The Ultimate Twin Cities guidebook
Sightseeing
If you're visiting Minnesota for the first time or even the tenth time you have to visit the iconic Mall of America, it's one of the biggest malls in the country and houses 520 stores spread across 4 floors. Not only does it have endless shopping, it has an amusement park in the center of it so you and your family can play all year round.
314 Einheimische empfehlen
Mall of America station
Ikea WayIf you're visiting Minnesota for the first time or even the tenth time you have to visit the iconic Mall of America, it's one of the biggest malls in the country and houses 520 stores spread across 4 floors. Not only does it have endless shopping, it has an amusement park in the center of it so you and your family can play all year round.
If nature is your thing, you have to check out Minnehaha Falls, a secret oasis in the heart of the city. Minutes from the airport, this park is fun for the whole family to walk the trails and explore the many waterfalls. It's also a great place to visit during the winter months as the falls freeze and create an epic backdrop.
Bonus: If you have a pup, there's a huge dog park here that spans along the river bank.
613 Einheimische empfehlen
Minnehaha Falls
4801 S Minnehaha DrIf nature is your thing, you have to check out Minnehaha Falls, a secret oasis in the heart of the city. Minutes from the airport, this park is fun for the whole family to walk the trails and explore the many waterfalls. It's also a great place to visit during the winter months as the falls freeze and create an epic backdrop.
Bonus: If you have a pup, there's a huge dog park here that spans along the river bank.
1950's style theatre showing modern movies - this retro theatre resides in a quaint st. paul neighborhood not too far from Minnehaha Falls. Grab a coke, a bag of popcorn and sit back.
131 Einheimische empfehlen
Riverview Theater
3800 42nd Ave S1950's style theatre showing modern movies - this retro theatre resides in a quaint st. paul neighborhood not too far from Minnehaha Falls. Grab a coke, a bag of popcorn and sit back.
The sweetest river town in Minnesota - Stillwater, is a quick 30 minute drive from St. Paul and is home to the historic lift bridge. Park your car and walk the downtown streets, there's enough restaurants and shopping for an entire day. If you love a good patio check out Brick & Bourbon or The Freight House.
94 Einheimische empfehlen
Stillwater
The sweetest river town in Minnesota - Stillwater, is a quick 30 minute drive from St. Paul and is home to the historic lift bridge. Park your car and walk the downtown streets, there's enough restaurants and shopping for an entire day. If you love a good patio check out Brick & Bourbon or The Freight House.
Visit the iconic Cherry on a Spoon sculpture at the Walker Art Center. Minutes from downtown Minneapolis, the museum has a vast and unique collection of modern art and design. Tip: Admission is free Thursday evenings 5-9pm and every first Saturday of the month.
606 Einheimische empfehlen
Walker Art Center
725 Vineland PlVisit the iconic Cherry on a Spoon sculpture at the Walker Art Center. Minutes from downtown Minneapolis, the museum has a vast and unique collection of modern art and design. Tip: Admission is free Thursday evenings 5-9pm and every first Saturday of the month.
A fun place for any age - The Science Museum of Minnesota is located in downtown St. Paul and is filled to the brim with activities! It also is home to an epic Omnitheatre. I definitely recommend it for those who need a rainy day activity - you could spend hours here exploring every floor!
235 Einheimische empfehlen
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W Kellogg BlvdA fun place for any age - The Science Museum of Minnesota is located in downtown St. Paul and is filled to the brim with activities! It also is home to an epic Omnitheatre. I definitely recommend it for those who need a rainy day activity - you could spend hours here exploring every floor!
The Eagan Outlets, a great outdoor shopping center to visit all year round. Only minutes from the Mall of America and the Airport.
Eagan Outlets Parkway
Eagan Outlets ParkwayThe Eagan Outlets, a great outdoor shopping center to visit all year round. Only minutes from the Mall of America and the Airport.
Baseball anyone? CHS Field is home to the historic minor league baseball team, The St. Paul Saints. The Field however is brand new and sits in Lowertown St. Paul. The games are great for families and kids alike. There is nothing better than grabbing a hot-dog and beer while sitting under the stadium lights on a summer night.
