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

Should you visit Mystic or Minneapolis?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mystic and Minneapolis. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Mystic and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Mystic or Minneapolis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Mystic and Minneapolis are popular destinations, Minneapolis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Minneapolis is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mystic attracts visitors for its beaches. Mystic is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its New England charm and local character. 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 Mystic different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mystic
Minneapolis

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Mystic or Minneapolis.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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.


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

Mystic
Minneapolis

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Mystic and Minneapolis can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Mystic or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Mystic or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Minneapolis

Mystic is a very popular place for the beache. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mystic. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Minneapolis?

Mystic
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Mystic 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.

Mystic is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Is Mystic or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Mystic
Minneapolis

Both Mystic and Minneapolis are great family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Minneapolis is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Mystic or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Mystic
Minneapolis

Mystic and Minneapolis both nice destinations for a couple.

Mystic is a nice destination for couples. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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.


Is Mystic or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Mystic
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Mystic is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Mystic
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic 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 limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Mystic
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.


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

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Mystic or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Minneapolis due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

Couples should spend more time in Minneapolis than Mystic. 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 Mystic 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.


  • How many days in Mystic or Minneapolis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mystic 2-3 
    Minneapolis 2-4

One day in Mystic or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming town of Mystic. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Mystic or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Mystic. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Minneapolis?

The laid back town of Mystic offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Mystic or Minneapolis?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the innovative destination of Minneapolis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or Mystic?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $210, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $206. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mystic and Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Mystic or Minneapolis? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mystic


Hotels in Minneapolis


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mystic Hotel Prices and Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis and Mystic change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mystic $52
    Minneapolis $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Minneapolis $27

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hour Historic Heartbeats of Minneapolis Senior Tour with Guide: $193
  • Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour in Minneapolis: $55
  • Challah Baking Experience: $72
  • Christmas in the City: A Minneapolis Walking Tour: $689
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $44
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mystic $31
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Mystic and Minneapolis, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive? and Is Minneapolis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mystic or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic 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 Mystic 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 Mystic or Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mystic in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Mystic is around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mystic in July average around 73°F (23°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 Mystic. Mystic usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mystic usually receives less rain than Minneapolis. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Mystic during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mystic for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Mystic is generally around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 53°F (12°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the autumn, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Minneapolis. The winter months attract visitors to Mystic because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

It's quite cold in Minneapolis in the winter. The weather in Mystic can be very cold. Mystic is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mystic usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Minneapolis. The beaches are the main draw to Mystic this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Mystic is around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mystic in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the spring, Mystic often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Mystic

Mystic Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)