Minneapolis is the larger of the two metropolitan cities in Minnesota. I find that there are a lot of misconceptions about Minnesota but downtown Minneapolis is a huge place full of outstanding food and tons to do if you know how to navigate the city. Follow along with my Perfect Downtown Minneapolis Itinerary to find out how to make the most out of your time here!
PS: You’ll find a map below with the locations I mention!
Where to stay
Minneapolis is home to a lot of 4-star hotels but one of my favorites is The Marquette Hotel, which is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. Walking into the hotel brought an immediate sense of elegance and tranquility – large windows offering views of the surrounding skyscrapers, greenery all over and a blue and light grey aesthetic – a theme you’ll find throughout the entire hotel. I was immediately treated like royalty upon walking in. The staff is kind and attentive to every detail.
I was given a tour of their Windows of Minnesota, a design element in the attached shopping and business center. This easily became my favorite area in the entire hotel (and trust me, there was a lot to love)!
50 floors up, the Windows of Minnesota features tall windows that act as the walls around the outside of the building, offering views you’d have to see to believe (check them out below). Walking around each window, I saw Target Field, US Bank Stadium and MSP International Airport. Being up there for the sunset was breathtaking.
The second best thing about The Marquette is the spacious rooms. No matter what kind of room you booked – I stayed in a Deluxe King room – you don’t feel claustrophobic as you can in many other hotels. My room had a gathering space with an attached bedroom and bathroom. Just like the lobby, each room has large windows in place of the wall that help bring more light and life into them. It was as if you were staying in your own luxurious, private home. The way a hotel should feel.
Where to eat
The Marquette features two places to eat: the Marquette Lounge with a full cocktail + food menu and Jolliet House for faster meals and a lounge for drinks. I attended a media tasting at the Marquette Lounge that’s full of variety like Tuna TarTar and my favorite, Avocado Red Pepper Almond Hummus (don’t knock it till you try it, I’m a super picky eater). They also have many Minnesota themed cocktails to try!
During my stay, we also tried to additional restaurants that are beyond noteworthy.
If you’re looking to expand your palate into the adventurous (and luxurious) category, try 112 eatery. You won’t find anything ordinary on this menu. They offer frog legs, sweetbreads and foie gras, among endless other options. While these items aren’t typically my cup of tea, I have to admit they definitely lived up to the price tag. My mom, who attended with me, worked as a personal chef and had nothing but incredible things to say about her tasting.
The second place we tried for lunch the following day is now one of my top favorite restaurants ever. If you love boils and seafood, you need to check Smack Shack out (and even if you don’t, it’s worth a try).
My mom and I split the snow crab boil with a side of jumbo shrimp and there was plenty of food to go around. Each boil comes with corn, bread, polish sausage, potatoes and slaw. I highly recommend adding the Cajun fries! Everything was seasoned to PERFECTION and served with a side of seasoned butter, which elevated an already delicious dish. This was part of their lunch menu and they switch menus for each meal, so you’ll have plenty to try!
Smack Shack is on the outskirts of downtown Minneapolis, but well worth the drive. Plus, look how cute it is:
Breakfast
While breakfast is offered at The Marquette, you can also hop across the street to Hen House Eatery. This is among the top places to try in Minneapolis during your stay. They have classic options and some to satisfy your sweet tooth. The best part, they serve breakfast all day! So feel free to sleep in and enjoy your cozy bed.
Or, if you’re just looking for some good coffee, Caribou Coffee is directly across the street from the hotel. If you haven’t tried this one yet, be prepared to leave all other coffee places behind (I’m looking at you, Starbucks) because nothing quite compares.
Time for dessert!
If you’re like me, you’re always looking to try out the best dessert in town. Angel Food Bakery + Coffee Bar has every pastry you could possibly imagine in funky and fun Instagram-worthy colors. By the time I got there, they only had a few things left so I tried the monkey bread. They’re extremely popular so I would suggest getting there earlier in the day or calling to see what they still have left before you head over. No matter what you get will taste delicious and it’s just a walk away from the hotel!
What to do
Now that you’ve found a great place to stay and your tummy is full, go out and explore the city!
Shopping + Entertainment
The Marquette is one street down from Nicollet Mall, the core of shopping in downtown. You’ll find endless stores, including Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off Fifth and Target Headquarters with two whole levels of shopping fun.
Nicollet Mall is full of tiny shops and food stops. If you go during the weekday, you’ll also cross paths with some of the top businessmen in Minnesota, as Nicollet Mall is surrounded by a few of the leading businesses in the country. They also have a farmers market!
But if shopping is not your thing, you can also head down to Target Field for a baseball game or Target Center, which hosts both our female and male basketball team and an array of concerts. I’ve been there to see The Lumineers in concert and watch the NCAA Volleyball National Championships and both were amazing! If you’re feeling more adventurous, First Avenue is a popular hipster music club known for underground bands as well as bigger acts. Macklemore mentions playing here in his song “Good Old Days”.
History + Art
One of the things I decided to do in Minneapolis was head over to the Walker Art Museum. Walker features both indoor art displays and an outdoor sculptural garden perfect for pictures or just browsing! It’s here that you’ll find the infamous cherry spoon!
During my visit, they had a giant room with chalkboard walls and large pieces of chalk on the floor that you were able to pick up and draw with. They also include spaces with headsets for listening and display film art in media rooms. Also, they had just opened mini-golf on the roof but it was raining when I went so they had it closed.
The best part about this museum is that it’s large enough to keep you occupied and intrigued but short enough where you can enjoy everything and still be out in time to do many other things with your day.
TIP: Every Thursday from 5-9 pm, you get in for free! All sponsored by Target.
Next, head over to Mill City Museum, a National Historic Landmark. You might be thinking, what in the world is this?
Back when it was built in 1880, Mill City was the largest, most technologically advanced flour mill in the world and home to what is now known as General Mills.
Now, you’re able to take tours of the museum and surrounding outdoor areas, taste fresh-made bread and learn about the process of making different types of bread. There’s also an observation deck overlooking the Mississippi River, Stone Arch Bridge and the rest of the city.
After Mill City, I highly recommend walking next door to the Guthrie Theater for a night time treat. I saw the Christmas Carol here and the performance was phenomenal. Definitely one of the best places and a fan favorite to watch a play. On the way over, you can stop for pictures or a walk across the Stone Arch Bridge!
Activities
By far my favorite activity to do in downtown Minneapolis is ice skating at The Depot rink. Unfortunately, if you’re traveling in the summer, this excursion will be closed but it’s worth bracing the chilly winters to go. The Depot is another historical site in Minneapolis, as it was once where the railroad used to make a stop.
Once the railroads stopped running, it was preserved by those who loved its significance. Part has been made into a hotel and the other is a unique ice skating rink that gives you an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Under the truss-roofed shed, you’ll find a low-lit ice rink with a disco ball and music playing timeless favorites through the speakers. And if you stop to catch your breath (or recover from a fall) you’ll find the glimmering lights of downtown Minneapolis shining through the large windows.
You don’t have to be a perfect skater either (we all know I’m not). You’ll find an array of people, from first-timers to the “I’ve been skating before I could walk” type. Some of my best memories from when I lived in Minnesota are here at this rink with my friends.
Map
So that wraps up our Perfect Downtown Minneapolis Itinerary! If there’s anything else you want to know, please drop a comment below and I’ll update with the answers!
Also, I have a Perfect Uptown Minneapolis Itinerary so be sure to check that out too for loads more fun!
Xo,
Gina
© Gina Johnson Spoden 2019
All opinions are my own.