59 Einheimische empfehlen
CHS Field
360 N Broadway StBaseball anyone? CHS Field is home to the historic minor league baseball team, The St. Paul Saints. The Field however is brand new and sits in Lowertown St. Paul. The games are great for families and kids alike. There is nothing better than grabbing a hot-dog and beer while sitting under the stadium lights on a summer night.
Explore Minnesota by bike on the Midtown Greenway Trail, a biking trail that connects St. Paul to Minneapolis.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Midtown Greenway Trail
Midtown Greenway TrailExplore Minnesota by bike on the Midtown Greenway Trail, a biking trail that connects St. Paul to Minneapolis.
Our version of Six Flags, Valleyfair is fun for the whole family. There are tons of rides, games and even a waterpark inside. You could spend all day here!
108 Einheimische empfehlen
Valleyfair
1 Valley Fair DrOur version of Six Flags, Valleyfair is fun for the whole family. There are tons of rides, games and even a waterpark inside. You could spend all day here!
A great climbing spot for those who like to stay active and try something different. It's minutes from the Mall of America.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Vertical Endeavors - Bloomington
9601 James Ave SA great climbing spot for those who like to stay active and try something different. It's minutes from the Mall of America.
An indoor playground and gym area for kids - there is an admission fee but its tons of fun and will keep the kids busy for hours on end.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Edinborough Park
7700 York Ave SAn indoor playground and gym area for kids - there is an admission fee but its tons of fun and will keep the kids busy for hours on end.
Centrally located, Centennial Lakes Park is a string of lakes right in the heart of Edina. Surrounded by offices, restaurants and shops, Centennial Lakes is a great place to relax and take a pause from shopping and eating. Stroll around the lakes during the summer time, play a round of mini golf or rent a pair of skates when the lake has frozen over.
34 Einheimische empfehlen
Centennial Lakes Park
Centrally located, Centennial Lakes Park is a string of lakes right in the heart of Edina. Surrounded by offices, restaurants and shops, Centennial Lakes is a great place to relax and take a pause from shopping and eating. Stroll around the lakes during the summer time, play a round of mini golf or rent a pair of skates when the lake has frozen over.
Food scene
Shhh this place is top secret! Hands down the best Juicy Lucy (burger filled with melted cheese) location in the Twin Cities. Stop in for a beer and a burger while exploring the city.
178 Einheimische empfehlen
Matt's Bar
3500 Cedar AveShhh this place is top secret! Hands down the best Juicy Lucy (burger filled with melted cheese) location in the Twin Cities. Stop in for a beer and a burger while exploring the city.
Our very own Little Italy in the heart of St. Paul. This multi-story restaurant is like stepping into a true Italian market. Line up and grab a tray as you go up to the counter to order a fresh pizza slice, a bowl of penne pasta or an Italian sub. Finish it off with a cone of homemade gelato while you peruse the fully stocked Italian grocery store where you can bring home your very own hand made pasta.
68 Einheimische empfehlen
Cossetta
211 7th St WOur very own Little Italy in the heart of St. Paul. This multi-story restaurant is like stepping into a true Italian market. Line up and grab a tray as you go up to the counter to order a fresh pizza slice, a bowl of penne pasta or an Italian sub. Finish it off with a cone of homemade gelato while you peruse the fully stocked Italian grocery store where you can bring home your very own hand made pasta.
Broder's is the cutest Italian Eatery in the heart of Minneapolis in a quiet neighborhood. It's home to fresh hand made pasta and delicious wine. Make sure to make a reservation as table fill up quickly every night of the week. If you forget to make a reservation, not to worry as there is a grab and go deli across the street owned by the same company :) Bon Appetit!
56 Einheimische empfehlen
Broders' Pasta Bar
5000 Penn Ave SBroder's is the cutest Italian Eatery in the heart of Minneapolis in a quiet neighborhood. It's home to fresh hand made pasta and delicious wine. Make sure to make a reservation as table fill up quickly every night of the week. If you forget to make a reservation, not to worry as there is a grab and go deli across the street owned by the same company :) Bon Appetit!
Traditional German Lager Saloon constructed in 1857 - Waldmann Brewery is a fun spot for history buffs and brewery goers. It's tucked away on the bluff and is walking distance from other breweries and restaurants.
