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

Courtyard by Marriott Edina Bloomington
Courtyard by Marriott Edina Bloomington
3 out of 5
4460 W 78th Street Circle, Bloomington, MN, 55435
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $111 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
$111
per night
Jul 1 - Jul 2
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (264 reviews)
"Good place to stay"

Reviewed on May 15, 2023

Courtyard by Marriott Edina Bloomington
Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
3 out of 5
7800 International Drive, Bloomington, MN, 55425
The price is $132 per night from Jun 7 to Jun 8
$132
per night
Jun 7 - Jun 8
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,892 reviews)
"Service is great"

Reviewed on May 31, 2023

Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
11 Kellogg Blvd E, St. Paul, MN, 55101
The price is $119 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
$119
per night
Jun 29 - Jun 30
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in St. Paul. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything was great and a quick and safe walk back from the concert!"

Reviewed on May 26, 2023

InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, an IHG Hotel
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.
Extended Stay America Suites - St Paul - Woodbury
Extended Stay America Suites - St Paul - Woodbury
2.5 out of 5
975 Weir Ave., Woodbury, MN, 55125
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Woodbury. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy beds ...
5.6/10 (263 reviews)
"Room was very clean and comfy but smelled of cigarette smoke. I had to buy air freshners and put them in room."

Reviewed on May 14, 2023

Extended Stay America Suites - St Paul - Woodbury
Mint House Minneapolis - Downtown West
Mint House Minneapolis - Downtown West
4 out of 5
95 S 10th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55403
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Minneapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the convenient parking ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (124 reviews)
"Very nice place! Very clean. The people at the front desk are super nice."

Reviewed on May 9, 2023

Mint House Minneapolis - Downtown West
Sonder at Sora
Sonder at Sora
3.5 out of 5
600 Fifth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55415
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Minneapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions U.S. Bank Stadium and The Armory ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (16 reviews)
"Easy convenient a quick phone call, or go online. The apartment was just right. Washer, dryer, dishwasher. Felt like home. Entrance codes were the way to go. Didn’t worry about losing a keycard. Thumbs up!!"

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2022

Sonder at Sora
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.

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