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5 Best Things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota

5 Best Things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Planning a trip to Minneapolis? You’re in the right place!

Of course, Minneapolis is half of Minnesota’s Twin Cities and also nicknamed the “City of Lakes” as it’s surrounded by so much water. After spending a lot of time here, we’ve also realized that it’s very underrated! It’s packed with unforgettable experiences, including fascinating history, a vibrant arts scene, and even a full aquarium inside the largest shopping mall in the U.S.

So buckle up because we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your visit. We’ve got the lowdown on all of the best things to do in Minneapolis and the need-to-know info to help you get the most out of your stay here. Let’s dive in!

Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

Foshay Tower seen on a historic walking tour of Minneapolis Minnesota

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Minneapolis was this epic walking tour! It was the perfect intro to the city—three hours of exploring with a super friendly guide who showed us the Skyway System, local gems, and even where to grab the best coffee in town!

Check the 50+ reviews and book this tour here!


Things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota

1. Learn about the Twin Cities’ haunted past on a ghost tour 

A mansion seen at night on a ghose tour in Minneapolis Minnesota
Some of the places were super spooky!
Trees seen at night on a ghose tour in Minneapolis Minnesota
A must-do for fans of the supernatural
  • Duration: 1 hour 
  • Time: 8 pm 
  • Highlights: Seeing haunted mansions and historic locations on Summit Avenue, visiting Forepaugh’s 2nd Mansion and Cochran Park, hearing spooky ghost stories
  • Inclusions: All fees and taxes, local storyteller guide
  • Rating: 4.5 stars (check 120+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check price here!

If you love dark history, true crime, and all things supernatural, this ghost tour along Summit Avenue is an absolute must. As night fell, our guide, Ty, led us through the city’s most haunted and historic sites. He regaled us with eerie legends and spine-tingling stories as well as real-life tragedies that have befallen Minneapolis’ residents. 

We started outside Forepaugh’s Mansion, a stunning 19th-century home with a tragic past. According to legend, Joseph Forepaugh’s mistress took her own life inside the house, and her spirit never left. This tale sent shivers down my spine!

From there, we wandered past more grand old mansions, each with its own ghostly lore. When we arrived at Cochran Park, we thought it was a peaceful spot at first, but we soon discovered its dark side! Ty told us about numerous reports of spectral figures and eerie whispers near the Nathan Hale statue. He even encouraged us to keep our eyes peeled for any paranormal activity!

The entire tour was a fascinating deep dive into the city’s haunted history, blending true crime and local folklore. Ty’s amazing storytelling really brought Minneapolis’ past to life, and we loved learning about all the history that you can’t find in any guidebooks.

2. Discover Minneapolis’s best sights on a walking tour 

First Avenue & 7th St Entry prince star seen on a tour of Minneapolis Minnesota
The gold star for Prince where he got his start at First Avenue! Photo credit: First Avenue & 7th St Entry
Skywalks seen on a historic walking tour of Minneapolis Minnesota
The iconic skyway system that allowed us to explore downtown Minneapolis
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 11 am 
  • Highlights: Minneapolis’ visitor center, Target Field, First Avenue, 7th Street Entry, Target Center, IDS Crystal Court, Foshay Tower, City Hall, US Bank Stadium, Stone Arch Bridge, Mill City Museum, Guthrie Theatre
  • Inclusions: Local guide, drinks 
  • Rating: 5 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

If you want to get to know Minneapolis like a local, this walking tour is the perfect way to dive in. For over three hours, our guide, John, led us through the heart of the city and shared his enthusiasm and passion with us at every stop. 

We kicked things off at the Minneapolis Visitor Center, where John set the stage with a quick rundown of the city’s past. From there, we began to weave through the city’s Skyway System, a network of enclosed footbridges that lets you explore downtown Minneapolis without braving the elements. How cool is that?

One of the coolest stops was definitely First Avenue, the legendary music venue where Prince got his start. Yes, THE Prince! 

From there, we walked by Target Field and the stunning Foshay Tower, which used to be the city’s tallest building. I loved the Stone Arch Bridge because it offered amazing views of the Mississippi River and the old Mill District. 

John also took us for a coffee and gave us a ton of amazing recommendations on where to eat and drink after the tour, which we really appreciated. 

This tour was a blast from start to finish—in fact, it was the best thing that we did in Minneapolis! It’s the perfect introduction to the city, and the fact that it makes use of the Skyway means there’s no need to fear the city’s freezing temperatures if you’re visiting during the winter. 

3. Visit the Sea Life Aquarium in the Mall of America 

The Sea Life Aquarium glass tube in Minneapolis Minnesota
Going to the aquarium is always fun!
Jelly-fish-in-a-display-at-the-Sea Life-Aquarium-in Minneapolis Minnesota
Jellyfish are so cool!
  • Duration: 2 hours 
  • Time: Various admission times between 10 am and 7 pm 
  • Highlights: Four themed tanks, an Octopus Garden, seeing the world’s largest crab species, walking through an underwater tunnel filled with stingrays and turtles, variety of shark species 
  • Inclusions: Admission tickets, all taxes and fees 
  • Rating: 4 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check price here!

If you’re visiting Minneapolis with kids, SEA LIFE Minnesota is an absolute must-do! Located inside the Mall of America, it’s the perfect way to break up a shopping day with an exciting and educational underwater adventure.

As soon as we walked in, the tanks and interactive exhibits had us mesmerized! We loved the four themed tanks, which were based on the Amazon River, Atlantis, Sturgeon Lake, and Rainbow Reef. It was so cool to see and learn about all of these different underwater ecosystems.

A highlight was the Octopus Garden, where we watched a giant Pacific octopus gracefully glide through the water. The jellyfish displays were mesmerizing—I always end up staring at them longer than I realize. We also spotted a massive Japanese spider crab, and I couldn’t believe just how huge it was!

However, I would have to say that the highlight of our visit was the underwater tunnel. As we walked through, we saw sand tiger sharks swimming around above our heads. It was so impressive!

Beyond the fun, the aquarium also does an amazing job of teaching kids about marine conservation. The staff gave engaging talks about shark breeding programs and the importance of protecting ocean habitats, making it entertaining and educational.

SEA LIFE Minnesota is definitely designed with families in mind, but honestly, it’s a really fun thing for adults to do as well. Whether you’re dodging the cold or just looking for a unique experience, this aquarium is well worth a visit!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

4. Explore St. Paul with a local guide

Minnesota Capitol Building seen on a tour of Saint Paul and Minneapolis 2
The Minnesota Capitol Building
The Saint Paul Cathedral seen on a walking tour of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Minnesota
The Saint Paul Cathedral
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 11 am 
  • Highlights: Exploring the lesser-known half of the Twin Cities, discovering quiet neighborhoods and the bustling downtown, visiting a local cafe, the Capitol, Summit Hill, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s birthplace, Landmark Center, Science Museum of Minnesota, finish with a toast
  • Inclusions: Local guide, coffee/tea, drink
  • Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check price here!

Saint Paul is certainly the lesser-appreciated half of Minnesota’s Twin Cities. It’s often overshadowed by its flashier twin, Minneapolis, but this walking tour proved that skipping it would be a huge mistake. This city is packed with history, charm, and hidden gems, and thanks to our guide, Daniel, we got to see it all in a way we never could have on our own.

We started at the stunning Cathedral of Saint Paul, a breathtaking landmark that set the tone for the rest of the tour. From there, we wandered through the historic Summit Hill neighborhood, where grand mansions told stories of Saint Paul’s wealthier past. 

One of the coolest parts of the tour was learning about the city’s secret history. Turns out, Saint Paul was a bit of a haven for gangsters during this era. 

What made the tour truly special was our guide, Daniel. He was a fantastic storyteller, and he gave us such a deep appreciation for Saint Paul, which we just wouldn’t have gotten by exploring on our own. Plus, he took us to an awesome spot for iced coffee and a drink at the end. 

A lot of tourists overlook Saint Paul, but we promise that would be a huge mistake! It boasts just as much history, charm, and personality as its twin. If you like to get off the beaten tourist path, this is a must!

