Where to Stay in Minneapolis

See Also

a bridge over a river with tall buildings

Best Areas to Stay in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, one of America`s most livable cities, combines seamlessly with St. Paul to the east to form the “Twin Cities” of Minnesota, home to over 3 million residents. The downtown core includes multiple neighborhoods; the central business district traditionally serves as the commercial heart of the city housing most hotels, quality eateries, and a scattering of attractions. Directly adjacent, the north loop and warehouse district has blossomed into a vibrant area teeming with innovative shops and restaurants, while downtown east and Elliot park encompass the Mississippi riverfront and the iconic stone arch bridge spanning St Anthony falls along with the innovative Mill City museum. To the South, Loring park is notably known for the Walker art center. South Minneapolis also boasts numerous attractions such as the Minneapolis institute of arts and Minnehaha park of Hiawatha renown. Additionally, several artistic outer neighborhoods renowned for eateries, bars, and galleries surround the city in addition to an extensive network of parks, rivers, and “Chain of lakes”.

Until 2020, Minneapolis was most renowned for being the birthplace of the late artist Prince (and possibly the Mall of America, the western world’s largest shopping center), but that changed after the murder of George Floyd that year. Most of the harm that occurred in Minneapolis in the summer of 2020 took place 3 miles south of city’s downtown area, and the city has been healing since then.

It’s relatively straightforward to explore the city center on foot and even for trips further afield, Minneapolis is a good place to leave the automobile behind. The city’s excellent light rail runs to St Paul and the airport, Minnehaha Falls, and Mall of America from downtown, while buses cover the remainder of the city. Nice Ride is the city’s bike share system.

– There’s no need to rent a vehicle. Public transportation in Minneapolis is low-cost and comprehensive.

Those visiting should make preparations for quick variations in temperature and climate conditions. Checking weather forecasts closely is advised, as wintry blizzards have been known to occur as late as April and warm days are not uncommon even in November. The changing atmospheric conditions require flexibility.

Most places to stay fall in the city center, while the usual choices of motels and chain hotels line the roadways near the airport, south of the city. We’ve examined our favorite neighborhoods to visit and stay in more depth below, but with more time, these locations are also worth exploring:

.

“(97)” Recommended Accommodations on Map: 1. Waldorf Astoria – 2. 25hours Hotel Bikini – 3. Mandala Hotel – 4. Ritz Carlton – 5. Motel One – 6. Adlon Kempinski – 7. Westin Grand – 8. Regent Hotel – 9. Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome – 10. Casa Camper – 11. Lux 11 – 12. Hotel Oderberger

• Chanhassen, for Paisley Park
Influential artist Prince was born in Minneapolis in 1958 and was centered here for most of his career. Following his tragic passing in 2016, his Paisley Park Studio was opened to the general public – devotees should buy tickets online beforehand. It’s situated around 21 miles southwest of Downtown Minneapolis in the quiet suburb of Chanhassen – you really require a vehicle to visit. There are 3 decent mid-range hotels nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chanhassen,AmericInn Chanhassen, and Country Inn & Suites Chanhassen.

The Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport zone and areas along I-494 corridor offer:

The airport lies around 12 miles south of downtown – if you’re wanting to explore the surrounding region by vehicle, or just need proximity to the airport, you’ll find a huge variety of motels and hotel chains nearby and along the parallel I-494, though prices are similar to the city (and not as convenient obviously). Solid options include Cambria Minneapolis Airport,Hilton Bloomington,Renaissance Bloomington, and InterContinental St. Paul Airport.

