Are you thinking about visiting Minneapolis, Minnesota? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Minneapolis worth visiting?
Minneapolis is worth visiting for two to four days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. 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.
Minneapolis, Minnasota
Reasons to Visit Minneapolis
Shopping
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.
Museums
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.
Nightlife
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.
Food
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.
Authenticity
Minneapolis has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Minneapolis worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 25°C (76°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (87°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Minneapolis, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and dance the night away.
Summer Weather in Minneapolis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 25°C (76°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| August | 23°C (73°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| September | 18°C (64°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Minneapolis worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Minneapolis. Even though Minneapolis is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and discover the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Minneapolis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 11°C (52°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| November | 2°C (36°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| December | -6°C (21°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
Is Minneapolis worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Minneapolis. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Minneapolis can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -10°C (15°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the nightlife. Also, you can experience the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Minneapolis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -10°C (15°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| February | -6°C (21°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| March | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
Is Minneapolis worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Minneapolis can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 10°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Minneapolis, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Minneapolis is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and enjoy an evening out.
Spring Weather in Minneapolis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (62°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| June | 22°C (71°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Minneapolis
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Minneapolis might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Minneapolis here or see if Minneapolis is expensive here.
Related
What is Minneapolis most famous for?
Minneapolis is most famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. People visit this impressive city for its great shopping. It's also known for museums and nightlife. And many travelers come for the food, as well. It is often described as dynamic, innovative, and diverse.
What is the most famous sight in Minneapolis?
The most popular sight in Minneapolis is Mall of America. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Minneapolis on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Mall of America and other attractions here.
How touristy is Minneapolis? Is it a popular city to visit?
Minneapolis is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
- The Complete St. Paul Walking Tour: $99
- Twin Cities Walking Tour: Uncover Hidden Minneapolis Bars: $99
- Walking Minneapolis Mississippi River, Falls & Historic Mills Private Tour(2hrs): $195
- Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs): $195
- Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour: $80
- Minneapolis Walking City Tour - Heart of Downtown: $80
- Challah Baking Experience: $72
How long should I spend in Minneapolis?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Minneapolis is two to four days. Since Minneapolis has a variety of activities such as shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Minneapolis? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Minneapolis?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.