Have plans to visit the French Riviera, but can’t decide whether to go to Nice or Monaco? Both Mediterranean destinations pack a punch, but while they’re geographically close together, they actually offer quite different experiences. So let’s get to the bottom of the Nice vs Monaco debate!
Nestled on the south-eastern coast of France, around midway between Cannes and the Italian border, Nice is a popular beach destination known for its warm climate, charming architecture, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. With plenty to see and do, Nice is an ideal vacation spot for the entire family, and though accommodation can get expensive for those staying on the beach, it’s more affordable than other Mediterranean hotspots.
Not even a half-hour drive from Nice lies the lavish Principality of Monaco. Though the official language is French, Monaco is actually a microstate. This glitzy destination has a well-earned reputation as a billionaire’s playground thanks to its tax policies and in-your-face opulence, but you don’t have to be a Rockefeller to visit. Though there are certainly hotels and restaurants that cater to the elite, you can still find cost-effective facilities.
A Quick Overview & Comparison: Nice vs France

Nice
- Beaches
- Family friendly
- Picturesque views
- Art and culture
First and foremost, Nice is a beach destination. There’s a plethora of sunny coastal spots to spend your days, one of the most famous being the Plage Publique De l’Opéra.
You’ll find most of the beaches stemming off the famous Promenade des Anglais, and they all boast spectacular views of the calm azure water. Naturally, this means that the best time to visit is during late spring and summer, and it’s worth contending with the crowds to have the full resort-style experience.
Though the French Riviera in general is considered to be expensive by world standards, Nice is one of the most affordable cities in the area, which is one reason why it’s a family friendly destination. Between the beaches, parks, and public gardens, there’s plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation for visitors of all ages.

Nice is known for stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape, and one of the most iconic viewpoints is the Grand Panorama de Nice, which offers a view of the city in all its glory straddling the shoreline.
There are several hiking paths, public gardens, and rooftop bars where you can soak up the beauty of the city from different angles, too. It’s no surprise that the artist Henri Matisse spent almost 40 years in Nice, and it’s easy to see the magic of the city captured in his work.
Though most people think of the beaches when they think of Nice, the city is also brimming with culture. There are several art galleries to explore, from the Musée Matisse to the Asian Arts Museum, and the Romanesque and Baroque building styles found in the Old Town are fine examples of living art.
Nice also happens to be home to the outdoor Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, or Flower Market, which is one of the most famous in Europe.
Monaco
- Luxury and glamor
- Royalty
- Museums
- Romantic
Monaco’s reputation precedes it as one of the world’s most glamorous locations. If you want to live like the rich and famous, even just for a few days, Monaco is the place to do it.
Home to the extravagant Casino de Monte-Carlo and Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco will make you feel like Cinderella at the ball. Though Western Europe is full of expensive destinations that attract the world’s elite, there’s really no place quite like Monaco.
The city-state is also unique in that it’s one of the few remaining nations that still has a royal family. The Grimaldi family have been ruling in Monaco for 800 years, and you can witness their legacy at the Prince’s Palace, where there’s a Changing of the Guard ceremony everyday at 11:55 a.m. France has plenty of relics of its royal past that you can visit, but Monaco’s royal culture is still very much alive.

Monaco is home to four casinos, and this plus the annual Grand Prix race makes it seem like the ultimate playground. But along with all the fun, there’s the chance to soak up the city-state’s rich history through numerous museums. One of the most famous is the Oceanographic Museum, but many more facets of Monaco’s heritage are also displayed in other collections.
With its gambling culture and high-life ambiance, Monaco isn’t the ideal location for families. But it is one of the most romantic destinations in Western Europe, if not for the rags-to-riches scenery, then for the multiple opportunities to wine, dine, and spoil someone special.
Nice vs France: A Quick Guide to Choosing

Nice Mini Guide
- Location Size – 71.92 square kilometers
- Population – 948,149
- Rainiest Month – October
- High Season – May through August
- Top Sights – Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice, Colline du Château, Marc Chagall National Museum, Promenade du Paillon, Nice Cathedral, Villa Masséna Musée, Cours Saleya Market, Promenade des Anglais
- Major Airports – Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
In addition to Nice being a world-class family-friendly beach destination with views that have literally inspired some of the greatest artists of the age, it also has two advantages over Monaco.
Firstly, it’s easier to get to, as Monaco doesn’t have its own airport. The closest airport to Monaco is actually Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which isn’t far anyway. But you still have the extra planning of getting to Nice by car, bus, or helicopter after you fly in. Monaco does have its own helipad and train station, but it’s generally considered slightly more difficult to get to than Nice.
Nice is also significantly bigger than Monaco. Naturally, this means there’s more to see and do. While both Nice and Monaco receive throngs of tourists in the high season, Monaco may feel more crowded because there’s simply less space for everyone.
And while Monaco’s museums are definitely a drawing card, Nice still has a selection of great museums of its own, along with the art galleries.

