Minneapolis: Everything You Need to See, Eat, and DoMinneapolis has a lot going on and we have such a great time exploring it. From incredible food and world class art to beautiful lakes, live music, and some seriously fun local shops, this city keeps surprising you at every turn.AuthorsPlanetwithSara
DestinationsMinneapolisItinerary

Stay

Moxy Minneapolis Downtown
Great central location with fun decor, clean modern rooms, and friendly service. The Moxy sits right across from U.S. Bank Stadium in Downtown East, with Gold Medal Park and the Stone Arch Bridge just a short walk away. Check-in happens at Bar Moxy, where a complimentary handcrafted cocktail is part of the deal. Connected parking ramp on site.
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Sights

Paddle Share Station
Super convenient way to get on the water and take in skyline views. Reserve a kayak online, pick it up at one of several river stations, and paddle downstream at your own pace.
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Nicollet Island
A beautiful spot in the city for a stroll with views. Nicollet Island sits right in the middle of the Mississippi River, connected to downtown by a pedestrian bridge, with historic Victorian homes, cobblestone streets, and skyline views from the riverbank.
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Boom Island Park
Fun spot to bike, catch skyline views, or launch a kayak from. Boom Island also serves as the departure point for Minneapolis Water Taxi rides and the city's newest attraction, hot tub boats!
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Beyond Walls
A really special local installation as part of a global art movement. French-Swiss artist Saype painted a massive fresco of intertwined hands on the riverfront lawn at Boom Island Park using biodegradable chalk and charcoal, making Minneapolis the first U.S. city to host Beyond Walls, a project that has appeared near the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza, and 20 other cities across four continents since 2019. The installation is temporary and fading naturally, so catch it while you can.
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Minnesota Lynx
Love supporting the amazing Lynx and enjoying the fun at their home games. The Minnesota Lynx are one of the most decorated franchises in WNBA history, with four championships and a loyal fanbase that packs Target Center in downtown Minneapolis all summer long.
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Lake of the Isles Pencil
A quirky and fun Minneapolis tradition. Every June, thousands gather at Lake of the Isles to watch a giant 20-foot No. 2 pencil get ceremonially sharpened, complete with a live pep band, pencil costumes, and kayak spectators on the lake.
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Prince Mural
A beautiful mural commemorating Prince that was a great backdrop for a singalong celebration. The 100-foot portrait on the side of a parking ramp across from First Avenue captures three eras of the musician's life and has become a gathering spot for fans from around the world.
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Lake Harriet
Beautiful lake to walk around and enjoy live music at. Lake Harriet sits in South Minneapolis with a paved 2.8-mile trail around the shore, a historic bandshell hosting free concerts from May through September, and a seasonal streetcar that runs along the western edge of the lake.
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Eats

Silver Fern
One of the top local coffee shops in Northeast Minneapolis, Silver Fern doubles as a wine bar and takes its inspiration from the cafe culture of Australia and New Zealand. The craft espresso and scratch-made pastries carry the mornings, and the small plates and wines from small producers around the world take over from there. Love their seasonals.
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Graze Food Hall by Travail
A lively setting with lots of great local food options, great for groups. Seven chef-driven concepts under one roof in the North Loop, with five James Beard-nominated chefs behind them and a rooftop patio with skyline views.
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All Saints Restaurant
Incredible food, service, and patio for summer. All Saints is a wood-fired restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis where vegetables get just as much love as the meat, with creative cocktails and one of the best patios in the neighborhood.
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The Rooftop Bar
Perched atop NOLO's Kitchen and Bar in the historic Maytag building, The Rooftop Bar is a summer go-to with cabanas, comfortable seating, live music on weekends, and some of the best views in the North Loop. The adult slushies are a favorite.
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Relish
A wonderful brunch spot with locally roasted coffee, a full bar, and a menu that covers all the bases from breakfast sandwiches and seasonal hash bowls to fresh lattes and weekend specials. Don't miss the cinnamon roll on the weekend.
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French Meadow Bakery & Café
A Minneapolis institution since 1985 and the first certified organic bakery in the country. French Meadow still bakes its signature artisan bread daily, sources from local farms, and runs a full menu from breakfast through dinner with solid vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options throughout.
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Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery
Beautiful plant-filled distillery in Northeast Minneapolis with great drinks and food. The sprawling space is draped in greenery, with a 60-foot cocktail bar, wood-fired pizza oven, and a cocktail menu featuring syrups, elixirs, and spirits made right in the building.
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Vinai
One of the most celebrated restaurants in Minneapolis right now. Chef Yia Vang opened Vinai in Northeast Minneapolis in 2024 as a love letter to his parents and Hmong culture, serving traditional Hmong dishes that have earned national and global recognition. The food and presentation are incredible. Reservations go fast.
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Mara Restaurant and Bar
The best spot for a fancy brunch in Minneapolis. Mara is a Mediterranean restaurant with a luxe Sunday brunch buffet featuring eggs made to order, rotating breakfast meats, waffles, pancakes, and a full dessert display from the pastry kitchen. Warm, sun-lit spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.
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Sebastian Joe's Ice Cream Shop
A top local ice cream shop and a Minneapolis staple since 1984. Sebastian Joe's makes everything in house and the Pavarotti, a banana caramel flavor, has been a crowd favorite for decades.
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Shops

Mother Co., Plants
The coolest plant shop around! Lots of beautiful green plants and containers plus they sometimes host markets and pop ups. The retro industrial space has a great vibe and the staff knows their stuff.
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The Foundry Home Goods
The best home goods store around, with tons of gems. Set in a corner of the old Commutator Foundry building in the North Loop, with exposed brick walls, wood beams, and a selection of simple, beautiful objects like Japanese bowls, hand-blown glassware, beeswax candles, and French linen.
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Madge Home + Market
A fun, curated shop with items from around the world that feels wonderfully whimsical, carrying vintage treasures, home goods, art, stationery, hand-embroidered textiles, and candles.
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MartinPatrick 3
An internationally recognized luxury boutique in the North Loop spanning apparel, home furnishings, fine jewelry, apothecary, and artwork from around the world, with an on-site barbershop and custom tailoring thrown in. More of an experience than a shopping trip.
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