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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Aspen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Aspen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a charming, quaint, and vibrant ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of Aspen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food. See Aspen travel costs.

Minneapolis and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Aspen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aspen. Although Minneapolis and Aspen are both popular with visitors, Aspen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aspen is more popular for its skiing, food, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Minneapolis is known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Aspen is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also home to The Maroon Bells. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Minneapolis different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Minneapolis or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Aspen is among the best in the world. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

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

Minneapolis is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen 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.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aspen 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, Aspen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Dining out in Minneapolis is an experience not to be missed. 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 Minneapolis or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Minneapolis and Aspen.

Minneapolis has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Aspen is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Is Minneapolis or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Aspen while you're in town. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

Is Minneapolis or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Aspen is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Minneapolis or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Aspen?

Minneapolis is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Minneapolis is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is Minneapolis or Aspen More Beautiful?

Aspen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Aspen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Aspen Better for Families?

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

Minneapolis is known to be 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.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Minneapolis or Aspen Better for Couples?

Aspen is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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 Minneapolis or Aspen Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a great destination for students. However, Aspen is not popular with 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.

Aspen is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Minneapolis and Aspen.

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.

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

Is Minneapolis or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen 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.

Aspen is a very walkable ski town. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Aspen?

In either Minneapolis or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Minneapolis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

Families should spend more time in Aspen than Minneapolis. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aspen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen 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 Aspen.

One day in Minneapolis or Aspen?

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.

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Minneapolis or Aspen?

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.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This ski town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Minneapolis or Aspen?

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.

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A week in Minneapolis or Aspen?

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.

Since Aspen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minneapolis and Aspen, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Minneapolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Minneapolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minneapolis 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen than you might in Minneapolis.

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

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Aspen?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Aspen, 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.