Top Things to Do in Minneapolis

The larger of the Twin Cities does everything on a grand scale. On a per capita basis, the Twin Cities are second only to NYC in number of theater tickets sold, it has the largest mall in America, and its miles of trails trace the second-longest river in America—the Mississippi. Check out our guide for what to do, where to eat and where to stay.

Spoonbridge and Cherry, Walker Art Center and a Minneapolis Park
Photo: Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis and Krivit Photography

Do

Guthrie Theater

The Mississippi riverfront theater draws raves for first-class performances. Look for current event information on the Guthrie website; also check for events at other popular local theaters, including The Cowles Center and Orpheum Theatre.

Mall of America

Seven Yankee stadiums could fit inside the Bloomington mega-mall, home to 500-plus stores, a Nickelodeon theme park and an aquarium.

Mill City Museum

Ride the Flour Tower, an eight-story elevator show about the city's rich milling history at Mill City Museum. A ninth-floor observation deck overlooks St. Anthony Falls. Open Thursday-Sunday.

Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park

Five lakes and the trails connecting them provide opportunities for biking, walking and boating. The park is part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a 51-mile urban loop.

Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minneapolis Institute of Art. Kevin J. Miyazaki/Redux

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Admission is free to view this museum's permanent collection of more than 90,000 objects, which includes European tapestries and intricate Turkish embroideries.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The 11-acre green space in the heart of the city houses more than 40 sculptures, including Spoonbridge and Cherry and Hahn/Cock.

Minneapolis Water Taxi

Captain Greg Hoseth takes small groups on a solar-powered boat for cruises along the Mississippi River near downtown.

Minnehaha Park
Minnehaha Park. David Nevala

Minnehaha Park

Hikers and bikers on the 10 miles of trails stop to see the Mississippi River, limestone bluffs and 53-foot-tall Minnehaha Falls at Minnehaha Park.

Target Field

Families come to the downtown stadium to cheer on the Minnesota Twins while savoring local fare like Polish sausages from Kramarczuk's.

U.S. Bank Stadium

The Vikings' $1.1 billion stadium typically hosts a concert and behind-the-scenes tours; check website for events.

Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis
Weisman Art Museum. Kevin J. Miyazaki/Redux

Weisman Art Museum

Frank Gehry's gleaming silver building houses the University of Minnesota's collection of more than 25,000 objects, including numerous pieces showcasing American modernism.

Eat and Drink

Bellecour Bakery at Cooks of Crocus Hill

Order fresh viennoiserie and patisserie at Bellecour Bakery in the heart of an upscale cookware shop. The crepe cake and chocolate-almond croissants rule.

Borough
Borough. Kevin J. Miyazaki/Redux

Borough

For lunch at Borough it's hard to beat the Parlour Burger, a mix of ribeye, brisket and sirloin. Dinner in the former warehouse building goes fancy with choices like octopus, quail and scallops.

Colita

Playful touches like a tiny rubber duck on your cocktail set the tone for your Colita experience. Expect a mix of upscale Mexican (lobster tostadas) and barbecue (Kansas City pork ribs).

Demi

If you're lucky enough to snag a reservation, get ready to splurge and be delighted by an intimate evening composed of many tiny but soul-filling courses.

Hai Hai

Each shareable plate at Hai Hai shows chef Christina Nguyen's understanding and creative interpretation of Vietnamese food.

Hell's Kitchen

You can't go wrong with anything at this underground joint known for its Mahnomin porridge (wild rice, cream, berries and hazelnuts).

Lat14 Asian Eatery

Head to the burb of Golden Valley for some of the region's finest duck, ramen and curry dishes, cooked up at Lat14Asian Eatery by executive chef Ann Ahmed.

The Market at Malcolm Yards
Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

The Market at Malcolm Yards

You'll want to try a little bit of everything at The Market of Malcolm Yards. Think about: Korean-style chicken from Abang Yoli, Indian and Nepalese street food from Momo Dosa, and a scoop of ice cream from Bebe Zito.

Martina

Argentinian-inspired cuisine includes potato churros, a charred jalapeño burger, seafood and pasta dishes in the Linden Hills neighborhood.

Midtown Global Market

Shop for ethnic groceries and ready-made foods at an indoor market.

Milkjam Creamery

Flavors both familiar and unexpected guarantee a choice for every taste bud at Milkjam. Lil Jam, aka Milkjam Ice Cream and Hot Dogs, is open seasonally in south Minneapolis.

Nighthawks Diner + Bar

Chefs grind, cure and smoke meats on-site at Nighthawks, elevating dishes like pulled pork and burgers. Neon purple lights at the bar illuminate 20 taps with local and regional brews.

Pizza Luce

The namesake pizza comes topped with Italian sausage, garlic, onion and mounds of gooey mozzarella at Pizza Luce. Mashed taters and bacon star on the popular Baked Potato Pizza.

Smack Shack

Go all out with the lobster boil at Smack Shack: a whole lobster with corn on the cob, Polish sausage, red potatoes, coleslaw and milk bread.

Soul Bowl

Gerard and Brittney Klass founded this fast-casual soul food treasure serving mix-and-match bowls of fried chicken, mac 'n' cheese, collard greens and more. It's part of Graze Provisions and Libations, a food hall in the North Loop.

Spoon and Stable, Minneapolis
Spoon and Stable. Kevin J. Miyazaki/Redux

Spoon and Stable

James Beard Award-winner Gavin Kaysen churns out French-inspired cuisine made with seasonal Midwest ingredients, like duck breast with green wheat berries and kale, at Spoon and Stable.

Surly Brewing Company

You might have to wait for a seat in the cavernous beer hall, but it's worth it for beers like the hoppy Surly Furious and top-notch pub food: cheese boards, squash tacos and smoked meats.

Hewing Hotel, Minneapolis
Tullibee. Courtesy of Hewing Hotel

Tullibee

For both cocktails and entrees focused on hyper-local sourcing, head to Tullibee at the Hewing Hotel. Tullibee aims to perfect the art of traditional Scandinavian cooking, featuring seasonal ingredients from regional farmers, fishermen and other local vendors.

Young Joni

Chef-owner Ann Kim continues her success with gourmet wood-fired pizza at Young Joni. But diners can also branch out with dishes inspired by her Korean heritage: Korean beef short ribs and grilled whole fish.

Stay

Alma

Seven rooms in Alma's historic building come with handwoven rugs and custom furniture made from local white oak. Round out your stay with fancy take-out from the restaurant on-site.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown

The renovated 1910 Plymouth building offers two-room suites accented with local artwork, plus an excellent breakfast buffet.

Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis

Before getting cozy at the Four Seasons, taste the Mediterranean at chef Gavin Kaysen's on-site restaurant, Mara.

Hewing Hotel, Minneapolis
Courtesy of Hewing Hotel

Hewing Hotel

Framed hatchets, exposed timber and brick, and custom Faribault Woolen Mills throws reflect the artsy vibe of this former warehouse in the North Loop. Get skyline views from the rooftop pool.

Hotel Emery

The former Hotel Minneapolis reopened in 2019 after a boutique makeover. The 222-room downtown hotel features midcentury minimalist style, a Spyhouse Coffee in the lobby and Giulia, an Italian restaurant.

Loews Minneapolis Hotel

This super-luxe hotel spares no detail, even when it comes to pets. Four-legged family members dine on gourmet room service.

Radisson Blu Mall of America

A lobby awash in a blue glow welcomes guests to this hotel attached to the Mall of America. Relax in the spa or indoor saltwater pool.

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