Dining, Shopping, and Fun in the Twin Cities

The rich human history of the Twin Cities stretches back over 12,000 years. Today, Minneapolis and St. Paul thrive as a dynamic urban area filled with parks, eateries, and some of the most vibrant diaspora communities in the U.S.

During your next visit to Minneapolis–St. Paul, refer to this guide to uncover all that the city has in store.

Dining Highlights

The Jucy Lucy, a cheese-filled hamburger from Matt’s Bar & Grill, is a must-try. Don’t forget to make reservations at Owamni if possible. Minneapolis’s latest food hall, Eat Street Crossing, offers sushi sandwiches and Brazilian pizza. Visitors can explore the lively stands at HmongTown Marketplace in St. Paul or enjoy sambusas at Karmel Mall, the first and largest Somali shopping center in the U.S. Nearby, Quruxlow invites you to indulge in a hearty meal of beef suqaar, spiced rice, and banana. Don’t miss the cardamom- and ginger-infused milk tea to finish off your meal.

Shopping Destinations

Explore the aisles of the century-old Ingebretsen’s Nordic Marketplace for lingonberry preserves and Norwegian Hardanger embroidery kits. Birchbark Books, owned by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa member Louise Erdrich, focuses on titles by Indigenous authors. Visit 24 Somali Mall for an array of silk scarves. XIA Gallery & Cafe in St. Paul’s Little Mekong district features jewelry, prints, and more from Hmong and other Asian American artisans.

Activities to Enjoy

Explore the museums—both grand (Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center) and quaint (the Museum of Russian Art, Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery). The Norway House and Danish American Center host events inspired by their respective diaspora communities, while the Somali Museum of Minnesota boasts over 700 artifacts, including a full-scale replica of a nomadic hut. If you’re visiting in warmer months, get close to the water: rent a kayak from Mississippi River Paddle Share, bike around the scenic Chain of Lakes, or take a leisurely stroll through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden, a paradise for horticulturists bordering Lake Harriet. In winter, enjoy ice fishing and cross-country skiing, plus a plethora of cold-weather festivals like The Great Northern and Art Shanty Projects.

Accommodations

Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis

Address: 245 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis | Locate on Google Maps

In summer 2022, Minnesota welcomed its first five-star establishment, the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis. The hotel features local touches, from regionally crafted Faribault blankets adorning the elegant suite sofas to the sculptural art installations in the spa, created by local ceramicist Juliane Shibata. Mara Restaurant & Bar, the Mediterranean dining spot led by chef Gavin Kaysen, offers a delightful culinary experience.

Hewing Hotel

Address: 300 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis | Locate on Google Maps

The boutique Hewing Hotel, with 124 rooms, is nestled in the vibrant North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. A proud member of the Aparium hotel group, known for celebrating local culture, its common areas are adorned with artwork and decor crafted by local artists. The on-site restaurant, Tullibee, serves Scandinavian-inspired cuisine, and the rooftop boasts a sauna, reflecting Nordic traditions.