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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Milwaukee?

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

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

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Minneapolis and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Milwaukee?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Minneapolis than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Minneapolis, Minneapolis has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Minneapolis is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Also, Minneapolis is famous for Mall of America. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Minneapolis different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Milwaukee. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

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

Minneapolis is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Minneapolis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Minneapolis or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Minneapolis has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Milwaukee?

Minneapolis is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Minneapolis draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Milwaukee to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

Is Minneapolis or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Milwaukee. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

Is Minneapolis or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Minneapolis is a city with good options for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Minneapolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Minneapolis or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Milwaukee is popular with students. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

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

Minneapolis is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in 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 Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Minneapolis or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Minneapolis and Milwaukee are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Minneapolis or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Minneapolis than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Milwaukee 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 Minneapolis or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Minneapolis. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Milwaukee. 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.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Minneapolis. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Milwaukee. 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.

Five days in Minneapolis or Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Minneapolis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The friendly city of Milwaukee 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.

A week in Minneapolis or Milwaukee?

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Milwaukee, 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 Minneapolis or Milwaukee?

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 Minneapolis or Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences.

Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Milwaukee in the summer. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 76°F (25°C) in July, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Minneapolis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milwaukee. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

Both Milwaukee and Minneapolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minneapolis in October average around 52°F (11°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Minneapolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in October than Milwaukee. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milwaukee can be very cold during winter. Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 15°F (-10°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Milwaukee. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Milwaukee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months.

Minneapolis is a little warmer than Milwaukee in the spring. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 49°F (10°C) in April, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In the spring, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in April than Milwaukee. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Minneapolis