United States

Minneapolis

Minneapolis: lakes, arts, and a lively riverfront.

Local time
UTC-6
Population
3.6M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $73 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $170 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $8.0 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇺🇸 USD =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

MSPMinneapolis-St Paul International AirportMain airport, 11 km southeast of downtown.
HowCostTime
METRO Blue LineDowntown Minneapolis$225-30 min
Trains run frequently; fare includes 2.5-hour transfer.
TaxiDowntown Minneapolis$20-3015-25 min
Taxis available at both terminals.
Uber/LyftDowntown Minneapolis$15-2515-25 min
Ride apps pick up at designated zones.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Minneapolis

Getting around

Light rail and buses for most trips; ride apps or a car for scattered sights.

  • Metro ★METRO Blue Line links the airport, downtown and Mall of America; fare $2 includes a 2.5-hour transfer. The Green Line connects downtown Minneapolis to St. Paul via the University.
  • BusBuses cover the city. Use the Metro Transit app or website for routes and schedules. Day passes cost $6; 7-day passes $24 (Go-To card required).
  • Taxi / ride appsTaxis can be hailed or found at ranks. Uber and Lyft operate.
  • Rental carDriving is common. Rush hours (7-9 AM, 3-7 PM) are congested.
  • WalkingWalking and biking are pleasant in many areas.
Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you: pick the riverfront, Mill City or one art museum, and the sculpture garden, skipping St. Paul, Mall of America, and lake breaks.

Best for
  • CultureMuseums, the riverfront and the old mill district.
  • FoodJuicy Lucys, Nordic kitchens and brewery taprooms.
  • NatureChain of Lakes, the Mississippi and city parks.

Weather by month

-4°-13°Jan🌧 5d
-2°-14°Feb🌧 6d
6°-5°Mar🌧 8d
12°1°Apr🌧 11d
20°9°May🌧 12d
27°16°Jun🌧 11d
28°18°Jul🌧 10d
27°17°Aug🌧 11d
24°14°Sep🌧 10d
14°6°Oct🌧 10d
6°-2°Nov🌧 8d
-1°-9°Dec🌧 8d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Rain is spread through the year.

  • Winters are very coldDecember to February highs sit near -4 to -1°C with lows near -9 to -14°C. Dress in layers and plan indoor stops.
  • Best time: May to SeptemberHighs around 20–28°C. Ideal for the lakes, river paths and outdoor dining.
  • Rain in every monthRain days range from about 5 to 12 a month, peaking in spring and summer. Carry a light rain jacket.
  • Summer can be humidJuly and August highs near 27–28°C with warm nights. Go out early or late on hot days.
  • Spring and fall are mildApril and October highs near 12–14°C. Pleasant for walking but changeable; pack a layer.
  • What to packWarm coat, hat and gloves in winter; light clothes and rain gear in summer; a jacket for spring and fall.

Landmarks 13

Must-see · 8

  1. 1

    Minneapolis Institute of Art

    One of the finest encyclopedic art museums in the country, with a vast collection spanning centuries and cultures. Admission is free, so it is an easy must-see; go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.

  2. 2

    Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

    Home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, this garden is a beloved photo spot and a relaxing green space. Visit in the late afternoon for softer light; it is free and open daily.

  3. 3

    Stone Arch Bridge

    A historic stone bridge offering stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. Walk or bike across at sunset for the best photos; it is free and accessible from downtown.

  4. 4

    Minnehaha Falls

    A beautiful 53-foot waterfall in a city park, perfect for a nature escape without leaving Minneapolis. Go after rain for a stronger flow; the park is free and has walking trails.

  5. 5

    Mall of America

    The largest shopping mall in the US, featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and hundreds of stores. It is a must-see for entertainment; arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds.

  6. 6

    Walker Art Center

    A contemporary art museum known for its innovative exhibitions and adjacent sculpture garden. Check for free admission days; the museum is a short walk from the Sculpture Garden.

  7. 7

    Target Field

    A modern baseball stadium in downtown Minneapolis, home to the Minnesota Twins. Catch a game for the lively atmosphere; tickets are affordable and the stadium is easily reached by light rail.

  8. 8

    University of Minnesota Twin Cities

    A major public university with a vibrant campus and cultural events. Explore the Weisman Art Museum and stroll the campus; it is free to visit and well-connected by transit.

