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

Should you visit Tampa or Minneapolis?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a laid-back, easy-going, and low-key city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Tampa and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Minneapolis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Tampa and Minneapolis are about the same size, Minneapolis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Minneapolis is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Tampa is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Minneapolis is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America. Tampa is popular for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Minneapolis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Tampa or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Minneapolis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tampa. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Minneapolis specifically to go shopping. 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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Minneapolis.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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.

Is Tampa or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Minneapolis is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa 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 Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Minneapolis is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Minneapolis?

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

Couples should spend more time in Minneapolis than Tampa. 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the low-key city of Tampa. 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.

In Minneapolis, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this dynamic destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the easy-going destination of Tampa. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Minneapolis?

The laid-back city of Tampa offers food. 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.

Minneapolis is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. Lots of people come for the shopping. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Minneapolis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive? and Is Minneapolis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tampa is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Tampa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Tampa is much warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Minneapolis. Most visitors come to Tampa for 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. In the winter, Tampa is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 15°F (-10°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Minneapolis. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

In April, Tampa is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 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 Tampa this time of the year. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Minneapolis. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Tampa