Your Guide to a Great Weekend in MinneapolisMinneapolis has a way of surprising you. This itinerary blends great coffee, standout food, creative cocktails, and moments of art and culture, woven into neighborhoods that feel lived-in and welcoming. From casual daytime stops to memorable nights out, it’s about exploring the city like a local.AuthorsSenecasDiary
DestinationsMinneapolisItinerary

Friday

Backstory Coffee Roasters - North Loop
First stop: Backstory Coffee Roasters. It’s bright, comfortable, and the coffee is always solid. Try the seasonal drinks or stick with a classic espresso—you’ll probably end up staying longer than planned.
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Giulia
Went here for happy hour and had one of the best meals of my life. I'm literally still thinking about the Whipped Goat Cheese app!
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Mary Tyler Moore (Mary Richards) Statue
The Mary Tyler Moore statue in downtown Minneapolis captures Mary Richards mid-hat toss, just like the opening credits of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. A quick, worthwhile stop on the way to The Foshay.
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W Minneapolis - The Foshay
The W Minneapolis – The Foshay is such a cool spot. The rooms are stylish, the view from the observation deck is incredible, and even just grabbing a drink or dinner at Manny’s feels like a little city adventure.
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Billy After Dark (B.A.D)
Billy After Dark is a cool, cave-like speakeasy tucked under Billy Sushi. The drinks are creative, the vibe is cozy but lively, and the neon lights and indoor trees make it feel pretty different from your usual bar.
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Billy Sushi ビリー寿司
Then head upstairs to Billy Sushi. The sushi is top-notch, from fresh bluefin to Japanese A5 Wagyu, with some really creative rolls. Dinner feels like a full-on performance, with the chefs, bartenders, and Billy himself running the show—fun, lively, and definitely more than your usual night out.
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Prohibition Bar
Check out this swanky spot on the 27th floor of the Foshay Tower. The city views are incredible, the cocktails are top-notch, and the Prohibition-era style makes it feel like a little glamorous escape from the city below.
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Saturday

Silver Fern
Silver Fern is a cozy spot in Northeast Minneapolis that works as a cafe by day and a wine bar by night. The coffee and seasonal drinks are creative, the biscuits are fresh-baked perfection, and the wine list is thoughtfully curated.
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Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is a must-see in Minneapolis, with a 53-foot waterfall that feels surprisingly wild for being inside the city. You can walk right up to the base, explore the creekside paths, or just take in the view without it feeling staged or touristy.
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Sociable Cider Werks
Sociable Cider Werks is a fantastic spot for cider lovers. Their dry and complex ciders—like tropical, spicy, or hopped varieties—are brewed on-site with fresh apples, fruits, hops, and grains. Grab a drink in the taproom, hang by the fire pit outside, and if it’s winter, check out ice skating or curling while enjoying food trucks.
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Walker Art Center
The Walker Art Center is one of the most interesting cultural stops, known for contemporary art that’s thoughtful, surprising, and sometimes challenging. Pair it with a walk through the Sculpture Garden next door, to see pieces like the Cherry and Spoon.
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Craftopia
Loved this hands-on spot, focused on local makers, DIY projects, and creative workshops. It’s part shop, part studio, and a good place to experience a bit of Minneapolis’s craft scene.
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Minnesota Orchestra
The Minnesota Orchestra’s Nordic Soundscapes Festival is a yearly celebration of Scandinavian music, culture, and cuisine at Orchestra Hall. From classical composers like Sibelius to contemporary artists like Björk, the performances are paired with lobby experiences featuring glögg, hygge-inspired setups, and Nordic design. This is a great experience!
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Stargazer
Stargazer is an intergalactic-themed cocktail bar with a spaceship-like atmosphere. The constellation-inspired drinks are inventive, and the menu features creative bites like truffle corn dogs. This place is definitely different, in a good way.
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Hell's Kitchen Inc.
Hell’s Kitchen is a fun, underground spot serving hearty comfort food, tucked into a basement with quirky, colorful decor and a lively, low-lit vibe. Try the mac and cheese or meatloaf, and don’t miss the potato pancakes or smoked wings to start—you’ll leave full and happy.
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Sunday

Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea
Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea has such a casual, neighborhood feel. The coffee’s really good, the teas are creative, and the pastries are scrumptious.
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The Breakfast Club MPLS
The Breakfast Club is a bright, simple spot serving hearty breakfast and brunch classics all day. From fluffy pancakes to loaded omelets, the portions are generous, and the vibes are friendly.
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Minneapolis Institute of Art
The Minneapolis Institute of Art’s “Institute of Ice” is such a fun winter stop. Massive ice sculptures inspired by pieces from the museum pop up around the courtyard and parks, and it’s wild seeing the detail in the carvings before they slowly melt away.
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The News Room
Grab a bite at The News Room before heading to the airport. The place is full of fun journalism-themed touches—vintage typewriters, newspaper walls, and even a ship-like bar with a mermaid—and the menu changes with the seasons. It’s lively, with a great downtown atmosphere.
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Experiences

Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour
This tour is great any time of year, especially in the winter. Minneapolis has the largest continuous skyway system in the world, stretching across downtown and connecting 80 city blocks, making it an easy way to explore no matter the weather. You’ll see architecture, hidden details, and parts of the city you’d probably miss without ducking into the skyways.
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Minneapolis North Loop Food Tour of 6 Local's Favorites Tastings
Explore Minneapolis’ food scene with a local guide leading the way. The tour spans the North Loop and St. Anthony Main, with six tastings that reflect the city’s mix of long-standing traditions and modern creativity. Between stops, you’ll walk historic streets, cross the Stone Arch Bridge, and hear the stories behind the food and the people making it.
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Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings
Explore Minneapolis with a local guide while enjoying thoughtfully chosen drinks that reflect the city and its neighborhoods. Walk between stops, swap stories with your group, and chat with the bartenders who give each place its character.
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