1Minneapolis Institute of Art2Minneapolis Sculpture Garden3Stone Arch Bridge4Minnehaha Falls5Mall of America6Walker Art Center7Target Field8University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Cultural

Museum 2

Garden 1

Bridge 1

University 1

Natural

Falls 1

River 1

Activities

Amusement Park 4

Painting 1

Football Stadium 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Minneapolis

    Duluth · 3 h 05 by bus

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 248 km from Minneapolis

    Best way: Direct Greyhound/Jefferson Lines buses reach Duluth in about 3 hours, fast and frequent enough to skip driving.

    Greyhound or Jefferson Lines runs direct buses from Minneapolis to Duluth in about 2.5-3 hours along I-35.

    • Bus ★3 h 05 · from $45-$65
    • Car2 h 53 · taxi ≈ $620

    What to see

    • Canal Park and Aerial Lift Bridge
    • Lake Superior waterfront
    • Glensheen Mansion
    • Park Point beach

    Good to know

    • Book bus seats ahead in summer and around holidays
    • Canal Park and the lakewalk are the classic first stops
    • Summer is the peak season; winters are harsh

    Stillwater · 38 min by road

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 42 km from Minneapolis

    Best way: No direct rail and the listed bus option is absurdly long, so a short 38-minute drive is clearly better.

    No direct rail; take a Metro Transit bus or rideshare about 30-40 minutes east along the St. Croix River to downtown Stillwater.

    • Bus18 h 41 · from $162-$227
    • Car ★38 min · taxi ≈ $110

    What to see

    • Historic Main Street
    • St. Croix River waterfront
    • Lift Bridge
    • Boutiques and breweries

    Good to know

    • Best in summer and fall for riverfront walks and foliage
    • Weekends get busy, so go early
    • Historic downtown is compact and walkable once there

    Red Wing · 2 h 20 by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 89 km from Minneapolis

    Best way: Amtrak's Empire Builder drops you at Red Wing station in roughly 1-1.5 hours along the Mississippi.

    Amtrak Empire Builder or a Jefferson Lines/Greyhound bus runs from Minneapolis to Red Wing in roughly 1-1.5 hours along the Mississippi.

    • Train ★2 h 20 · from $24-$38
    • Car1 h 18 · taxi ≈ $230

    What to see

    • Historic downtown
    • Red Wing Shoe Museum
    • Barn Bluff hike
    • Mississippi riverfront

    Good to know

    • Amtrak runs limited daily services, so check times and book ahead
    • Fall is prime for river bluffs and foliage
    • Downtown and the riverfront are near the station

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Minneapolis rewards visitors with a mix of outdoor beauty, vibrant culture, and friendly neighborhoods. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want art, the riverfront and the old mill district in one easy day.

    Stay: Downtown. Walk to the riverfront, theaters and stadiums; easy light-rail links to the airport and Mall of America.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ USD 12
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ USD 266
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    USD 130–320
    1 night · Downtown
    Day 1

    Sculpture garden, Walker and the riverfront

    Tickets ≈ USD 6 pp · taxis ≈ USD 135
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ USD 10
    2. 1

      09:30–10:30 · Free

      Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Landmark quest

      Start early; the park is free and open daily. Check hours on the day.

      Open Park open daily roughly 06:00–24:00 · check on the day · Source

    3. 2

      10:45–12:45 · Admission varies; free days offered — check on the day

      Walker Art Center

      Next to the garden. Usually closed Monday; check on the day.

      Open Usually closed Monday · check on the day · Source

    4. Taxi · 19 km · ≈ 49 min · ≈ USD 50
    5. 3

      13:00–13:20 · ≈ $4–8 for a treat

      Dairy Queen Landmark quest

      Quick snack. Branch hours vary.

      Open Varies by branch · check on the day · Source

    6. Taxi · 20 km · ≈ 54 min · ≈ USD 54
    7. 4

      14:00–16:00 · Museum admission varies — check on the day · farmers market free to enter

      Mill City Museum and Mill City Farmers Market

      Museum usually Tue–Sun. The Saturday farmers market is best in season.

      Open Museum usually Tue–Sun · Saturday farmers market in season · check on the day · Source

    8. Taxi · 529 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ USD 10
    9. 5

      16:30–17:15 · Free

      Stone Arch Bridge Landmark quest

      Walk the bridge at sunset; open 24 hours.

      Open Open 24 hours · Source

    10. Taxi back to your hotel · 1311 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ USD 10
    Day 2

    North Loop and the Guthrie view

    Tickets ≈ USD 6 pp · taxis ≈ USD 131
    123
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 952 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ USD 10
    2. 1

      10:00–10:30 · Free to enter the public areas

      Guthrie Theater observation deck

      Late morning light. Building hours vary by show schedule.

      Open Building hours vary by show schedule · check on the day · Source

    3. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ USD 10
    4. 2

      11:00–12:30 · Free to walk

      North Loop neighbourhood walk

      Shops and cafes have their own hours.

      Open Always open; shops and cafes have their own hours

    5. Taxi · 21 km · ≈ 57 min · ≈ USD 57
    6. 3

      13:00–13:15 · ≈ $4–8 per drink

      Orange Julius Landmark quest

      Quick drink before you go. Branch hours vary.

      Open Varies by branch · check on the day · Source

    7. Taxi back to your hotel · 20 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ USD 54

    Swap in instead

    • Add a day in St. Paul: the Green Line light rail links both downtowns, with museums and old mansions to see.
    • Take the Blue Line to Mall of America for shopping and indoor rides on a rainy or cold day.
    • Head to Minnehaha Park and the river for a half-day of walking and a waterfall.

    Getting around

    • METRO Blue Line light rail connects the airport, downtown, and Mall of America; fare $2 includes 2.5-hour transfer.
    • METRO Green Line links downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul via the University of Minnesota.
    • Buses cover the city; use the Metro Transit app or website for routes and schedules.
    • Day passes cost $6; 7-day passes $24 (requires Go-To card).
    • Taxis and ride apps like Uber and Lyft operate; taxis can be hailed or found at ranks.
    • Driving is common; rush hours (7-9 AM, 3-7 PM) are congested. Walking and biking are pleasant in many areas.

    Where to stay

    • Downtown · ≈ USD 130–320 a night
      Walk to the riverfront, theaters and stadiums; easy light-rail links to the airport and Mall of America.
    • Uptown · ≈ USD 110–260 a night
      Lakes, cafés and local shops; a relaxed base south of downtown.
    • Northeast · ≈ USD 100–240 a night
      Breweries, art spaces and river paths in old industrial buildings.
    • University · ≈ USD 95–220 a night
      Campus energy, cheap eats and the Green Line to both downtowns.

    Food & drink

    • Try a Juicy Lucy: a burger with cheese melted inside the patty. Several local bars claim to have invented it.
    • Look for Nordic and Scandinavian-influenced cooking; the Twin Cities have a strong Nordic food scene.
    • Grab walleye (a local fish) or a wild rice dish for a taste of Minnesota.
    • Brewery taprooms are everywhere; many allow outside food or host food trucks.
    • Check hours before you go: some kitchens close early on weeknights, and many places are closed on Mondays.

    Tips

    1. Use the extensive Skyway System to navigate downtown without stepping outside during freezing winters
    2. Rent a bike or walk around the Chain of Lakes in the summer
    3. The Mall of America is technically in nearby Bloomington but easily reached by the Blue Line light rail
    4. Prepare for extreme cold if visiting between December and March
    5. The 'Minnesota Goodbye' is a real cultural phenomenon — expect long, polite farewells
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    Stone Arch Bridge
    Minnehaha Falls
    • See top landmarks like Stone Arch Bridge and Minnehaha Falls
    • Enjoy informative commentary from a local guide
    • 61 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Narrated tourScenic views

    Minneapolis Narrated Sightseeing Scenic Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (61)

    $49View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Mall of America
    • Explore Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
    • See sharks, sea turtles, and more
    • 166 reviews · 4.5 rating
    Entry includedFamily friendly

    Mall of America: Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium Entry Ticket

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (166)

    $28View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Mall of America
    • Ride all the attractions at Nickelodeon Universe
    • Perfect for thrill-seekers and kids
    • 159 reviews · 4.2 rating
    Unlimited ridesFamily friendly

    Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.2 (159)

    $47View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Stone Arch Bridge
    • Comprehensive city tour with a stop at Stone Arch Bridge
    • Learn about Minneapolis history and culture
    • 5 reviews · 4.3 rating
    City tourPhoto stop

    Gray Line City Tour with Stone Arch Bridge Stop

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.3 (5)

    $49View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Stone Arch Bridge
    • Taste local specialties from 6 different spots
    • Explore the trendy North Loop neighborhood
    • 6 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Food tastingsLocal guide

    North Loop Food Tour with 6 Local Tastings

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (6)

    $97View tour

    Souvenirs

    Minnesota Wild Rice

    USD 12–25about 250 to 450 g · estimate

    Wild rice is a grain grown in Minnesota's lakes and rivers, and it is a regional specialty in the state. It is a good food to take home from Minneapolis.

    Where: General Store of Minnetonka, near Minneapolis
    Choose between naturally harvested and cultivated wild rice, and pick a sealed package.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Minneapolis hotelsHotels.com

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