A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Minneapolis for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Minneapolis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Minneapolis, 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a suburban, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Atlanta and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Minneapolis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlanta. Although Atlanta and Minneapolis are about the same size, Atlanta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also home to the Georgia Aquarium. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Atlanta different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Minneapolis?

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Atlanta are world-renowned. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Minneapolis. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Atlanta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Atlanta or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Atlanta and Minneapolis.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Minneapolis offers plenty to do in the evening. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Minneapolis?

If you're looking to go shopping, Atlanta and Minneapolis both offer plenty of amazing spots.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Minneapolis is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Is Atlanta or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Atlanta and Minneapolis are both superb destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Minneapolis is a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Atlanta or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Minneapolis are both good to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Minneapolis is a nice destination for couples. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Atlanta or Minneapolis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Atlanta or Minneapolis Better for Students?

For students, both Atlanta and Minneapolis are superb places to visit.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Students come from all over to stay in Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Is Atlanta or Minneapolis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

While Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Atlanta or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Atlanta and Minneapolis are good when it comes to walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Atlanta or Minneapolis. In our opinion, Atlanta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlanta than Minneapolis. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Minneapolis 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Minneapolis?

Atlanta is a cultural city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Minneapolis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Minneapolis?

Atlanta is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Minneapolis, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Minneapolis has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Minneapolis?

The suburban city of Atlanta offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atlanta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Minneapolis. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis than you might in Atlanta.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Minneapolis?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Minneapolis, 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.

When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Minneapolis?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Minneapolis. The summer months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

In July, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 82°F (28°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Minneapolis. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Atlanta is much warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 66°F (19°C) in October, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Atlanta is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlanta in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 15°F (-10°C).

Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 65°F (18°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the spring, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Atlanta