Minneapolis-Saint Paul Tours & Activities

Plan your trip to Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.

Top things to do in Minneapolis-Saint Paul

• Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. One of the premier contemporary art museums in the US, the Walker pairs its cutting-edge galleries with an 11-acre outdoor sculpture garden open free every day — home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. The garden runs 6 am to midnight daily; gallery admission is free every Thursday evening and the first Saturday…
• Mill City Museum. Built inside the dramatic ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, this Minnesota Historical Society museum tells the story of Minneapolis's rise as the 'Flour Milling Capital of the World.' Ride the Flour Tower elevator, experiment in the Water and Baking Labs, and take in sweeping Mississippi River…
• Minnehaha Regional Park & Falls. A beloved urban green space since 1889, Minnehaha Park draws over 850,000 visitors a year to its 53-foot cascade — one of the most spectacular urban waterfalls in America. Trails lead from the falls down to the Mississippi River, with bike rentals, beach access, seasonal dining at Sea Salt Eatery, and a direct…
• First Avenue. An independently owned concert hall that opened in 1970 in a former Greyhound bus depot, First Avenue is one of the most storied music venues in America — Prince filmed Purple Rain here and launched his career on its stage. The exterior's Hall of Fame stars and gritty interior make it a pilgrimage site for music…
• Paisley Park. Prince's legendary 65,000-square-foot creative compound in nearby Chanhassen is now open for guided tours, giving fans an intimate look at the studios where he recorded, the soundstage where he rehearsed, and the archives of his iconic costumes and instruments. The 90-minute Paisley Experience ($75) is the…
• Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia). Minnesota's largest art museum holds over 100,000 works spanning 5,000 years and six continents, with free general admission every day and no reservations needed. Highlights include Impressionist masterworks, an extraordinary East Asian collection, and arms and armor galleries that appeal to all ages.
• Minnesota State Capitol. Saint Paul's stunning Beaux-Arts capitol, completed in 1905, is one of the largest self-supported marble domes in the world and offers free guided tours that cover its art, architecture, and state history. Tours run every hour Monday through Saturday and start in Room 126 off the south entrance — no reservation needed.
• Chain of Lakes & Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. A 52-mile National Scenic Byway that loops entirely within the city, the Grand Rounds connects lakes Bde Maka Ska, Harriet, Nokomis, and Lake of the Isles by paved paths perfect for cycling, walking, kayaking, and open-water swimming. In summer the lakeshores pulse with sail boats, volleyball nets, and food stands;…

Best time to visit Minneapolis-Saint Paul

Late June through August for warmth and festivals; May or September for fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. Summer offers highs around 80 F, abundant outdoor events, and access to the city's lakes. Shoulder months (May, September) have pleasant temps (60s-70s F) with smaller crowds and lower hotel rates

Minneapolis-Saint Paul weather by month

Getting to Minneapolis-Saint Paul

The METRO Blue Line light rail connects MSP Airport to downtown Minneapolis in about 25 minutes for $2–$3.25 — no taxi required from baggage claim. The METRO Green Line then links downtown Minneapolis to downtown Saint Paul (the two downtowns are 11 miles apart) with stops at the University of Minnesota, making it easy to visit both cities without a car. Download the Metro Transit app before you arrive — it covers all light rail, bus, and express routes with real-time tracking and mobile ticketing. A single fare covers unlimited transfers within 2.5 hours, and a Day Pass ($6) is worth it for a day of touring multiple neighborhoods. Downtown Minneapolis is connected by the world's largest enc

• MSP Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport — 20 min drive
• RST Rochester International Airport — 90 min drive
• DLH Duluth International Airport — 145 min drive

Where to stay in Minneapolis-Saint Paul

Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.

• North Loop / Warehouse District. The Twin Cities' most dynamic neighborhood for visitors sits just northwest of downtown Minneapolis, with converted 19th-century brick warehouses housing boutique hotels, acclaimed restaurants, craft breweries, and the Target Field entertainment complex. A… Good for: Foodies, nightlife seekers, sports fans, first-time visitors who want walkability.
• Mill District / Downtown Minneapolis. Anchored by the Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum along the Mississippi River, the Mill District combines a dramatic waterfront setting with easy access to the skyway network, the Farmers Market, and Minneapolis's cultural core. Several full-service… Good for: Couples, theater-goers, travelers wanting riverside scenery without sacrificing downtown convenience.
• Uptown. A few miles south of downtown on Hennepin Avenue, Uptown pulses with independent boutiques, a dense dining scene, vintage shops, and a young, eclectic energy. Bde Maka Ska beach is steps away, and the Uptown Art Fair — which draws 400,000 visitors — fills… Good for: Budget-conscious travelers, younger visitors, outdoor enthusiasts, shoppers.
• Downtown Saint Paul. Saint Paul's quieter, more compact downtown offers a walkable cluster of historic attractions — the State Capitol, Science Museum, Landmark Center, and Mickey's Diner — connected by its own 47-block skyway network. A hotel here puts you 20 minutes from… Good for: History buffs, travelers who prefer a slower pace, visitors centering their trip on St. Paul attractions.
• Northeast Minneapolis. The Twin Cities' creative heartland offers a village-scale feel with easy access to the Arts District's galleries and breweries, Vinai and other acclaimed restaurants, and the University of Minnesota campus. Short Uber or bus ride to downtown; the… Good for: Art lovers, craft beer enthusiasts, travelers seeking neighborhood character over tourist infrastructure.

