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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Ottawa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Ottawa, 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Ottawa travel costs.

Minneapolis and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Minneapolis than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Minneapolis, Minneapolis has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Minneapolis is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America. Ottawa is popular for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Minneapolis different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Minneapolis and Ottawa.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ottawa. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

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

Minneapolis is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Ottawa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is Minneapolis or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Ottawa?

Minneapolis is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Ottawa is a great destination for shopping. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is Minneapolis or Ottawa Better for Families?

Minneapolis is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Minneapolis. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Minneapolis or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Minneapolis and Ottawa are both good to visit as a couple.

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.

Ottawa is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Is Minneapolis or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

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 Minneapolis or Ottawa Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

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

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

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 Ottawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Is Minneapolis or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Minneapolis and Ottawa are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Ottawa is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Minneapolis and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Minneapolis than in Ottawa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

One day in Minneapolis or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Ottawa. 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 Ottawa?

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Ottawa. 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 Minneapolis or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The cultural city of Ottawa offers museums and food. 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 Minneapolis or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic destination of Minneapolis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ottawa. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Ottawa, 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 Minneapolis or Ottawa?

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 Minneapolis or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Minneapolis is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minneapolis in July average around 76°F (25°C), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Minneapolis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Minneapolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the shopping scene.

In October, Minneapolis is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 52°F (11°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Ottawa. The winter months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 15°F (-10°C) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Ottawa. The activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

In the spring, Minneapolis is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minneapolis in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In the spring, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Minneapolis