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

Should you visit Norfolk or Minneapolis?

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

Should I visit Norfolk 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Norfolk and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Norfolk or Minneapolis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Minneapolis than Norfolk. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Minneapolis is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Norfolk
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.


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

Norfolk
Minneapolis

Both Norfolk and Minneapolis offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

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.

Is Norfolk or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Minneapolis know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Minneapolis?

Norfolk
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Minneapolis is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.


Is Norfolk or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Norfolk
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Minneapolis is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Norfolk or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Norfolk
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal 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 Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Norfolk or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Norfolk
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a great destination for students. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not popular with students.


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

Norfolk
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a popular place for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Minneapolis, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Norfolk or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Norfolk
Minneapolis

Norfolk and Minneapolis both are nice when exploring on foot.

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Minneapolis?

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

Families should spend more time in Minneapolis than Norfolk. 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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Minneapolis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Norfolk 1-2 
    Minneapolis 2-4

One day in Norfolk or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the blue collar city of Norfolk. 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.

In Minneapolis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Norfolk or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the maritime destination of Norfolk. 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.

In Minneapolis, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Minneapolis has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Minneapolis?

The blue collar city of Norfolk 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.

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Norfolk or Minneapolis?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Minneapolis. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or Norfolk?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Norfolk is $166, 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 Norfolk and Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Norfolk $84
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Norfolk $168
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Norfolk and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Norfolk 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 Norfolk


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: Norfolk Hotel Prices and Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Norfolk $54
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Norfolk or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis and Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $49
    Minneapolis $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Norfolk.

  • Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise : $101
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $126
  • Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise: $140
  • Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $182

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.
    Norfolk $14
    Minneapolis $27

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) : $60
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Mother's Day Signature Brunch Cruise Norfolk: $124
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise : $84
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise: $104
  • Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise: $84
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $38
  • Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket: $22

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99
  • Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Minneapolis River Walk: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $16
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Norfolk $10
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Norfolk

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Norfolk:

  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Downtown Norfolk: $30

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

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


Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Minneapolis?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Norfolk or Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Norfolk 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, Norfolk is around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Norfolk in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In the summer, Norfolk often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Norfolk 79°F (26°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Norfolk or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Norfolk 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, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 62°F (16°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Norfolk or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Norfolk during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Norfolk can be very cold during winter. Norfolk is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

In the winter, Norfolk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Norfolk or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Minneapolis. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

In the spring, Norfolk is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Norfolk in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis during spring. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Norfolk

Norfolk Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)