Where to eat in Minneapolis-Saint Paul

A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.

Local favorites & classics

• Bûcheron. Kingfield, South Minneapolis · French-American — 2025 James Beard Award winner for Best New Restaurant and named to The New York Times's 50 Best US Restaurants. Chef Adam Ritter's French-Minnesotan…
• Vinai. Northeast Minneapolis · Hmong — Named to The New York Times's 50 Best Restaurants in the US (2024), Vinai brings modern Hmong cooking to a lively 88-seat space from James Beard finalist chef Yia…
• Indígena by Owamni. Mill District, Minneapolis (Guthrie Theater) · Indigenous North American — The evolution of the 2022 James Beard Best New Restaurant Owamni, chef Sean Sherman's landmark Indigenous kitchen reopened…
• Spoon and Stable. Warehouse District / North Loop, Minneapolis · New American — James Beard Award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen's flagship restaurant set inside a beautifully restored 19th-century horse stable. French…
• Pizzeria Lola. Kenny / South Minneapolis · Pizza — A neighborhood pizza obsession beloved since 2010 for its wood-fired pies topped with Korean barbecue pulled pork, house-made kimchi, and creative seasonal…
• Hell's Kitchen Inc.. 80 S 9th St · 4.4★ (7,475 reviews)
• The Nook. 492 Hamline Ave S · 4.6★ (5,043 reviews)
• Red Cow St. Paul. 393 Selby Ave · 4.6★ (4,279 reviews)

Cafés, bakeries & casual

• Hmongtown Marketplace food stalls. Como neighborhood, Saint Paul · Hmong / Southeast Asian — The largest Hmong market in the US, with 200+ vendors and 11 in-house restaurants open daily 9 am–7 pm. Must-tries include papaya salad, sai…
• Midtown Global Market. Midtown / Lake Street, Minneapolis · International / food hall — A 50-vendor indoor global food hall on Lake Street open Mon–Sat 10 am–8 pm, Sun 11 am–6 pm, with free live music and cultural events…
• Mickey's Diner. Downtown Saint Paul · Classic American diner — A 1939 prefabricated Art Deco dining car listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Mickey's reopened in October 2024 after a pandemic…
• Surly Brewing Co.. Prospect Park, Minneapolis · Brewery / gastropub — Surly's flagship 'destination brewery' pours 20+ beers on tap alongside kitchen hits like beer-battered hog frites and artisan pizza from Surly…
• Cafe Latte. 850 Grand Ave Ste No 5 · 4.6★ (5,360 reviews)
• French Meadow Cafe & Bluestem Bar. 2610 Lyndale Ave S · 4.4★ (3,742 reviews)
• Isles Bun & Coffee. 1424 W 28th St · 4.7★ (1,885 reviews)
• Patisserie 46. 4552 Grand Ave S · 4.7★ (1,443 reviews)

Fine dining & Michelin

• Myriel. Macalester-Groveland, Saint Paul · Contemporary American / French-Nordic — Intimate 38-seat restaurant where 2025 James Beard Best Chef: Midwest winner Karyn Tomlinson serves a 12-course tasting…
• 112 Eatery. Warehouse District, Minneapolis · American fine dining — A long-running institution in the North Loop known for refined comfort dishes — legendary foie gras meatballs, silky gnocchi, and the…
• Myriel. Macalester-Groveland, Saint Paul · Contemporary American / French-Nordic — Intimate 38-seat restaurant where 2025 James Beard Best Chef: Midwest winner Karyn Tomlinson serves a 12-course tasting…
• Manny's Steakhouse. 825 S Marquette Ave · 4.6★ (4,110 reviews)
• Murray's. 26 South 6th St · 4.7★ (2,097 reviews)
• Alma. 528 University Ave SE · 4.6★ (2,126 reviews)
• The Capital Grille. 801 Hennepin Ave · 4.7★ (1,703 reviews)
• The Lexington. 1096 Grand Ave · 4.5★ (1,792 reviews)

