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Consistently named the best airport in the country, MSP has only one hotel and that’s the InterContinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations and easy access to terminals if you’re just passing through. Whether on a quick business trip or an actual vacation, a stay here guarantees rest and relaxation, a free 24-hour shuttle, and convenient access to the Minneapolis Light Rail public transportation. Hotel amenities include a fitness center and same-day dry cleaning, plus two on-site restaurants—make a reservation at La Voya French Brasserie on the lobby level to savor French-Minnesotan fusion or pop in to Bradstreet Craftshouse (also on the lobby level) for craft cocktails, beers, snacks, and sports. The hotel is pet-friendly, which is an added bonus if traveling with your pups.

Inspired by the surrounding neighborhood, Hotel Indigo Minneapolis Downtown shows off the best of the city through its art, service and attention-to-detail, amenities, dining options, and fantastic location. Near historic theaters like the Orpheum, State, and Pantages Theatres, music venues like The Armory and First Avenue, and outdoor spaces and museums like Loring Park and the Sculpture Garden at The Walker, this pet-friendly hotel is chic, modern, and has a touch of local charm. In-house restaurants include the Star Bar and the Star Bistro, both lobby level spots serving American cuisine with a French flare, focused on locally-sourced ingredients.

Just a few miles east of Minneapolis and right on the riverbank, the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront is steps from some of the best museums, shops, restaurants, and live theater the Twin Cities have to offer. Upscale guest rooms feature gorgeous views of the Mississippi River and on-property dining options include Citizen, an elevated comfort food spot that encourages sharing, and Lavazza Coffee, a great place to spend the morning catching up on work or relaxing while munching on freshly baked breads and pastries paired with coffee, tea, or a smoothie. Minnesota's capital city, Saint Paul, boasts historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and a delicious dining scene.

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Minneapolis and Saint Paul offer a wealth of attractions and activities for both locals and visitors alike. Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Twin Cities by visiting world-class museums like the Minneapolis Institute of Art (which is free for everyone), the Walker Art Center, and the Science Museum of Minnesota. Don't miss the chance to discover local artists at galleries in neighborhoods like Northeast Minneapolis and Lowertown St. Paul.

When the weather’s nice you have no excuse not to spend time discovering the area’s great outdoors. From scenic lakeshores to expansive green spaces, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Check out parks like Minnehaha Park, Theodore Wirth Regional Park, and the Chain of Lakes for outdoor fun. If your visit is timed properly, you might even be able to experience the vibrant scene of Minneapolis through its diverse festivals and fairs. From the Minnesota State Fair (which takes place every August for 12 days until Labor Day), one of the largest and oldest fairs in the country, to holiday markets like the magical European Christmas Market, there's always something festive happening in the Twin Cities.

Cheer on local teams at the city’s top sports venues, including Target Center (home of the Minnesota Timberwolves), Xcel Energy Center (home of the Minnesota Wild) and Target Field (home of the Minnesota Twins). If sports aren’t really your thing, you can shop 'til you drop at the Mall of America, one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the world. With over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, and an aquarium, it's a shopper's paradise. Even if you aren’t normally a fan of malls, this is a fun and quirky destination to discover on a day that’s best enjoyed indoors.

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Minneapolis is a food lover's utopia, with a diverse culinary scene that reflects the city's multicultural influences. Read on for some of our favorite dining spots in the Twin Cities.

Start your day with brunch at Alma Cafe in Southeast Minneapolis open daily. Indulge in bakery treats like lemon-currant scones, cinnamon rolls, or gluten free brownies while sipping on expertly crafted coffee. If looking for something heartier, order a sandwich from the lunch menu with a side salad or chips.

With an award-winning chef at the wheel, the cozy Petite Leon in South Minneapolis is a favorite neighborhood spot for locals. The Euro-inspired restaurant uses sustainable, local ingredients in creative dishes like lamb tartare, brick chicken, and arroz con leche (a rice pudding dessert with cardamom, seasonal fruit, toasted coconut, and pistachios).

Experience indigenous cuisine at Owamni, where Chef Sean Sherman, also known as the Sioux Chef, showcases flavors from Native food producers. Sample dishes like bison and walnut soup, elk tacos, and squash custard while learning about Native food traditions—the restaurant uses all pre-colonial ingredients in its recipes for a decolonized dining experience.

If pizza’s on your mind, head to Pizzeria Lola in Southwest Minneapolis for wood-fired pies with creative toppings like kimchi and Korean sausage. Don't forget to try the famous Korean BBQ pizza and Chef Ann Kim’s delightful house-made soft serve ice cream with extra-virgin olive oil & fleur de sel. Try Lola’s sister restaurants in the city if you get a chance, including Young Joni and Kim’s.

Explore the city's diverse culinary landscape with a visit to Ethiopian restaurants like The Red Sea (a local favorite since 1990) and Bole Ethiopian Cuisine in Saint Paul. Try traditional Hmong cuisine at spots like Union Hmong Kitchen or head to Hmong Village for dozens of restaurants, farmers markets, and shops. Craving Mexican? Head to Tacos El Primos for authentic tacos, burritos, and quesadillas made with fresh, flavorful ingredients.

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Getting around Minneapolis is easy, thanks to its efficient transportation system and bike-friendly streets. Here are some tips for navigating the city:

Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring Minneapolis and its surrounding areas, especially if you plan to venture outside the city center. Most major car rental companies have locations at MSP Airport and downtown Minneapolis. Ride-sharing services are widely available in the Twin Cities, as well. Minneapolis has an extensive public transportation network operated by Metro Transit, including buses and light rail trains. The Blue and Green Lines connect downtown Minneapolis with Mall of America and downtown St. Paul, making it easy to get around without a car. The city is bike- and walk-friendly in many areas. Rent a bike to explore Minneapolis on two wheels.

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Home to the famous Mall of America, Bloomington offers convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment, just 11 miles south of Minneapolis.

And with its proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and attractions like the Twin Cities Premium Outlets, Eagan offers convenience and entertainment just under half an hour from the city.

With its scenic lakes and upscale shopping districts, Minnetonka offers a luxurious escape just 10 miles west of Minneapolis.

And home to Valleyfair amusement park and Mystic Lake Casino, Shakopee offers entertainment and outdoor activities, 30 minutes from Minneapolis.

Crossing over into Wisconsin, Hudson offers a charming riverfront setting and historic downtown, about 40 minutes by car from Minneapolis.