A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Minneapolis for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Mazatlan or Minneapolis?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a cultural, authentic, and historical city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Mazatlan travel costs.

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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Mazatlan and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Minneapolis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Mazatlan and Minneapolis are roughly the same size, Minneapolis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Minneapolis is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mazatlan is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Minneapolis is well known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Also, Minneapolis is famous for Mall of America.

How is Mazatlan different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Minneapolis.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Many visitors head to Minneapolis specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Mazatlan or Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Minneapolis both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mazatlan. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

Minneapolis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Mazatlan or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

Is Mazatlan or Minneapolis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Mazatlan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mazatlan. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Minneapolis Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Mazatlan to see the historical old town. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Minneapolis make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Mazatlan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Is Mazatlan or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Minneapolis is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Minneapolis is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Mazatlan offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Is Mazatlan or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Minneapolis make for a notable place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Minneapolis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Mazatlan. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Mazatlan or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Minneapolis is well known for students. However, Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and Minneapolis.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

While Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Is Mazatlan or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Mazatlan or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mazatlan due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Minneapolis 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 Mazatlan.

One day in Mazatlan or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the historical city of Mazatlan. 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.

The city of Minneapolis offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Mazatlan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Minneapolis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Minneapolis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historical city of Mazatlan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Mazatlan. 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.

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Minneapolis in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 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 Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mazatlan 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 the autumn, Mazatlan is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Minneapolis averages at about 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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 January, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Minneapolis. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Minneapolis. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Minneapolis in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Minneapolis. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Mazatlan