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

Should you visit Columbus or Minneapolis?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Minneapolis? 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Columbus and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Minneapolis?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Minneapolis than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Minneapolis, Minneapolis has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Minneapolis is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Minneapolis is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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

Minneapolis is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Minneapolis. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Minneapolis has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Minneapolis. 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.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Columbus or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Minneapolis.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Minneapolis is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Columbus or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Minneapolis is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Minneapolis has some public transit options. 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Columbus or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Columbus and Minneapolis are nice when it comes to walkability.

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Columbus or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Minneapolis due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Columbus. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of Minneapolis offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbus or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Columbus. 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.

Minneapolis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Minneapolis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Minneapolis?

The down-to-earth city of Columbus offers museums and nightlife. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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 Columbus or Minneapolis?

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

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Minneapolis?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Columbus is around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbus in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Columbus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 57°F (14°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In the autumn, Columbus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Minneapolis. Most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. Columbus can be very cold during winter. Columbus is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbus usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Minneapolis. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

In the spring, Columbus is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbus in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Columbus