Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Minneapolis?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Minneapolis?

A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the dynamic city of Minneapolis, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time to take it all in. You don't want to miss the chance to go shopping, explore the museums and famous sights, grab some drinks at a bar, and soak up the big city atmosphere. Many tourists set aside two to four days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Minneapolis below.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Minneapolis?

Most people spend two to four days in Minneapolis during their visit. The dynamic city offers amazing highlights such as the shops and boutiques, the famous sights and museums, the nightlife scene, and the big city activities.

Minneapolis is part of the "Twin Cities", which also includes nearby St. Paul. It's split by the Mississippi River and is filled with outdoor activities around lakes and rivers. The city also has many museums and a thriving art culture.

Do you have one or two days to visit Minneapolis? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Minneapolis?

As a medium-sized city, Minneapolis offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. Given only one day, you will likely find yourself hurrying to experience the key highlights such as the shops and boutiques, the famous sights and museums, and the nightlife scene. To truly savor all that the city boasts, a more generous amount of time is advisable. Many travelers opt for two to four days to thoroughly relish the wonders of the city. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations for making the most of your visit.

How to spend a day in Minneapolis

Shopping in Minneapolis is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Public transit in Minneapolis is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Minneapolis?

A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the dynamic city of Minneapolis, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time to take it all in. You don't want to miss the chance to go shopping, explore the museums and famous sights, grab some drinks at a bar, and soak up the big city atmosphere. Many tourists set aside two to four days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Minneapolis below.

Minneapolis, Minnasota

How to spend 2 days in Minneapolis

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Minneapolis will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Don't miss Mall of America during your trip to Minneapolis, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Minneapolis, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.