Minneapolis on a budget: 5 days of fun

Discover the charm of Minneapolis without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

If you're planning a trip to Minneapolis on a budget, you're going to want to focus on the city's many free and low-cost activities. Take a walk around the scenic Chain of Lakes, explore the city's vibrant local arts scene with a visit to the famous Walker Art Center, and sample some of the best low-cost eats in the Midwest at local favorites like Pizzeria Lola and the Midtown Global Market. With a little research and some careful planning, anyone can enjoy the best of Minneapolis without breaking the bank.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Minneapolis

  • Check in at the University Inn hotel with affordable rates and cozy rooms
  • Rent a bike to discover the city’s most popular attraction: the Chain of Lakes
  • Get lost in the charming streets of the Uptown neighborhood, packed with shops and restaurants
  • Visit the Walker Art Center, a contemporary art museum with a stunning sculpture garden
  • Cap off the day with a cold beer at the iconic dive bar, CC Club
Day 2

Minneapolis History

  • Start the day at the Mill City Museum, housed in a historic mill on the Mississippi River
  • Walk across the Stone Arch Bridge, a pedestrian-only bridge with panoramic views of the city
  • Head to the historic streetcar neighborhood of Linden Hills for lunch at Tilia, a farm-to-table hotspot
  • Visit the iconic First Avenue music venue, made famous by Prince
  • Take a walk down memory lane at the Mary Tyler Moore statue in downtown Minneapolis
Day 3

St. Paul day trip

  • Hop on the Light Rail and head to neighboring St. Paul
  • Visit the impressive Cathedral of Saint Paul and take in the views from the hilltop perch
  • Explore the charming streets of the Summit Hill neighborhood and stop for lunch at Cafe Latte
  • Admire the stunning works of art at the Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota campus
  • Relax with a movie at the charming Trylon Cinema in the Longfellow neighborhood
Day 4

Foodie Frenzy

  • Indulge in a delicious breakfast at Hen House Eatery, known for its killer pancakes
  • Head to the legendary Midtown Global Market for international flavors and unique crafts
  • Visit the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at Milkjam Creamery for innovative ice cream flavors
  • Sip a local craft beer and enjoy a burger at the award-winning Town Hall Brewery
Day 5

Immersive Experiences

  • Start the day with a trip to the interactive Science Museum of Minnesota
  • Get in touch with nature at the Minnesota Zoo, home to over 5,000 creatures
  • Take a tour of the iconic Guthrie Theater, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel
  • Wind down the day with a stroll along the scenic Mississippi Riverfront and sunset at the Stone Arch Bridge
  • Grab dinner at the iconic Manny’s Steakhouse, a Minneapolis institution known for its prime rib and celebrity sightings

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Minneapolis

Minneapolis - the land of lakes, Prince, and extreme weather. You never know if you'll need a swimsuit or a parka, so pack both!

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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