Best Places to Stay in Minneapolis

Best Neighborhoods in Minneapolis for…

  • Best Neighborhood to Stay for First Timers/Sightseeing: Central Business District – Theater District
    With a wide array of lodging from family-friendly chains to business hotels and romantic boutiques, the downtown core of the city is easily the most suitable place to stay for initial visitors. You’ll also have access to the heart of the light rail and bus system, as well as being within walking distance of the Mississippi River and the trendy North Loop/Warehouse district. There’s also a decent selection of restaurants and bars here and the shopping hub of Nicollet.
  • Best Neighborhood for Romantic trip/Honeymoon: North Loop & Warehouse District
    The trendy North Loop & Warehouse District location is relatively central and convenient for exploring the city, but the neighborhood itself is ideal for a romantic getaway. Stay at the stylish Hewing Hotel and appreciate the perspectives from the rooftop, which also boasts a spa pool and Nordic-inspired sauna. There are some exciting places to dine around here, from traditional supper clubs for example the Monte Carlo and J.D. Hoyt’s Supper Club, to the lavish and contemporary hotspot Spoon and Stable. The Mississippi River is a brief walk away, lined with shaded trails, while James & Mary Laurie Bookseller provides thousands of books and 30,000 vintage classical and jazz records. At night, check out live bands at Fine Line, or share some laughter at Acme Comedy Company. There’s also wine-tasting at the AxeBridge Wine Co
  • Best Neighborhoods for Nightlife: Central Business District, North Loop & Warehouse District, and Northeast Minneapolis
    Minneapolis is a city known for its lively social scene with nightlife spots found across town, but a handful stand out above the rest. The downtown area boasts numerous bars and live music venues, most notably the iconic First Avenue made famous by Prince, the Dakota, and the LGBT community hub Gay 90’s. The North Loop offers greater diversity, ranging from Japanese whiskey bars to AxeBridge Wine Co. However, our preferred neighborhood for a night on the town is Northeast Minneapolis. Craft beer enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven, blessed with many breweries and microdistilleries ( Bauhaus Brew Labs being a popular pick), but there are also retro tiki bars ( Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge), whimsical pubs ( Betty Danger’s Country Club), classic dive bars ( 331 Club,Mayslacks) and lounge bars ( Peacock Lounge)
  • Best Neighborhood for Food and Restaurants: South Minneapolis (Eat Street) and North Loop
    Gourmands have many choices in Minneapolis, and “ Eat Street” in South Minneapolis, along roughly 10 blocks of Nicollet Avenue, is a wonderful starting point. The oldest establishment here is the 1960s mainstay Black Forest Inn, with its beer garden and German specialties, but there are also other notable spots, such as the Greek restaurant Christos and Vietnamese eateries including Jasmine 26 and My Huong Kitchen, along with the trendy Eat Street Social and Harry Singh’s Original Caribbean Restaurant. For innovative and contemporary options, the North Loop is a good choice, home to acclaimed dining spots like Gavin Kaysen’s Spoon and Stable,Borough,Demi,North Loop Galley, and Smack Shack, among numerous others).Eat Street is connected to the downtown area by frequent bus #18, which runs along Nicollet Avenue every 8 minutes.
  • Leading Area for Shopping: North Loop & Warehouse District; Northeast
    Though Nicollet in Downtown Minneapolis has traditionally been the city`s main commercial street ( Nordstrom Rack and Target still have a presence), we suggest exploring the independent stores of North Loop & Warehouse District and Northeast Minneapolis. The latter`s Arts District features numerous galleries and artist studios, as well as retailers of jewelry, clothing, and home goods ( Curiosity is an excellent example, home to various local artisans and craftspeople). Rewind and Moth Oddities are popular vintage stores, while Magus Books & Herbs offers various New Age healing and wellness products. Notable locations in North Loop include retailers of women`s fashion such as D. NOLO,PARC,Requisite, and Statement Boutique, as well as menswear from Martin Patrick 3America`s largest shopping center, the Mall of America, lies around 12 miles south of downtown Minneapolis, housing over 520 stores, many dining establishments, the theme park Nickelodeon Universe, the Sea Life Aquarium, and additional attractions. Some quality lodging options near the mall comprise the AC Hotel Bloomington Mall of America,Element Bloomington Mall of America,JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, and the Home2 Suites by Hilton Bloomington.
  • Best Neighborhood for Local Vibe: East Lake (South Minneapolis)
    The East Lake Street area in South Minneapolis contains enticing food and shopping destinations that are more frequented by locals than tourists. The Midtown Global Market and Mercado Central boast great food courts along with clothing, jewelry, art, grocery, and home goods vendors. A bit further along lies Plaza Mexico, catering to the Mexican and Latino community through numerous snack and retail purveyors. Ingebretsen’s has specialized in Scandinavian foods, gifts, and handicrafts since 1921. The Hook & Ladder Theater is an excellent independent performance center situated in an old fire station, while the Somali Museum of Minnesota introduces the culture and handicrafts of one of the city’s largest immigrant populations.
  • Unsafe Areas of Minneapolis
    Central Minneapolis is usually quite safe, though the usual precautions should be taken at night. In 2020, protests impacted large parts of the city in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, but this was an exception and things have calmed down since then. The Hawthorne area, north of Downtown, tends to report the highest crime rates, but there is little rationale to go there. You should also take care at night in some neighborhoods in South Minneapolis: notably Midtown Phillips, East Philips, and Ventura Village.

The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Minneapolis for Tourists

1. Central Business District – Theater District

The heart of downtown Minneapolis lacks some personality, but is likely where you’ll be staying – most hotels are located here. Dominated by office buildings and skyscrapers (including the historic Foshay Tower), the area tends to wind down on weekday evenings, but nevertheless is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment venues (including the Theater District itself, home to the Orpheum, State, and Pantages theaters). And in winter (or bad weather generally), the enclosed Minneapolis Skyway System means one can traverse the area without going outside. Nicollet (formerly called Nicollet Mall) is downtown’s core shopping and entertainment street, while Orchestra Hall is home to the Minnesota Orchestra. Also here, First Avenue and Dakota Jazz Club, legendary live venues associated with Prince. In terms of restaurants, those who enjoy steak will be treated: Murray’s and Manny’s are 2 of the exceptional establishments.

