots, learn the local history, and see some lesser-known spots as well!

✅🚶‍♀️Explore walking tours in Nice or walking tours in Monaco

Nice vs Monaco: Airport Comparison

For airports, there is no Nice vs Monaco comparison that needs to be made. Nice has the only international airport in the area. The airport is located just 30 minutes away from the city’s Old Town. It offers a variety of flight options to all kinds of destinations around Europe and the world.

Meanwhile, Monaco does not have an International airport or any airport at all. So, most people will fly out of Nice or use the single heliport that Monaco does have… But, that’s usually only an option for the ultra-rich. As such, people oftentimes just hire a car to take them from Nice International Airport to Monaco since it takes almost an hour by public transportation and half the time by private car.

✅ 🚕 Check rates for private transportation from Nice airport to Monaco

Nice vs Monaco: Food & Drink Costs

Looking at the local food scene in Nice vs Monaco, my opinion is that Nice wins in terms of cost and the variety of options that it offers. From my experience, your typical restaurant in Nice will cost you about €18-20 for a meal, whereas a meal at a normal restaurant in Monaco can cost you around €25. However, if you look around enough, you can find places with cheaper prices as I did when I last visited.

In terms of flavors and food options available, Nice has more to offer. Whether it’s the classic Ratatouille, the more regional dishes like Salade Niçoise and Socca (chickpea flatbread), or Pissaladière (flatbread kinda like pizza), there’s so much to try! (Enjoy the pics of all the foods I tried during my Nice food tour!)

On the flip side, Monaco is more centered around seafood dishes and luxurious gastronomic experiences with fancy presentations. Despite the higher price tag when compared to Nice, it can’t be denied that the food in Monaco is also delicious!

FUN FACT: For any foodies, Monaco has the world’s only organic Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s called Elsa and part of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel! Currently it’s closed, but expected to reopen soon again in the future.

Nice vs Monaco: FAQs

Final Thoughts: Nice vs Monaco (2024)

Ultimately, Nice and Monaco have fairly similar experiences to offer visitors and are both delightful places to visit. But, it all comes down to what you want out of a vacation destination. Nice is a fantastic destination for family-oriented or budget travelers who want to explore the city and have a wide selection of beaches to choose from. Meanwhile, Monaco is perfect for those looking to enjoy more of the nightlife, luxury shopping, and upscale restaurants.

Similarly, when it comes to getting around both places, Nice is easier since there are more public transportation options. But, both cities are honestly pretty walkable, so I wouldn’t let that be your main deciding factor. No matter which one you choose, I hope this (likely overly in-depth 😅) comparison of Nice vs Monaco has been insightful and that your vacation experience is one for the books!

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