Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Minneapolis?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Minneapolis?
As a medium-sized city, Minneapolis offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. Three days is just the right amount of time to see pretty much everything in Minneapolis. Most visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, and we have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting. Also, Minneapolis is popular with families and students which enjoy visiting because the city offers activities specifically for them.
How to spend 3 days 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.
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.
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Minneapolis a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 4 days enough time in Minneapolis?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Minneapolis at your own pace to go shopping, explore the museums and famous sights, grab some drinks at a bar, and soak up the big city atmosphere. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Minneapolis, Minnasota
How to spend 4 days in Minneapolis
Having 4 days in Minneapolis will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Minneapolis is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's the largest city in Minnesota, but there's still a bit of a small town vibe because it's spread out with much of its population living in the suburbs. St. Paul is also nearby, making the city feel bigger.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Minneapolis?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Minneapolis has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Minneapolis as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the shops and boutiques, the famous sights and museums, and the nightlife scene at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Minneapolis
With 5 days in Minneapolis, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Minneapolis, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Minneapolis, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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