5 Days of Minneapolis: City, Culture, & Nature

Experience the vibrant culture and exciting attractions of Minneapolis.

22 April 2023

A trip to Minneapolis as a tourist is a perfect mix of city and nature experiences. Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art to appreciate the vast art collections or stroll around the beautiful Minnehaha Falls Park. Take a tour of the iconic Mall of America and indulge in some serious shopping, dining, and entertainment.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Explore Downtown Minneapolis

Check in at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, which offers breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Take a stroll through the famous Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian-friendly shopping street that houses some of the best eateries in the city.
Visit the iconic landmark of Minneapolis the Foshay Tower Observation Deck, which offers 360 degree views of the city.
Grab a bite to eat at Hell's Kitchen, known for their unique breakfast dishes and Bloody Marys.
End your day with a show at the historic State Theatre.

Day 2

Get Artsy in Uptown Minneapolis

Take a scenic route driving through Chain of Lakes Park before reaching Uptown.
Spend the morning at the Walker Art Center, which features modern and contemporary art from around the world.
Grab lunch at the iconic Tin Fish restaurant located on the lake.
Take a walk around the famous Uptown neighborhood, known for its vibrant public art.
Head to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to further your art education.
End the night on a sweet note at Sebastian Joe's with their inventive flavors of ice cream.

Day 3

Minneapolis by Bike

Rent a bike and hit the streets of Minneapolis.
Bike along the Mississippi River and explore the unique Stone Arch Bridge, a historic railroad bridge turned pedestrian promenade.
Make a stop at the Mill City Museum to learn about the city's history and take a look at the ruins of the old mill.
Have lunch at Surly Brewing Company, known for its award-winning beer and delicious food.
Continue biking through the city and its numerous parks, including Minnehaha Park which features a stunning 53-foot waterfall.
End the day with dinner at Butcher & the Boar, a rustic restaurant known for its amazing steaks.

Day 4

Shopping and Culture

Spend the day at the award-winning Mall of America, the largest mall in the United States.
Explore the mall's 520 retail stores and attractions such as Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium.
Head back to the city for dinner at Manny's Steakhouse, known for its outstanding steaks.
Take a trip to the Guthrie Theater and catch a show or enjoy the stunning views from the Endless Bridge.

Day 5

Last Day in Minneapolis

Start the day with a breakfast burrito from the famous Pineda Tacos food truck.
Take a tour of the iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the famous "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture.
Walk around the Mill District, a historic area filled with unique shops and restaurants.
Enjoy lunch at The Kenwood, a cozy restaurant serving up Midwestern comfort food.
End your Minneapolis stay with a bang by catching a Minnesota Twins baseball game at Target Field.

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Minneapolis by plane is to fly to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). There are daily flights from major cities in the US and around the world.

Car

If you are driving to Minneapolis, take Interstate 94 from the east or west. From the south, take Interstate 35. Traffic can be heavy during peak times, so plan your journey accordingly.

Train

There is no direct train route to Minneapolis, but you can take Amtrak to St. Paul Union Depot and then transfer to a bus or car. The journey can take several hours.

Boat

There are no boat routes to Minneapolis as it is not on a major waterway. However, you can take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River which passes through St. Paul.

Bus

Taking a bus is a cost-effective way to get to Minneapolis. Greyhound and Megabus both have stations in Minneapolis. The journey time will depend on your starting point.