Monaco Mini Guide
- Location Size – 2.1 square kilometers
- Population – 36,297
- Rainiest Month – November
- High Season – June through August
- Top Sights – Casino de Monte Carlo, Prince’s Palace of Monaco, Exotic Garden of Monaco, Oceanographic Museum, Princess Grace Japanese Garden, Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Jardins Saint-Martin, New National Museum of Monaco
- Major Airports – N/A
Monaco may end up costing you more than Nice, and it may be smaller and more difficult to get to, but it’s truly a unique destination that feels unlike anywhere else in the world. With the glamor of Paris, the excitement of Las Vegas, the scenery of the Amalfi Coast, and the royal tourism of London all wrapped into one, Monaco is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You’ll also find a greater range of shopping opportunities in Monaco—although these tend to be higher-end. But window shopping can be just as fun!
If you like to try your luck at the casino, consider yourself a Formula One fan, or simply want to see how the other half live, Monaco is likely to leave a much longer-lasting impression on you than Nice.
The 2 Key Differences Between Nice and Monaco
Which is Safer?
Nice
Compared to other European destinations, Nice is relatively safe. Travel Safe – Abroad explains that there’s a medium risk of scamming, terrorism, and pickpocketing, and the city does have its rougher areas. Overall, though, most tourists can stay safe by practicing common sense and keeping an eye on their belongings.
Monaco
With a crime rate lower than most European countries, and its own armed police force, Monaco is considered to be extremely safe. While you still need to practice vigilance wherever you go, it’s one of the safest destinations in the world.
Which is Better for Restaurants and Eating Out?
Nice
Nice has a wide range of restaurants, and while you can certainly have the fine-dining experience, there are also plenty of affordable places to eat. One of the most popular mid-range eateries is Le Canon, serving delicious seafood. You can also enjoy a range of cuisines, from traditional French to Greek.
Monaco
Naturally, there are more upscale eateries in Monaco. Picture elegant dining rooms and terraced restaurants where you might catch a glimpse of a celebrity as you enjoy your beef tartare. But you can also find more relaxed spots, too, like the Brasserie de Monaco, where you can get a range of tapas and pizzas with your craft beer.
3 Questions to Help You Decided to Travel to Nice or Monaco

Who are you traveling with?
Of course, everyone is welcome in both Nice and Monaco, but they are each better suited to some kinds of travelers over others. If you’re traveling with kids, Nice is probably the better option.
Being an outdoors destination, Nice has plenty of things to do for the whole family. And if you’re willing to stay a few blocks back from the beach, there’s a wide range of budget accommodation available.
On the other hand, if you’re traveling as a couple and you’re looking for a little romance, Monaco can offer you thrills that few other destinations can.
What’s your budget like?
There’s affordable accommodation and food available in both Nice and Monaco, but Nice tends to be the more cost-effective of the two. The cost of living in Monaco is 83% more expensive than it is in France, and you can expect that to be reflected in many of the prices of the city-state (via Expatistan). If you’ve got some cash to spare and are looking to indulge, Monaco is definitely the place to do it. For a stay at the famous Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo in July, for example, you’re looking at an average of $2,000 per night.
What activities are you interested in?
Despite being so geographically close, Nice and Monaco tend to lend themselves to different activities. In Nice, you can expect to pass days at the beach, hiking along coastal trails, exploring public parks, and soaking up the unique art and architecture of the town. You could say it’s a more outdoorsy or active destination.
By comparison, Monaco is a place for sightseeing, strolling through museums, shopping, fine dining, and hitting the casino. It has a slower, more relaxed pace, and is therefore a better fit for travelers who don’t want to be on the go all the time.
Nice vs Monaco: Which Is The Better Choice?
In an ideal world, you’d visit both Nice and Monaco, because they both offer unique experiences that you’re likely to fall in love with. For those with broader interests, though, Nice does tick more boxes, given that it’s larger, more accessible, more affordable, and more family friendly.
But if you want a luxurious European holiday in a destination that’s really unlike anywhere else in the world, Monaco may be the right choice for you.