Top Things to Do in Minneapolis
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Related: Try These Soul Food Recipes
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.
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
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.