What to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN

Activities, attractions and tours

Minneapolis - St. Paul
Minneapolis - St. Paul
Minneapolis - St. Paul
Minneapolis - St. Paul
Minneapolis - St. Paul showing modern architecture

Minneapolis - St. Paul Attractions

When you visit Minneapolis, it’s almost like a two-for-one pass at a set of amusement parks. Come for a stay in Minneapolis, and get a vacation in St. Paul for free. The Twin Cities of Minnesota are a wealth of culture, art, and the great outdoors. In fact, things to do in Minneapolis span the gamut from eating at a 5-star restaurant to casting a line just outside the city to catch your own dinner. No matter the season, attractions in Minneapolis are sure to keep you entertained. Be fair warned: Winter calls for a well-insulated coat and plenty of other snow gear, but even in the coldest months a trip to Minneapolis is worth weathering the wind chill.

Areas & Neighborhoods

The neighborhoods in Minneapolis are brimming over with culture, theater, and a tremendous amount of charm. While “Minnesota Nice” sounds like a cliché, you will also find the folks here happy to have you in town. Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, a trip to the Twin Cities will be filled to the brim with possibilities.

Downtown Minneapolis — Downtown is quite the hub, boasting the largest arenas in the city, including Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins™. For visitors who are not so sports-minded, the city center also has plenty of theaters, art, and places to eat.

Uptown — Head to Uptown Minneapolis for a bohemian vibe, where many independent shops and eateries have made a home. The neighborhood is just about one mile south of the downtown district, so you will still be in the thick of it when you visit. It’s in Uptown that you can also visit Lake Calhoun or the nightlife scene at Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street.

Dinkytown — Don’t miss a chance to hit up Dinkytown, the affectionate name for a neighborhood near the University of Minnesota. Some of the best Minneapolis activities take place here, especially in the evening. If you’re looking to grab a bite at a quirky diner or independent sandwich shop, this district will make you very happy.

Things to See in Minneapolis

Art and culture fanatics will find that Minneapolis is a playground with attractions like the Guthrie Theater and Orpheum Theatre. Of course, the Walker Arts Center and Science Museum of Minnesota are also full of interesting exhibits. If you want to see some of the best outdoors Minnesota has to offer, head to some of the local parkland in the summer months, such as Hiawatha Park, Minnehaha Park, and Theodore Wirth Park.

Things to Do & Attractions in Minneapolis

Once you’ve gotten your fill of history, art, and other cultural pursuits, consider learning more about the local cuisine and brew industry. Brewery tours of Minneapolis are another excellent way to explore the Twin Cities area. More fun things to do in Minneapolis include attending live music at the Target Center, canoeing along Lake of the Isles in the warmer months, and taking an historical Segway® tour of the city. During the winter, though the temperatures are quite cold, locals still enjoy using local trails for activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Minneapolis - St. Paul

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What to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul


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Explore areas of Minneapolis - St. Paul

Mill City Museum

Downtown Minneapolis

4.5/5(175 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
Minnehaha Park featuring landscape views, a park and forests

South Minneapolis

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

South Minneapolis
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Warehouse District

Spend some time visiting places like Target Field while getting to know Warehouse District, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Target Field Station or Warehouse - Hennepin Station to see more of the area.

Warehouse District
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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
Science Museum of Minnesota

Downtown St. Paul

4/5(29 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
Nickelodeon Universe which includes rides as well as a family

East Bloomington

4/5(146 area reviews)

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

East Bloomington

 

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Day trip destinations from Minneapolis - St. Paul

Frequently asked questions

Is Minneapolis - St. Paul worth visiting?
Known for its nature and culture, discovering cool things to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul is a cinch. Don't forget to add Nickelodeon Universe to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Minneapolis - St. Paul?
After you've visited leading attractions like Nickelodeon Universe and Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, spend some time exploring Minneapolis - St. Paul's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Minneapolis - St. Paul?
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the top tourist attractions in Minneapolis - St. Paul and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Minneapolis - St. Paul?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out some popular city attractions, including Nickelodeon Universe, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory and Orpheum Theatre. The average stay in Minneapolis - St. Paul is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, Bloomington isn't far away.
Is Minneapolis - St. Paul a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Minneapolis - St. Paul. Several sights, such as Weisman Art Museum and Lake Hiawatha Park, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Minneapolis - St. Paul's best neighbourhoods, Prospect Park is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Union Park is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul with kids.

What to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul for adults?
The Armoury and Williams Arena are just two of the things to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul?
In Minneapolis - St. Paul, Fort Snelling State Park is a must-see spot for anyone planning to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul.