A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Minneapolis for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans or Minneapolis?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Minneapolis can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a energetic, fun-filled, and festive city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, 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.

New Orleans and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Minneapolis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Minneapolis. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Minneapolis attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans just to party. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

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 New Orleans or Minneapolis Better for Music?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in New Orleans. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Minneapolis Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a very popular place for its old town. However, Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is a world-class destination for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is New Orleans or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and Minneapolis are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

New Orleans is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

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 New Orleans or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Is New Orleans or Minneapolis 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, New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is New Orleans or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

New Orleans and Minneapolis are nice when it comes to walkability.

New Orleans is somewhat walkable. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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 New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either New Orleans 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 New Orleans, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

One day in New Orleans or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic city of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic city of Minneapolis. Most people visit for the shopping. 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.

A weekend in New Orleans or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the vibrant destination of New Orleans. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the dynamic destination of Minneapolis. 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 New Orleans or Minneapolis?

The festive city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The innovative city of Minneapolis 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.

A week in New Orleans or Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting New Orleans. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Minneapolis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the shopping. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Minneapolis?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, New Orleans is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Orleans in July average around 82°F (28°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 New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Orleans or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

In October, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 69°F (21°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Minneapolis. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Minneapolis. New Orleans is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Orleans or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Minneapolis. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, New Orleans is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Orleans in April average around 68°F (20°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 New Orleans this time of the year. In the spring, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and New Orleans