A 7-Day Minneapolis-Saint Paul Plan

1. Day 1 — Art, Sculpture & City Soul. Begin at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, where Claes Oldenburg's Spoonbridge and Cherry anchors a curated outdoor collection, then step inside the Walker Art Center for contemporary exhibitions spanning painting, film, and design. Walk or bike a few blocks south to the…
2. Day 2 — Milling History & River Roots. Start the day at Mill City Museum, built into the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill on the banks of the Mississippi. The Flour Tower ride and rooftop deck offer dramatic views of the river gorge. Cross the Stone Arch Bridge on foot for sweeping views of St.…
3. Day 3 — Prince, Music & Cultural Legacy. Drive about 20 minutes southwest to Chanhassen to visit Paisley Park, Prince's legendary recording studio and personal creative sanctuary, now a museum offering guided tours through his performance spaces, vault, and archives. Return to Minneapolis and visit the Weisman Art…
4. Day 4 — Lakes, Trails & Urban Nature. Spend the morning cycling or walking the Chain of Lakes — Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska), Lake Harriet, and Lake of the Isles — connected by the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, one of the country's great urban park systems. Drive south to Minnehaha Regional Park to see Minnehaha Falls, a…
5. Day 5 — Saint Paul: Capitol, Cathedral & History. Cross the river into Saint Paul and tour the Minnesota State Capitol, whose dome — larger than the US Capitol's — presides over a beautifully restored interior of Minnesota granite and marble. Walk or drive along Summit Avenue, the nation's longest intact stretch of…
6. Day 6 — Science, Discovery & Northeast Arts. Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota on the Saint Paul riverfront — interactive exhibits on the Mississippi ecosystem, dinosaurs, and human anatomy make it equally engaging for adults and families, and the IMAX theater is a highlight. Drive back across the river to the…
7. Day 7 — Markets, Neighborhoods & Local Farewell. Spend your final morning at the Minneapolis Farmers Market near the North Loop for seasonal local produce, artisan goods, and a classic Midwestern breakfast, or browse the nearby Midtown Global Market for international street food under one roof. Revisit any highlight…

Events & festivals in Minneapolis-Saint Paul

• Saint Paul Winter Carnival (Late January – early February (2026: Jan 22 – Feb 1)). Oldest winter festival in the United States, established 1886 in response to Eastern press calling Saint Paul uninhabitable; features ice sculptures in Rice Park, parades, and snow activities.
• Minneapolis Aquatennial (Mid-to-late July (2026: July 18 – 26)). Minneapolis's signature summer festival, now in its 87th year; free events at Bde Maka Ska, Mississippi riverfront, and downtown; includes Torchlight Parade and Milk Carton Boat Races.
• Minnesota State Fair (Late August – Labor Day (2025: Aug 21 – Sep 1; 2026: Aug 27 – Sep 7)). One of the largest state fairs in the US by attendance; held annually at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Saint Paul for 12 days ending on or near Labor Day.

Top-rated tours & activities in Minneapolis-Saint Paul

• The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures at the Mall of America — 5.0★ (358 reviews)
• Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour — 5.0★ (57 reviews)
• Narrated Scenic Tour on the Minneapolis Trolley — 4.9★ (313 reviews)
• All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour — 4.9★ (252 reviews)
• Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings — 5.0★ (21 reviews)
• #1 Ghost Tour in the Midwest : Candlelight Trolley Tour — 4.8★ (198 reviews)
• St. Paul Historic Cave Tour — 4.8★ (188 reviews)
• Minneapolis' "Shocking" True Crime Trolley Tour — 4.8★ (35 reviews)

Minneapolis-Saint Paul travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Minneapolis-Saint Paul?

Late June through August for warmth and festivals; May or September for fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.

What are the top things to do in Minneapolis-Saint Paul?

Top experiences include Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Mill City Museum, Minnehaha Regional Park & Falls, First Avenue, Paisley Park.

Which airport is closest to Minneapolis-Saint Paul?

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the nearest, about 20 minutes away.

Where should I stay in Minneapolis-Saint Paul?

Popular areas to base yourself include North Loop / Warehouse District, Mill District / Downtown Minneapolis, Uptown, Downtown Saint Paul.

How do I get around Minneapolis-Saint Paul?

The METRO Blue Line light rail connects MSP Airport to downtown Minneapolis in about 25 minutes for $2–$3.25 — no taxi required from baggage claim.