How to Spend a Weekend in Minneapolis

If you’re planning a weekend in Minneapolis, you’ll find plenty of fun attractions, excellent restaurants, and diverse shopping for a memorable trip. Take a look at this suggested itinerary and ideas for spending 2 or 3 days in Minneapolis to find inspiration for a memorable weekend in this exciting city.

Friday Evening

Friday evening begins your 72 hours in Minneapolis. After settling into your hotel, head to Colita to enjoy some Mexican and barbecue cuisine like tacos and ribs, or grab a gourmet burger at Parlour St. Paul.

If you’re looking for an old-fashioned night out, you can visit the 1029 Bar for bar bingo, a competitive bingo night with cash prizes and a lot of fun. You could also see a concert at First Avenue, a notorious club that’s hosted such greats at Prince, Dashboard Confessional, and Brother Ali. The Acme Comedy Company, a prominent live comedy club with high-profile acts, is also a great way to spend a Friday night.

You could also stop by Minneapolis’ popular improvisational theater, Huge Improv, to have a little fun with talented performers. They offer many events, ranging from organized shows to workshops and student performances.

Saturday Morning

On Saturday morning, you’ll have 48 hours to explore the sights of Minneapolis. Begin with breakfast at one of the city’s excellent restaurants, such as The Kenwood, which serves breakfast and brunch with classic dishes like huevos rancheros, or Victor’s 1959 Café, a Cuban restaurant with graffiti walls and comfort dishes like creamy café con leche.

If you have the kids with you, Nickelodeon Universe is a great attraction. The shop has TV station merchandise and exhibits that are perfect for all ages. You could also get some outdoor time with Bde Maka Ska, a gorgeous lake surrounded by a tranquil park with hiking trails.

When it’s time for lunch, Burch is a great option. A combination steakhouse and pizza bar, you can choose between fine dining with several types of high-quality beef or wood-fired pies with unique ingredients, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Saturday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, you can visit some of the city’s top sights, such as the Walker Art Center, a high-profile contemporary art museum with masterpieces from famous artists, or the Mill City Museum, a history museum that chronicles the flour industry in the region.

Saturday night in Minneapolis is when things really get exciting. You can enjoy a unique dinner and drinks at restaurants like Octo Fishbar, where you purchase your own fish at the shop and have it cooked in the restaurant. They serve many seafood dishes, such as oysters, mussels, clams, salmon, and octopus.

If you’re looking for a unique night, you can visit Bad Axe. Located in an industrial area, the venue offers tools, safety tips, and coaching to teach you ax throwing. There’s also a nearby distillery to celebrate your new skill with some drinks. Trivia is popular in Minneapolis, so you can find a trivia night at local bars throughout the city.

If you want to relax or have a  romantic evening, The Salt Cave offers holistic therapy with Himalayan salts in a tranquil cave. Halotherapy is designed to improve ailments like asthma, allergies, and stress through therapies like massage, yoga, and meditation while you breathe in the rejuvenating air.

Sunday Morning

On Sunday morning in Minneapolis, you’ll have 24 hours left to enjoy any attractions or experience you may have missed. Start with a hearty and delicious breakfast at Sun Street Breads or Wise Acre Eatery, a farm-to-table restaurant with meats and fresh produce.

When you’re finished with breakfast, you can relax with a stroll in Minnehaha Park, a vast green space with hiking trails and serene waterfalls, or visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art to see antiquities that date back to ancient Egypt.

Stop into Bellecour to enjoy fresh-baked goods and French fare like escargot, bouillabaisse, and mussels. You can even grab some fresh bread or pastries at the adjacent bakery.

Sunday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, visit the Mall of America, a massive shopping complex with a diverse range of stores. You can find just about any souvenir or gift you can think of, and there’s even a theme park inside for a little fun.

On Sunday night in Minneapolis, you’ll have options ranging from an energetic night on the town to a quiet night to wind down your trip. Martina, an Argentinian-Italian fusion restaurant, is a good spot to enjoy rich dinners of seafood and meat with pasta.

After dinner, you can visit Punch Bowl Social, a large space with arcade and table games, bowling lanes, and board games, as well as bar food and cocktails. You may also enjoy a performance at the Guthrie Theater, a stunning performance space and architectural landmark near the Mississippi River that offers stage productions year-round.

If you’re looking for a little adventure, an escape room is always a great option. There are numerous escape rooms with different themes throughout the city, such as Trapped Puzzle Rooms and Escape the Room, that challenge you to different puzzles for a fun night out.

Ready for the perfect weekend getaway?

Minneapolis is an exciting city that’s filled with unique attractions and excellent dining. If you’re planning a weekend trip, visit Expedia to check out deals on Minneapolis vacations to make the most of your trip!