Visitor’s Guide to Minneapolis, MN
Welcome to our Minneapolis tourist guide, where you’ll learn what to do in the land of 10,000 lakes, with its thriving arts scene and some seriously good pizza! If you’re visiting the area for the first time, you may not know about all of the things there are to do and see in the city. Below, you can check out some of the top tourist attractions in Minneapolis, Minnesota, plus the best spots to grab a bite, relax with a drink and shop ’til you drop.
Planning Your Itinerary
While Minneapolis has many popular attractions, some of the city’s most fascinating sites aren’t as well known. In fact, some of the sites on our must-see list might not even be familiar to the city’s long-term residents or repeat visitors. You can find plenty of tourist attractions and then some, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, shopping, art or a great meal.
Start With Coffee and a Scenic Stroll
Start your day with coffee and a lakeside walk — Spyhouse Coffee on Hennepin Avenue is a local favorite, serving up rich espresso and cozy vibes. Grab a latte and head over to Bde Maka Ska Park a few blocks away, and take a stroll along the picturesque trails, watch kayakers go by and soak up the fresh air. You can also rent a bike or e-scooter to explore the park or join those kayakers by renting a boat or a paddleboard at Wheel Fun Rentals.
Do Some Shopping and Exploring
Uptown is known for its unique boutiques and vintage stores. Buffalo Exchange is a great spot for discovering trendy second-hand fashion. If you’re a fan of architecture and antiques, you’re going to love City Salvage, a locally-owned antique shop that focuses on unusual architectural finds. From antique bar supplies to lighting to stained glass and many other hidden treasures, you’ll find many unique items from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Uptown has some fantastic street art along Lyn-Lake and Hennepin Avenue for colorful murals, including tributes to Prince and other iconic local artists. Whether you want to get active, soak in some art or just wander, uptown Minneapolis has plenty to offer for a fun and refreshing morning.
Fuel Up for the Afternoon
When you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to indulge at Giordano’s MN location for Chicago-born pizza. We serve a legendary stuffed deep-dish pizza packed with layers of gooey mozzarella, rich tomato sauce and your favorite toppings.
Featuring authentic Italian food, including stuffed and thin-crust pizzas, filling sandwiches, savory pasta, fresh salads and more, we have something for everyone. Whether you’re a new resident or a tourist, start getting familiar with everything Minneapolis has to offer by making Giordano’s the first stop on your list of must-visit attractions. Afterward, wash it down with a local craft beer at Lake & Irving on West Lake Street.
Just a short drive or bike ride away, you can visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, along with other fascinating modern art installations. You can also stop by Patina, a quirky gift shop featuring local and artisan-made items.
Soak Up Art and Culture
Orfield Laboratories houses the world’s quietest place. The lab is an anechoic chamber. This means the room absorbs 99.99% of the sounds produced within its walls, which prevents echoes. This level of silence is enough to drive an individual mad — literally. As your ears adjust to the silence, your heartbeat and the workings of your stomach and lungs become your only reference points. Because this is disorienting for so many people, visitors are only allowed to visit the lab under supervision for brief periods. To experience what it’s like inside this space, you must book a tour.
Located in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District, House of Balls was founded by sculptor Allen Christian, who has since become known as the “Willy Wonka” of art made in the Twin Cities. Christian believes that lifeless objects take on a real life force when they are touched by sentient beings. Given his belief, guests are encouraged to interact with the art that’s on display, including the location’s renowned bowling balls. As long as Christian is on-site and the doors are unlocked, you can visit the House of Balls any time of the day or night.
Enjoy Evening Drinks and Nightlife
Uptown really comes alive at night. Laugh it up at ComedySportz Twin Cities, where improv comedy is played as a sport based on suggestions the audience provides. Grab a craft cocktail at Volstead’s Emporium, a hidden speakeasy with a 1920s aesthetic.
You can also hit up Puttery, where you’ll find three mini gold courses for some sunset fun. Alternatively, see an indie film at Uptown Theater, a historic venue worth checking out. And if you need a late-night snack, why not get more pizza? Grab a to-go slice at Giordano’s and call it the perfect end to a perfect day.
Enjoy Your Stay in Uptown Minneapolis
There you have it — an action-packed, food-filled Minneapolis, MN, visitors guide. Whether you walk the beaten or unbeaten path during your stay in uptown, you’ll find many great attractions and activities along the way. You can even get the same pizza native Chicagoans have been enjoying for more than 40 years without leaving Minneapolis when you stop by Giordano’s on Hennepin Avenue. Visit us for a delicious dine-in meal, or pick up a pie on your way to your next destination!
