Minneapolis in 7 days

The vibrant City of Lakes: lakes and trails, riverfront mills, a legendary music and arts scene. Best time to visit: May-September (warm) & December for winter charm. Average daily budget: $130 to $260 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: Downtown & Mill District, The skyscraper core and historic riverfront flour-mill district, home to the Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum.

Morning: Cycle or walk the Chain of Lakes. Loop the connected city lakes on the excellent trail network, the heart of Minneapolis summer life.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown & Mill District, The skyscraper core and historic riverfront flour-mill district, home to the Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum.

Evening: Catch live music and theatre. From the legendary First Avenue club to the acclaimed Guthrie Theater.

Eat: The Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger born here

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Chain of Lakes (Uptown), The string of urban lakes with trails, beaches and the buzzing Uptown dining and nightlife scene.

Morning: Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. See the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry and other works beside the Walker Art Center.

Afternoon: Explore Chain of Lakes (Uptown), The string of urban lakes with trails, beaches and the buzzing Uptown dining and nightlife scene.

Evening: Explore the Mill District and St. Anthony Falls. Walk the riverfront, the Stone Arch Bridge and the Mill City Museum ruins.

Eat: Scandinavian and Nordic-influenced cuisine

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: Northeast (Nordeast), A hip, artsy district of breweries, galleries, murals and old-world bakeries.

Morning: Eat your way through the food scene. From Juicy Lucys and bakeries to a diverse, award-winning restaurant culture.

Afternoon: Explore Northeast (Nordeast), A hip, artsy district of breweries, galleries, murals and old-world bakeries.

Evening: The lesser-visited Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot waterfall in a city park.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Diverse Hmong, Somali and Mexican food scenes

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: North Loop, A trendy warehouse district of boutiques, restaurants and design-forward bars.

Morning: The endless cinnamon rolls and pastries of Northeast's old bakeries.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore North Loop, A trendy warehouse district of boutiques, restaurants and design-forward bars.

Evening: Crossing the Stone Arch Bridge at sunset for skyline and falls views.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Craft beer from the booming brewery scene

Day 5, Day trip

Base: Dinkytown & University area, The lively student quarter near the University of Minnesota campus along the river.

Morning: Eat Street and the global food along Nicollet Avenue.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Dinkytown & University area, The lively student quarter near the University of Minnesota campus along the river.

Evening: Dinner at The Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger born here, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Dinkytown & University area.

Eat: The Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger born here

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: Downtown & Mill District, The skyscraper core and historic riverfront flour-mill district, home to the Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Downtown & Mill District, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown & Mill District, The skyscraper core and historic riverfront flour-mill district, home to the Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum.

Evening: Dinner at Scandinavian and Nordic-influenced cuisine, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Downtown & Mill District.

Eat: Scandinavian and Nordic-influenced cuisine

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: Chain of Lakes (Uptown), The string of urban lakes with trails, beaches and the buzzing Uptown dining and nightlife scene.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Chain of Lakes (Uptown), then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Chain of Lakes (Uptown), The string of urban lakes with trails, beaches and the buzzing Uptown dining and nightlife scene.

Evening: Dinner at Diverse Hmong, Somali and Mexican food scenes, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Chain of Lakes (Uptown).

Eat: Diverse Hmong, Somali and Mexican food scenes

Hidden gems

The lesser-visited Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot waterfall in a city park.
The endless cinnamon rolls and pastries of Northeast's old bakeries.
Crossing the Stone Arch Bridge at sunset for skyline and falls views.
Eat Street and the global food along Nicollet Avenue.

Getting around

Downtown Minneapolis is walkable and famously linked by enclosed skyways that keep you warm in winter, and the METRO light rail connects downtown, the University, the airport and the Mall of America in neighbouring Bloomington. The Chain of Lakes and riverfront are best explored by bike on the excellent trail network or by the Nice Ride bike share. A car or rideshare helps for reaching outer neighbourhoods, but the core is easy without one.

Safety

Minneapolis is generally safe in its main visitor areas, downtown, the lakes, Northeast and the North Loop, with normal big-city awareness advised, especially at night and in quieter areas. The bigger consideration is the weather: winters are very cold with snow and ice, so dress in serious layers and use the skyways, while summers can be hot and humid. Lakes and trails are well used and safe; standard precautions apply after dark.

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