24 Einheimische empfehlen
Waldmann Brewery
445 Smith Ave NTraditional German Lager Saloon constructed in 1857 - Waldmann Brewery is a fun spot for history buffs and brewery goers. It's tucked away on the bluff and is walking distance from other breweries and restaurants.
A trendy + modern take on Mexican cuisine - Colita sits in the South Minneapolis neighborhood and is such a fun atmosphere. All of their dishes and drinks are unique and fresh. If you're feeling fun - order the Naked Dani drink :) The shrimp tacos and corn elote are our favorites as well.
18 Einheimische empfehlen
Colita
5400 Penn Ave SA trendy + modern take on Mexican cuisine - Colita sits in the South Minneapolis neighborhood and is such a fun atmosphere. All of their dishes and drinks are unique and fresh. If you're feeling fun - order the Naked Dani drink :) The shrimp tacos and corn elote are our favorites as well.
A favorite! Billy's Sushi is the best authentic sushi in the Twin Cities. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, it's all fresh and delicious. If you're lucky and the wagyu tacos are on rotation, you must try them. Yum!
Note: Reservations here are highly recommended but if you can't make one try getting a seat at the sushi bar.
Billy Sushi ビリー寿司
116 North 1st AvenueA favorite! Billy's Sushi is the best authentic sushi in the Twin Cities. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, it's all fresh and delicious. If you're lucky and the wagyu tacos are on rotation, you must try them. Yum!
Note: Reservations here are highly recommended but if you can't make one try getting a seat at the sushi bar.
Ice cream the size of you head and the price of a McDonald's - Nelson's Ice Cream, is a must when visiting Minnesota during the summer months. They have tons of flavors but beware a child size is actually a large and sharing is caring :) Enjoy!
15 Einheimische empfehlen
Nelson's Ice Cream
454 Snelling Ave SIce cream the size of you head and the price of a McDonald's - Nelson's Ice Cream, is a must when visiting Minnesota during the summer months. They have tons of flavors but beware a child size is actually a large and sharing is caring :) Enjoy!
Cute + Cozy, the Lynhall is a gorgeous cafe and restaurant. They have two locations, one on Lyndale Ave in Minneapolis and the other in Edina ( google which one is closest to you :). The cafe is traditional and quaint. They have amazing food and drinks. The Lynhall is a great place to host small gatherings - call ahead for a table for larger groups.
The Lynhall No. 3945 Edina
3945 Market StreetCute + Cozy, the Lynhall is a gorgeous cafe and restaurant. They have two locations, one on Lyndale Ave in Minneapolis and the other in Edina ( google which one is closest to you :). The cafe is traditional and quaint. They have amazing food and drinks. The Lynhall is a great place to host small gatherings - call ahead for a table for larger groups.
The Nook is a historic burger joint in St. Paul, home of the Juicy Lucy burger. It's fantastic and famous! Definitely a must if you're in the neighborhood.
*It was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives*
44 Einheimische empfehlen
The Nook
492 Hamline Ave SThe Nook is a historic burger joint in St. Paul, home of the Juicy Lucy burger. It's fantastic and famous! Definitely a must if you're in the neighborhood.
*It was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives*
Our go to Chinese take out. Golden Chow Mein has been around for more than 30 years and hasn't changed much, which is why we love it! Call to order ahead or dine in.
Golden Chow Mein Restaurant
1105 7th Street WestOur go to Chinese take out. Golden Chow Mein has been around for more than 30 years and hasn't changed much, which is why we love it! Call to order ahead or dine in.
If you love beers and breweries, Surly is a must when visiting the Twin Cities. It's great for groups and first-time visitors. In the summer it gets quite busy so it doesn't hurt to call ahead and put your name down for a table - otherwise there's lots of outdoor space and standing room. There is food in their beer hall which is a bonus as not all breweries serve food ( Our favorite sandwich is the OG Surly Smash Burger and our go to beer is the Axe Man IPA and Rosé ) Enjoy!
189 Einheimische empfehlen
Surly Brewing Co.