5. Find the best craft breweries in Minneapolis 

Daniel-and-Bailey-drink-craft-beer-in-Minneapolis Minnesota on a tour
Cheers!
A-photo-of-beers-in-Minneapolis Minnesota on a tour
We have some seriously good breweries in Minneapolis
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 12 pm, 5 pm, or 6 pm (only available Friday and Saturday)
  • Highlights: Visiting three top local breweries, all-you-can-drink beer, traveling in a fun beer bus
  • Inclusions: Local guide, unlimited beer, transport, snacks
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 240+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check price here!

We love craft beer so we couldn’t wait to experience Minneapolis’ famous brew scene. The city is home to over 35 craft breweries, so it’s safe to say that it’s a beer lover’s paradise! So we booked this craft beer tour in order to enjoy it to the fullest, and we had a blast. 

This tour is super convenient for beer fans because all of your transport is organized for you. Traveling on a bright blue beer bus was a lot of fun, too! Plus, it meant that we didn’t have to worry about a designated driver or ordering lots of pricey Ubers. 

Nope, instead we just hopped on the minibus and let our friendly guide, Eric, take us to some of the city’s best breweries. We visited three of the city’s most-loved spots, where we tried everything from hoppy IPAs to crisp lagers and experimental small-batch brews. Eric was always on hand with great recommendations on what to order next.

And I must mention the fact that the value of this tour is unreal. For one flat price, you get as much craft beer as you want at every stop. And I’m talking about full pours, too!

Whether you’re a craft beer fanatic or just looking for a fun, budget-friendly way to explore the city, this tour is an absolute must. We can’t wait to do it again!

Where to Stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Lofton Hotel in Minneapolis Minnesota (2)
Photo credit: The Lofton Hotel

Minneapolis is a vibrant city with plenty of great neighborhoods to stay in, but if you want the best experience, we recommend staying downtown. This lively area puts you within walking distance of top attractions, amazing restaurants, and, of course, the city’s best craft breweries. Plus, all the tours we’ve mentioned above either start downtown or offer easy transportation, making it the perfect home base for your trip.

These are our favorite Minneapolis properties. We’ve got one for every budget! 

Luxury – $$$ 

Luxury stays in Minneapolis don’t get much better than the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis! Located in the heart of downtown, this property offers a stylish indoor pool, a fitness center, and a lovely sun terrace with fire pits for those chilly Minnesota nights! Meanwhile, the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows so you’ll wake up to amazing city views. Plus, they’ve got a generous cancellation policy, which allows you to stay flexible.

Prices here start at $450 USD  per night. Check availability and book your stay here!

Mid-range – $$ 

The Lofton Hotel Minneapolis is a stylish mid-range option in downtown Minneapolis, just steps away from the Target Center. With elegant rooms and sleek bathrooms, it offers a comfortable yet sophisticated stay at a reasonable rate. We really like the creative cocktails at the on-site Apothecary Bar & Lounge here, too!

Prices here typically range between $150 and $300 USD per night. Check availability and secure your stay at Booking.com!

Budget – Rand Tower Hotel 

Rand Tower Hotel is our favorite budget-friendly stay in the heart of Minneapolis. It’s comfortable and modern, but won’t break the bank! Plus, the hotel is in the heart of the downtown area so it really delivers fantastic value for money. 

Rooms here generally vary between $130 and $200 USD per night. Check availability and prices at Booking.com!

Need more options? You can view all of Minneapolis’ listed hotels here.

Renting a Car in the USA

View of the road and scenery driving down route 66 in USA

The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.

We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in the USA

  • Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
  • Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
  • Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
  • Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.

What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA

  • A valid driver’s license from your home country.
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
  • A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel-and-Bailey-take-a-selfie-drinking-a-beer-in-Minneapolis Minnesota
Thanks for reading!

We hope this list has helped you plan some amazing experiences for your time in Minneapolis! From skyway adventures and ghost stories to aquariums and epic city views, there’s so much to love about this Midwestern gem. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for more, these activities offer something a little different from the usual tourist track.

Exploring more of the U.S.? Check out all of our USA blogs here—or browse a few of our nearby favorites below for even more travel inspiration!

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