Where to Stay

For a fun place to stay, check out the Moxy Downtown, which is steps away from both U.S. Bank Stadium and the Mississippi River, and enjoy a complimentary drink at check-in and lively happy hours. For a cozier but still budget-friendly experience, stay at a National Historic Landmark at 300 Clifton, a bed and breakfast run within a 20,000 square foot mansion in Loring Park and walking distance to downtown.

Getting Around

Check out Metro Transit for bus and light rail transit options, with direct routes available between most destinations below. If you’re traveling by car, free or metered street parking is available at many locations. Traveling while the weather’s nice? Consider renting a bike from Angry Catfish or Tangletown Bike Rentals and see why we’re one of America’s most bike-friendly cities.

Friday Afternoon

Welcome to the Mill City, a nickname Minneapolis earned as the onetime Flour Milling Capital of the World. We’re known for a lot more now and if you’re only in town for the weekend, there’s plenty to do and so little time, but we'll help you find the best and most fun options for your budget.

Start your visit with an obligatory trip to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, located outside the Walker Art Center (which is also worth checking out if you want to shell out a couple bucks) and open year round. The free, outdoor iconic park boasts over 40 extraordinary sculptures across 11 acres, including the famous "Spoonbridge and Cherry." Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, soak in some art, and snap a few Instagram-worthy photos. Bonus points if you pose like the sculptures.

Next, make your way to the banks of the Mississippi River, where you can check out the Mill City Ruins for a look into the captivating history of Minneapolis' flour milling industry. Take a stroll along the riverfront where you can take in picturesque views of the city skyline and venture across the famed Stone Arch Bridge into Father Hennepin Bluff park.

For a snack, walk up the cobblestoned Main Street towards local favorite Punch Pizza. They specialize in Neapolitan, wood-fired pizzas — most of which aren't more than $15. Later, grab a nightcap in the neighborhood. The Sonder Shaker has a late night happy hour special, or check out Surdyk’s Liquor and Cheese Bar to create your own cocktail and charcuterie back at home or at the hotel. On the way out, head across the Hennepin Avenue Bridge and bask in the neon glow of the Grain Belt Beer sign.

Saturday

Fuel up for the day by picking up some breakfast at Sammy's Eatery. They have a wide selection of breakfast sandwiches, which they serve of a delicious garlic toast bread and usually are priced just under $6 each.

If you’re an art lover, venture into the Northeast neighborhood and visit the Arts District, a local haven for creativity and craft beers. Get lost and explore the numerous art galleries and studios located within the Northrup King Building, which has open hours most Saturdays from noon to 4pm. Quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and craft breweries are around almost every corner. Immerse yourself in the local scene and perhaps even find a unique souvenir to take home.

If you prefer more formal galleries, consider the Minneapolis Institute of Art which has free admission every day and is large enough to spend a whole day in. Nearby, you’ll find Eat Street, with tons of restaurants offering affordable flavors from around the world, we recommend Quangs for some incredible Pho and Vietnamese staples. For even more art, there’s also the Weisman Museum, housed in a striking Frank Gehry-designed building along the river and on the University of Minnesota campus. Admission here is also always free!

Looking for something that will provide a full afternoon of fun for the kids? Check out the Como Zoo Conservatory, a donation-based zoo that’s open year round, and see some polar bears, penguins, and more animals from around the world. During the summer, you won’t want to miss the Como Town amusement park for kids - you can buy an unlimited pass or just enough points for a favorite ride.

For dinner hit up one of these budget-friendly eats around town. Lotus Restaurant is a popular Vietnamese eatery near Loring Park. They serve up delicious pho, com tam, spring rolls, and more. The Weinery has a simple menu of hot dogs, burgers and sandwiches but puts a fun spin on the toppings you can get. Bull's Horn is a neighborhood bar with excellent and affordable burgers and sandwiches on the menu.

For your evening activity, discover the theater scene in Minneapolis. There are plenty of smaller stages putting on incredible shows for every age group and interest. The best part about checking out one of these theaters is that you can get closer to the action for cheaper. Be sure to check out some local favorite spots like Mixed Blood Theater, Jungle Theater, or Theater in the Round.

Sunday

A can't miss breakfast spot is Maria's Cafe. The menu has a variety of options from classic egg dishes to french toast to our favorite order, the Cachapas Venezolanas: a corn pancake. And for your entertainment they even have live music playing in the dining room on weekends.

Minneapolis is known for its extensive park system and there are few better ways to spend your time than enjoying the lush scenery. Gather up some ingredients for a picnic lunch at a few of these unique markets, delis, and cafés, then head over to the Chain of Lakes. There you can enjoy kayak, paddleboard, or canoe rentals on our one of famed lakes and take in gorgeous views of the city. If you’re in town while the water’s frozen you can ice skate or do a cold plunge (if you're brave enough)!

Before heading out of town, you have to check out Minnehaha Falls. This oasis features a stunning waterfall, scenic walking paths, and lush greenery in the summer — and is equally beautiful even when there’s snow on the ground in the winter. Enjoy the waterfall and follow the creek trail to the Mississippi River.

Continue your day by checking out some markets. On East Lake Street take in the vibrant commercial district where you can find globally inspired food and gifts. There’s Ingebretsen’s, a Nordic Market that offers a grand array of Scandinavian gifts, and down the street is Mercado Central filled with over 30 Latino businesses that have everything from great food to locally made goods. Get an order of tacos; you won't regret it. Finally, head over to the Midtown Global Market where you can find food from around the world and browse stores selling international and locally made trinkets and wares.

If thrifting is more your speed, nearby there is b. Resale, Leisure World Vintage, Corner Store Vintage, and Buffalo Exchange for clothing or Cheapo Records for new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and more.

End your night with dinner and drinks in Dinkytown, a small neighborhood off the University of Minnesota campus that features a handful of eateries catering to budget friendly students and visitors alike. Blarney Pub is a local favorite on football game days, Sidewalk Kitchen is known for their pot stickers, Afro Deli & Grill serves a mix of African, Mediterranean and American eats, and Bober Tea and Mochi Dough has crispy mochi donuts and bubble tea.