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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Minneapolis?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Minneapolis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. Visitors also love the museums, skiing, 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Gatlinburg and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Minneapolis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Gatlinburg and Minneapolis are popular destinations, Minneapolis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Minneapolis is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America.

How is Gatlinburg different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Minneapolis Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Gatlinburg is a great destination to visit. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

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

Minneapolis is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Minneapolis specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

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

Minneapolis is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Gatlinburg just to party. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Minneapolis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Gatlinburg or Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Minneapolis Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is renowned for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Gatlinburg or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Minneapolis is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Minneapolis is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Gatlinburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Gatlinburg or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Minneapolis is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is very popular with students. 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.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg and Minneapolis both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Minneapolis. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. Gatlinburg is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Gatlinburg