Minneapolis–Saint Paul

The "Twin Cities" on either bank of the Mississippi, each with its own character, from Mall of America and Minnehaha Falls to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the Cathedral of Saint Paul.

Minneapolis and Saint Paul face each other across the Mississippi River and are known together as the "Twin Cities," the economic and cultural heart of Minnesota. Minneapolis is a young business city whose calling cards are glass skyscrapers, contemporary art museums and lakes and greenways throughout the city; Saint Paul, the state capital, retains a more old-fashioned feel with its cathedral, the State Capitol and the Victorian mansions of Summit Avenue. The climate is continental, with long, bitterly cold winters that can drop to −30°C; June–September is comfortable and the best time for the lakes and riverfront, and fall foliage is lovely too. In winter, explore the indoor skyways and Mall of America, or catch the Saint Paul Winter Carnival from late January to early February.

The sights fall roughly into four areas: downtown Minneapolis and the riverfront (the Stone Arch Bridge, Saint Anthony Falls, Mill City Museum, the Guthrie Theater and the Nicollet Mall); the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Walker Art Center and the Chain of Lakes to the southwest; Minnehaha Falls, Historic Fort Snelling and Mall of America to the south; and in Saint Paul, the cathedral, the State Capitol, Summit Avenue, the Science Museum of Minnesota and Como Park. Farther afield are Prince's former home, Paisley Park, the Minnesota Zoo and Valleyfair.

Getting there: Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport lies between the two cities. The METRO Blue Line light rail connects the airport, Mall of America and downtown Minneapolis, and the Green Line links the two downtowns, so you can reach the main sights by light rail plus buses and bike share; suburban sights require a car. Plan on 3–4 days. Minnesota charges no sales tax on clothing and shoes, a bonus for shoppers.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries