Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN

Travel Guide
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
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
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 Nickelodeon Universe, and hop on the metro to see more the city at 28th Avenue Station or Mall of America Station.

South Loop
Radisson Blu Mall of America
Radisson Blu Mall of America
4.5 out of 5
2100 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN
The price is $195 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$195
$226 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the comfy rooms and the room ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,903 reviews)
"I don’t remember the name of the woman who checked me in but she was so so nice!! Our stay was wonderful!"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2024

Radisson Blu Mall of America
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 $88 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$88
$103 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 25 - Aug 26
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 bar and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,544 reviews)
"It was a very nice property."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis
Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis
4 out of 5
3200 E 81st St, Bloomington, MN
The price is $107 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$107
$124 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,189 reviews)
"Nice hotel close to airport and mall of America. The staff especially the shuttle driver Alex was great. Will stay here again"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2024

Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis
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! (75 reviews)
"Great property."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 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 (388 reviews)
"The property was clean and appeared to be well maintained. Being located next to the interstate traffic noise was an issue at night making it difficult to sleep. The room was as expected for an extended stay facility--fridge,microwave, and cooktop. Shower was good size and had ample hot water. Breakfast ..."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

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 and ...
6.2/10 (252 reviews)
"Property was noisy and the elevator was out of order for part of the stay"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2024

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 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

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

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