Our Must-Try Minneapolis Experiences
While you're here don't forget to fill up your free time with everything Minneapolis has to offer!
From related events to must-try local restaurants and family activities to all things gaming, the city is your oyster. Feel like a winner by the time you leave by making the most of your stay in Minneapolis!
Neighborhoods
West Broadway
Arguably Minneapolis’ most diverse neighborhood. Prince spent a few important formative, guitar-strumming, piano-tapping years in the area. The local businesses, events and entrepreneurs are bringing a new life and energy to the area with a focus on community-led growth. These changes include a thriving cultural presence, often seen through food and artistic expression.
Northeast
Nestled along the Mississippi River, Northeast Minneapolis extends far back into a thriving industrial oasis. The area is an embodiment of old meets new - perfectly combined into a melting pot of change and preservation where cobblestone streets meet newly paved roads. New businesses, often local, open their doors next to historic shops and businesses while residential neighborhoods continue to grow as a city-wide hot spot for calling home.
Eat Street
The Grand Tour of international food. The Yellow Brick Road of ethnic flavors. If you get emotional over food, bring a pack of tissues and get ready to be bombarded by flavor.
Lyn-Lake
A fun selection of indie stores, entertainment, bars and restaurants in the most walkable neighborhood in Minneapolis makes for a pleasant day and night of indulgence. Lyndale & Lake is an entertainment district that has strong visitor appeal. Some of the city’s most diverse shops are here as well as live performance spaces and delightful places to keep you energized throughout the night.
Uptown
The area surrounding Hennepin and Lake Street in Minneapolis is a youthful fusion of global cuisine, local retail, and lively nightlife with nature rooted just beyond the bustling main intersection. Block by block you'll find multitudes of restaurants, bars and shops while walking a little further will bring you to Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun), the largest fixture in the city's Chain of Lakes.
East Lake
This stretch of Minneapolis’ famous Lake Street is rich in culture, history, food and shopping. It’s a hub for small and local businesses, attracting a variety of ideas and people from all types of backgrounds. East Lake Street is commonly known as the place to find the most authentic cuisine from all over the world. The ever-changing nature of this street can make it a full treasure trove of entertainment and enjoyment.
West Bank & Cedar Riverside
This thriving pocket of Minneapolis is a flourishing hub to many East-African communities and students from the University of Minnesota and Augsburg College. Global cuisine, theater, music, art and more businesses can be found around every corner.
Arcades, Bowling and Gaming
Up-Down
Revisit your childhood at this retro arcade bar that features more than 50 arcade games from the '80s and 90s. And that's just the start of the types of gaming you'll find here.
Bryant Lake Bowl
The best combination of food and bowling you'll find in Minneapolis.
Tilt Pinball Bar
Over 20 classic and current pinball machines (check out the lineup), an artisan hot dog menu and a wide selection of beer/cocktails to go around.
Riddle Room
Choose from four different room themes and see if you can complete the mission before time runs out.
For the Family
The Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Enjoy free admission to the Walker Art Center’s galleries every first Saturday of the month from 10am – 3pm. Along with free admission, Free First Saturdays also feature engaging performances, games, arts and crafts and kid’s films. Before or after your fun indoors, take a stroll through the fall foliage and charming works of art at the newly renovated Minneapolis Sculpture Garden right next door!
Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America
Located inside the Mall of America, everyone in the family will find something to smile about! From roller coasters and thrill rides to family and kids rides, there will never be a shortage of fun. Stop at the Hard Rock Café for a bite to eat, or grab a snack at one of the various food carts around the park. Before you leave don’t forget to stop at the SEA Life Minnesota, Crayola Experience, The Escape Game, LEGO Store or the American Girl store to buy a memento for the kids!
Minneapolis Institute of Art
This fine art museum accepts donations but is free to the public and hosts various events that museum goers can attend. For non-members, special exhibitions, classes, talks and events may require a ticket and reservations can be made ahead of time.
Mill City Museum
Enjoy a day filled with history and fun activities! The Mill City Museum is built into the ruins of what was once Gold Medal Flour, the world’s largest flour mill, located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. Visitors of all ages can learn about the interwoven histories of Minneapolis, the river and the flour industry that shaped our city into the beautiful metropolis it is today! Before the end of your visit, make sure to check out the view from the 9th floor Observation Deck, with unforgettable views of St. Anthony Falls and the Mississippi River. Plan your visit today!
Ultimate Dinosaurs Exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota
Get to know the dinosaurs of the southern hemisphere in this exhibition that shows how evolution in isolation resulted in a fascinating diversity of species. The exhibit showcases some the most spectacular dinosaur discoveries and highlights cutting-edge scientific research over the last two decades to show how the continental drift altered the landscape of the ancient world.
Must Try Bites
Matt's Bar and 5-8 Club
Ever heard of the Jucy Lucy? Well, yes or no, welcome to its hometown. The Jucy Lucy hamburger is prepared by pinching two thin patties together around a center of cheese to create an eating experience straight out of your dreams. Two local bars have been feuding about who invented the Lucy since the 1950s: Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club, both located on Cedar Avenue in South Minneapolis. Stop by both restaurants and try the original that still outsells all other recreations!
Afro Deli
Head to Afro Deli, where East African favorites get the fast-casual treatment, and you can try things like Somali Rice or chicken suqaar (Somali stir-fry) served in a chapati wrap or bowl.
Quang
One of Minneapolis’ most famous Vietnamese eating institutions, the place does a brisk business of a thousand customers on a busy day. Located along Eat Street, Minneapolis' own yellow brick road of ethnic flavors.
Hell's Kitchen
For brunch (and food) enthusiasts everywhere. Downtown’s most (in)famous spot for food and drinks is Hell’s Kitchen, an eclectically decorated, basement joint, serving “damn good food” all day. They've got a renowned brunch menu, a spectacular Bloody Mary bar and live music.
City Tours
Hoppy Trolley
Check out the local brewery scene. Sit back and enjoy the ride with Hoppy Trolley where a 3 hour Twin Cities brewery tour that will show you around multiple facilities and let you sample locally made beers.
Experience the Twin Cities
Experience the Twin Cities offers some of the best ways to see to tour the city during Final Four weekend, including The Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour.
Human on a Stick Segway Tour
Take a Segway exploration through Minneapolis and learn all about its magical history or get an insider's look at the famous Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Bitter Minnesota Brewery Tour
Hop on the little blue bus for an all-you-can-drink craft beer experience through Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Distillery Tours
Minneapolis Distilleries are crafting the perfect cocktail with house-made, locally produced spirits. Don’t just taste the creativity, see it in action. Take a tour, enjoy samples and get a real feel for what it takes to concoct the perfect beverage.