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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Quebec City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Quebec City, 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 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. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a cultural, charming, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Quebec City travel costs.

Minneapolis and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Quebec City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Quebec City than Minneapolis. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Quebec City is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also well known for Château Frontenac. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Minneapolis different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quebec City 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 Quebec City?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Quebec City are world-renowned. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

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.

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

Quebec City 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, Quebec City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

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 Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Minneapolis and Quebec City.

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.

Quebec City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

Is Minneapolis or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Quebec City is revered around the world. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Quebec City?

Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Minneapolis and Quebec City.

Known for shopping, Minneapolis draws large crowds to its 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.

Quebec City is a world class destination for shoppers. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

Is Minneapolis or Quebec City More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Quebec City Better for Families?

Minneapolis and Quebec City are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. 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.

Quebec City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

Is Minneapolis or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Quebec City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

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 Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

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 Quebec City Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a great destination for students. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Quebec City. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Minneapolis and Quebec City.

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 Quebec City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries around town.

Is Minneapolis or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Quebec City. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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 Quebec City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Minneapolis or Quebec City. In our opinion, Quebec City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Quebec City than Minneapolis. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City 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 Quebec City.

One day in Minneapolis or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Minneapolis. Most people visit for the shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the dynamic destination of Minneapolis. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Quebec City. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Quebec City?

The diverse city of Minneapolis 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.

The cultural city of Quebec City offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Quebec City?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Quebec City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Quebec City, 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.