Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN

Travel Guide

Minneapolis - St. Paul
Minneapolis - St. Paul
Minneapolis - St. Paul
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum showing a pond and a garden
Minneapolis - St. Paul featuring modern architecture

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
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
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
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
Nickelodeon Universe which includes rides as well as a family

South Loop

While you're in South Loop, take in top sights like Mall of America or Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, and hop on the metro to see more the city at 28th Avenue Station or Mall of America Station.

South Loop
Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South

Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South

3 out of 5
7800 International Drive, Bloomington, MN
$105 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$122 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (3,164 reviews)
"We stayed one night after arriving via plane. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful - they called after my partner accidentally left his headphones while we were checking in, and were very friendly with our 10yo niece who was traveling with us. They also provided an info sheet that listed ..."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
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
$114 nightly
The price is $132 total per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
$132 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,993 reviews)
"The stay was great. The staff was very friendly and helpful in all aspects that we needed except for the driver of the shuttle dropped us off at the wrong terminal took us almost 45 minutes to get to the correct terminal, catching the trains and under rail. What a FK headache"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
Wyndham Bloomington - Mall of America

Wyndham Bloomington - Mall of America

3 out of 5
1901 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN
$87 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$101 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,960 reviews)
"Excellent location"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Wyndham Bloomington - 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 by Marriott Bonvoy North Loop Green Apartments North Loop

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy North Loop Green Apartments North Loop

3.5 out of 5
360 North 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Minneapolis. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (212 reviews)
"Super easy check in and check out and amazing amenities"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy North Loop Green Apartments North Loop
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 helpful staff and the ...
5.6/10 (463 reviews)
"Overall a nice stay. Property could definitely use some updating but not a bad place to stay. Staff was all nice and helpful when needed. Breakfast left a little to be desired but ok for an extended stay hotel."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Extended Stay America Suites - St Paul - Woodbury
Extended Stay America Suites - Minneapolis - Airport - Mendota Heights

Extended Stay America Suites - Minneapolis - Airport - Mendota Heights

2.5 out of 5
1432 Northland Drive, Mendota Heights, MN
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Mendota Heights. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
6.4/10 (337 reviews)
"the hotel was clean and check in easy easy. Our lamp kept flicking off and on and the TV kept saying no signal for both items were not usable."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Extended Stay America Suites - Minneapolis - Airport - Mendota Heights
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 TransitOpens in a new window 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%
4 - Good
1239
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
263
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
19
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
18
1 - Terrible 1%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Everybody go try it

4/5 - Good

Victoosh

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Cities near Minneapolis - St. Paul

Other places like Minneapolis - St. Paul