Minneapolis-Saint Paul Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Minneapolis–Saint Paul tours and things to do in Minnesota’s Twin Cities: ride a narrated trolley past the skyline and lakes, chase the Mississippi waterfalls at Minnehaha, explore the giant Mall of America, sample the craft-beer scene and cross the river to historic Saint Paul. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Minneapolis-Saint Paul by interest
Whatever brings you to Minneapolis-Saint Paul — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
City trolley
Skyline & lakes.
ExploreWalking tour
Mill City history.
ExploreMinnehaha Falls
City waterfall.
ExploreMall of America
Shops & rides.
ExploreCraft brewery
Taproom trail.
ExploreFood tour
Twin Cities flavours.
ExploreSaint Paul
Historic capital.
ExploreTwin Cities highlights
Skyline & falls.
ExploreTop attractions in Minneapolis-Saint Paul
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Minneapolis Skyline
City & riverfront.
Mill City
Historic riverfront.
Minnehaha Falls
City waterfall.
Mall of America
Shops & rides.
Craft Breweries
Taproom trail.
Saint Paul
Historic capital.
Food Scene
Twin Cities flavours.
Twin Cities
Minneapolis & Saint Paul.
Minneapolis awayCity Trolley
Skyline & lakes.
Riverfront awayMill City
Historic mills.
Minneapolis awayMinnehaha Falls
City waterfall.
Bloomington awayMall of America
Shops & rides.
Minneapolis awayCraft Breweries
Taproom trail.
15 min awaySaint Paul
Historic capital.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Minneapolis-Saint Paul visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Apr–May)
Fresh and green as the city thaws.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm and lively — peak lake season.
Peak
Summer draws the biggest crowds and festivals.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Crisp air and brilliant fall colour.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Very cold and snowy — but the mall is warm.
Best overall
June to September for warm, sunny days.
One day
A trolley tour and Minnehaha Falls.
Two days
Add the Mall of America and Saint Paul.
Three+ days
Add breweries and the lakes.
For sightseeing
A narrated trolley tour.
For nature
Minnehaha Falls and the lakes.
For food
Brewery and food tours.
By light rail
Trains link downtown, the mall and the airport.
On foot
Downtown and the riverfront are walkable.
By bike
Minneapolis is one of the most bike-friendly U.S. cities.
By tour
Trolley and brewery tours cover the highlights.
Where to stay
Stay downtown or in the lively North Loop.
US dollar
The Twin Cities use the US dollar; cards are accepted everywhere.
Trolley
Book a hop-on tour to cover more ground.
Minnehaha
The falls are fullest in spring and after rain.
Mall of America
Buy theme-park wristbands in advance.
Breweries
The North Loop has many taprooms close together.
Saint Paul
Ride the light rail across to the capital.
Combos
Some tours pair the skyline with Minnehaha Falls.
Trolley tours
Summer tours fill up — book ahead.
Brewery tours
Small-group tours fill up — reserve early.
Food tours
Popular tastings fill up — book ahead.
Mall of America
Theme-park passes sell out — reserve early.
Walking tours
Guided walks fill up — book ahead.
Summer peak
Summer is busiest — book far ahead.
Trolley tour
From about $79 for a narrated city tour.
Walking tour
Around $65 for a Mill City walk.
Minnehaha Falls
From $8 for a self-guided audio tour.
Mall of America
About $28 for the SEA LIFE aquarium.
Brewery tour
Around $115 for a guided brewery tour.
How to save
Use self-guided audio tours and ride the light rail between sights.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Snow & the mall.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cold.
- Best for
- Fresh & green.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild.
- Best for
- Lakes & festivals.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
- Best for
- Fall colour.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Crisp.