Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN

Travel Guide
Walker Art Center showing art, outdoor art and landscape views
In and around Minnesota’s Twin Cities see two contrasting worlds, from cultural institutions and scenic wilderness to modern architecture and cobblestone streets.

Between St. Paul and Minneapolis, experience Minnesota’s capital and its largest city, jointly known as the Twin Cities. St. Paul sits where the Mississippi River and Minnesota River converge. It meets its much larger counterpart, Minneapolis, to the west.

Minnesota is known for cold winters, hot summers and year-round natural beauty. Enjoy exceptional seasonal experiences in Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, from flowers blooming in summer to blankets of snow in winter. Whether you walk around it, paddle through it or simply sunbathe on its shores, Lake Calhoun is always a relaxing destination. Stroll along the Mississippi River and past tumbling waterfalls in the scenic Minnehaha Park.

Just south of the Twin Cities, discover a shopping and entertainment paradise in Bloomington. Millions of people flock to the grand Mall of America each year. For a break from browsing its hundreds of stores, enjoy thrills at Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park.

Experience the wild side at Minnesota Zoo. See exotic species, stop at the petting farm and watch the colorful bird show.

Investigate the Twin Cities’ many museums. Between prehistoric artifacts, dinosaur skeletons and a massive IMAX theater, see natural history come to life at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Take a ride on a boxcar and try mining in the Minnesota History Center.

In the Weisman Art Museum, browse through modern art, ancient pottery, furniture and more. The striking exterior is almost as interesting as the art inside. See works by Warhol, Picasso, Moore and other renowned modern artists in Walker Art Center. Don’t miss its unique spoon bridge with a cherry-shaped fountain. Catch a show in the remarkable Guthrie Theater, which was built to look like a modern grain silo.

Visit Minneapolis-St. Paul throughout the year, but pack for the season. Regardless of when you visit, expect culture, natural beauty and Midwestern charm.

Where to stay in Minneapolis - St. Paul

Mill City Museum

Downtown Minneapolis

4.5/5(3,183 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Minneapolis. Check out top attractions like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, and jump on the metro at Nicollet Mall Station or Warehouse - Hennepin Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Minneapolis
Science Museum of Minnesota

Downtown St. Paul

4.5/5(731 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Fitzgerald Theater while getting to know Downtown St. Paul, and be sure to check out the live music. You can hop aboard the metro at 10th Street Station or Central Station to see more of the area.

Downtown St. Paul
Minnehaha Park showing landscape views, a garden and fall colors

South Minneapolis

If you're spending time in South Minneapolis, check out sights like Lake Nokomis or Lake Harriet and hop on the metro to see more the city at 38th Street Station or 46th Street Station.

South Minneapolis
Minneapolis showing signage

Downtown West

Heart of downtown Minneapolis, Downtown West boasts high-rise office buildings and notable landmarks like Foshay Tower and IDS Center. A bustling urban hub for business and architecture enthusiasts.

Downtown West
Nickelodeon Universe which includes rides as well as a family

East Bloomington

4/5(1,932 area reviews)

While you're in East Bloomington, take in top sights like Mall of America or Lego Imagination Center, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Mall of America Station or 28th Avenue Station.

East Bloomington
Default Image

North Loop

If you're spending time in North Loop, check out sights like Target Field or Fillmore Theater & Element by Westin and hop on the metro to see more the city at Target Field Station or Warehouse - Hennepin Station.

North Loop
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
3.5 out of 5
1601 East American Blvd, Bloomington, MN
The price is CNY610 per night from Jul 4 to Jul 5
CNY610
CNY708 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Jul - 5 Jul
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,456 reviews)
"We loved the lobby, and the entrance, and the incredibly friendly staff. We didn't like paying for parking, and the elevator broke the last day so we had to walk our luggage down from the fourth floor. Thanks!"

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
3 out of 5
7800 International Drive, Bloomington, MN
The price is CNY776 per night from Jun 4 to Jun 5
CNY776
CNY900 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Jun - 5 Jun
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,703 reviews)
"Hard to find a hotel this good that has continental breakfast. Was impressed that we never heard an airplane during our two nights considering how close we were to the airport. Half block from the light rail was a plus."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2024

Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
Radisson Blu Mall of America
Radisson Blu Mall of America
4.5 out of 5
2100 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN
The price is CNY1,287 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
CNY1,287
CNY1,493 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Jul - 2 Jul
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,815 reviews)
"We enjoyed the convenience of having the hotel attached to the mall. Could use comforters on the beds and a stocked mini refrigerator for the price of the rooms."

Reviewed on 30 May 2024

Radisson Blu Mall of America
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sonder at North Loop Green
Sonder at North Loop Green
360 North 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN
Stay at this aparthotel in Minneapolis. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
"Very close to target field"

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

Sonder at North Loop Green
Extended Stay America Suites - St Paul - Woodbury
Extended Stay America Suites - St Paul - Woodbury
2.5 out of 5
975 Weir Ave., Woodbury, MN
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Woodbury. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
5.6/10 (333 reviews)
"I would not stay again! Filthy room People hanging out in front of entrance. Front entrance not marked. The entire place wreaks of cigarette smell & filth! Room was loud...main highway right outside window. People playing loud music. Worst place ever!"

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

Extended Stay America Suites - St Paul - Woodbury
Sonder at East End
Sonder at East End
3.5 out of 5
240 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Minneapolis. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions U.S. Bank Stadium and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (105 reviews)
"Great location near the Mississippi River, Guthrie Theatre, stadium, & Mill museum, plus Trader Joe's on the ground floor! This is a small apartment, with more space than a hotel room -- double closet, windowless bedroom, & living area with pullman kitchen & breakfast bar. But no work space! No desk ..."

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Sonder at East End
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Minneapolis - St. Paul

The downtown area of Minneapolis is small, neat and very walkable. Comprehensive public transportation coverage also means you won’t need to rent a car to explore the further-flung parts of the city. Ride the bus or the light-rail transit (LRT) to get where you need to go. Or, rent a bike with the Nice Ride bicycle sharing program. Find stands with bikes available for rent scattered across the city. Visit the Metro Transit website. Browse Minneapolis - St. Paul rental cars.

Best time to visit

Minneapolis is at its most vibrant in the summer. In the warmer months, the city’s cultural life thrives, with festivals, markets and other open-air events being abundant. June and August bring the best weather. Expect high temperatures of around 80 F (26 C). Do be aware that this is the peak tourist season, and prices for accommodations reflect that; however, you will find the experience well worth the extra cost.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Minneapolis - St. Paul

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1488
" "5 - Excellent 49.157581764122895%
4 - Good
1239
" "4 - Good 40.93161546085233%
3 - Okay
263
" "3 - Okay 8.688470432771721%
2 - Disappointing
19
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6276841757515692%
1 - Terrible
18
" "1 - Terrible 0.5946481665014867%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

Minneapolis is a good city with good people But the police brutality there is Real!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 12, 2020

I like the diversity and easy access with transit to an from Airport and the different food choices are excellent !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 29, 2020

Everybody go try it

4/5 - Good

Victoosh
Mar 21, 2020

6 years later the Twin Cities have changed dramatically. We will return when the entire country is no longer on lockdown. It was an interesting time to be traveling.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 20, 2020

I love coming to Minneapolis and I only live 3 hours away so it feels nice coming here

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 18, 2020

Like the city — vibrant, active, modern with some nice history

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