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 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
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
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
Target Field was the 3rd MLB stadium that I have visited. The weather was pretty cloudy, but it was a nice stadium nevertheless.

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

East Bloomington
Wyndham Bloomington - Mall of America

Wyndham Bloomington - Mall of America

3 out of 5
1901 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN
$101 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
$117 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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! (2,047 reviews)
Rude
"The front desk man was very rude and acted like customers were bothering him. I feel that if he don’t like customers he should not work with them."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Wyndham Bloomington - Mall of America
Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South

Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South

3 out of 5
7800 International Drive, Bloomington, MN
$103 nightly
The price is $120 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$120 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (3,211 reviews)
"Alwsys great to stay here"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis

Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis

4 out of 5
3200 E 81st St, Bloomington, MN
$105 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$122 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,833 reviews)
"Excellent clean and great staff"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

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 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! (221 reviews)
"Beautiful building and very clean, modern apartment. Right across street from Target Field and reasonable walk to downtown and North Loop restaurants. Only complaint: keypad on lobby entry door either not sensitive enough or too sensitive - lots of retry’s needed. On the other hand keypad on room ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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 (473 reviews)
"Breakfast was plain could’ve been better. Bed were good. Staff was definitely rude. Did not help at all when we need something"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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 (340 reviews)
"Efficient"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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.

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