520 Malcolm Avenue SoutheastIf you love beers and breweries, Surly is a must when visiting the Twin Cities. It's great for groups and first-time visitors. In the summer it gets quite busy so it doesn't hurt to call ahead and put your name down for a table - otherwise there's lots of outdoor space and standing room. There is food in their beer hall which is a bonus as not all breweries serve food ( Our favorite sandwich is the OG Surly Smash Burger and our go to beer is the Axe Man IPA and Rosé ) Enjoy!
Hands down our favorite pizza, it's sauce is everything! It's inside the Southdale Mall. I would recommend calling ahead to place an order for pick up.
DeLeo Bros. Pizza
Hands down our favorite pizza, it's sauce is everything! It's inside the Southdale Mall. I would recommend calling ahead to place an order for pick up.
Good food and great drinks - Lucky's 13 Pub is Minnesota staple. With multiple locations and a vast menu, they have everything. It's a great spot for groups and families to spend a night out.
10 Einheimische empfehlen
Lucky's 13 Pub
1352 Sibley Memorial HwyGood food and great drinks - Lucky's 13 Pub is Minnesota staple. With multiple locations and a vast menu, they have everything. It's a great spot for groups and families to spend a night out.
Cecil's is a Twin Cities staple. It's an old style deli, restaurant and bakery serving kosher classics, hot sandwiches and more. It's decor hasn't changed since the 1940's but doesn't need to when their sandwiches are the reason you go there. If you have time and are looking for a really good sandwich, make sure to check out Cecil's.
13 Einheimische empfehlen
Cecil's
651 Cleveland Ave SCecil's is a Twin Cities staple. It's an old style deli, restaurant and bakery serving kosher classics, hot sandwiches and more. It's decor hasn't changed since the 1940's but doesn't need to when their sandwiches are the reason you go there. If you have time and are looking for a really good sandwich, make sure to check out Cecil's.
Ciao Bella is one of our favorite Italian restaurants, we go for the food but the experience is always what blows us away. The service is fantastic and the atmosphere is Tuscany charm. Make sure to make a reservation :)
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Ciao Bella
3501 Minnesota DrCiao Bella is one of our favorite Italian restaurants, we go for the food but the experience is always what blows us away. The service is fantastic and the atmosphere is Tuscany charm. Make sure to make a reservation :)
Neighborhoods
A beautiful historic neighborhood sits right on the cusp of downtown Minneapolis. It was home to many of Minneapolis' elite back in the day and still has the charm of the yesteryear. Grab a cup a coffee and walk around the lake that sits in the middle of this neighborhood. It's beautifully kept and such a relaxing place to explore.
Lake of the Isles Parkway East
Lake of the Isles Parkway EastA beautiful historic neighborhood sits right on the cusp of downtown Minneapolis. It was home to many of Minneapolis' elite back in the day and still has the charm of the yesteryear. Grab a cup a coffee and walk around the lake that sits in the middle of this neighborhood. It's beautifully kept and such a relaxing place to explore.
A trendy up and coming neighborhood in downtown Minneapolis. This neighborhood is home to a ton of restaurants, bars, cafe's and shopping stores. Our favorite restaurants in the area are Spoon and Stable, Billy's Sushi, Freehouse, Nolo's and Red Cow.
42 Einheimische empfehlen
North Loop
A trendy up and coming neighborhood in downtown Minneapolis. This neighborhood is home to a ton of restaurants, bars, cafe's and shopping stores. Our favorite restaurants in the area are Spoon and Stable, Billy's Sushi, Freehouse, Nolo's and Red Cow.
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
The faster way to get around is by car or light rail
Getting from the airport to your destination can be done by either car or light rail ( above ground subway), if you are going straight to downtown Minneapolis, the light rail is a great inexpensive option. Otherwise I recommend renting a car so you can sight see around the twin cities easily.
Driving around the twin cities is fairly simple, traffic is typically light and parking is mainly available all the time unless there is an event going on. Parking is often free the further you get from downtown areas, just make sure to check the signs as you sometimes have to pay via app.
Nicht verpassen
The farmers markets
Minnesota is known for its many farmers markets during the summer months in every town and city, make sure to checkout a local one near you for fresh produce and local goods.
Buche vor der Abreise
Restaurants + Tickets
I recommend making reservations ahead time for restaurants you are dying to check out and events you really want to attend. For more spontaneous actives such as local baseball games, you can easily find tickets online or at the box office day of.