2. North Loop & Warehouse District

Northwest of Minneapolis CBD, the North Loop and Warehouse District is the city’s hippest enclave. In the late 19th century, the warehouses here formed part of the city’s industrial district, but since the 1990s, they’ve increasingly been converted into shops, apartments, and restaurants. The Minnesota Twins ballpark, Target Field, lies in the neighborhood, but otherwise there are no major sights – a visit here is all about immersing oneself in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoying the lively shopping scene, innovative dining options, and nightlife offerings. Highlights include live performances at Fillmore Minneapolis, LGBT icon the Gay 90’s, and the indie Lab Theater, home of the city’s fringe theater productions. The neighborhood is also a major craft brewery hub, with some of our favorite taprooms located at Modist Brewing,Fulton Brewing, and Inbound BrewCo.

  • There are just a handful of lodging options in the neighborhood, but it is within walking distance of most hotels in the Central Business District.
  • Parking here can be difficult, especially during games or events at nearby Target Field (it`s mostly street parking with meters). Alternatives include biking, walking, or public transit like buses #7 and #14.
  • Top-rated Hotels: Element Downtown – Hewing Hotel
  • Best Affordable/Mid-Range Hotel: TownePlace Suites Downtown/North Loop

3. East Town (Downtown East and Elliot Park)

Originally Downtown East was predominantly filled with manufacturing facilities serving the city`s abundance in flour making in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, similar to North Loop. Today, it`s another neighborhood experiencing rapid gentrification, full of converted apartment complexes, restaurants, and small companies. In terms of attractions, the US Bank Stadium is home to the enthusiastically backed Minnesota Vikings football franchise, as well as the Minneapolis Summer X Games and many live concerts. The absorbing Mill City Museum sheds light on the city’s industrial heyday and overlooks riverside Mill Ruins Park. From here, you can visit the St Anthony Falls Visitor Center or cross the Mississippi via the pedestrian and bike solely Stone Arch Bridge. The modern Guthrie Theater complex also overlooks the river, featuring performances as well as an unusual 178-foot cantilever known as the “Endless Bridge” (with stunning views) and the yellow-tinted “Amber Box.”

4. Loring Park

Bülow Residenz – Relais & Châteaux Bülow Palais – Gewandhaus – Hotel Suitess – Schloss Eckberg – Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe

  • Finding street parking in Loring Park can be difficult. Several buses run up and down Nicollet Avenue between the neighborhood and downtown Minneapolis denoted by signs for “Free Ride” which offers complimentary fares.
  • Lodging options are limited here, but Loring Park is within walking distance of most hotels in the downtown area (or short bike/taxi rides).
  • Highest Rated Hotel: Hyatt Regency
  • Best Midrange Hotel: Millennium
  • Best B&B: 300 Clifton

5. Northeast Minneapolis

Northeast Minneapolis lies across the Mississippi River from Downtown, a primarily residential neighborhood that is nevertheless worth a visit for its rich arts and culinary scenes. The area known as the Northeast Arts district is home to numerous art studios and galleries, as well as distinctively titled bars such as Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge,Betty Danger’s Country Club, and Hai Hai. To the south, the Riverfront district offers wonderful vistas of the CBD skyline and lush Nicollet Island Park, home to the iconic Grain Belt sign plus one of the city’s most intriguing hotels, the Nicollet Island Inn.

  • There is not much hotel housing in this region (nothing at all in the Arts District), but most of the area is easily reachable using public transportation from the downtown core (buses #4 and #61 travel directly up Hennepin Avenue from downtown, while #11 heads into the Arts District). Street parking is simpler to find away from the major avenues here.
  • Top Accommodations: Alma • Delta Hotels Northeast • Nicollet Island Inn

6. South Minneapolis

The sprawling South Minneapolis area features some of the city`s largest attractions, parks, and lakesides, with a diverse mix of affluent, multicultural neighborhoods alongside some of the most underprivileged postal codes in the region. George Floyd Square at 38th and Chicago Avenue serves as an ongoing memorial (enhanced with colorful murals) in remembrance of Floyd`s 2020 murder at this location. The largest conventional attraction is the Minneapolis Institute of Art, housing world-renowned art from every continent (entry is free). Nearby is the stylish American Swedish Institute, and farther south along Lake Street are the markets and specialty food shops, like Ingebretsen’s Scandinavian Gifts & Foods. The Bakken Museum provides a family-friendly science and technology experience.

In terms of food, the area known as “Eat Street” occupies a restaurant-filled stretch of Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, while the city`s signature dish the Jucy Lucy (also called “Juicy Lucy”), a hamburger consisting of two beef patties enclosing a piece of cheese, is served by rivals from the 1950s Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club, both located on Cedar Avenue.

The interconnected lake system includes Lake Bde Maka Ska (formerly Calhoun), Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake, while nearby Lake Nokomis has riverside Minnehaha Regional Park acclaimed for its 53-foot Minnehaha Falls and the Longfellow Gardens paying homage to the poet of The Song of Hiawatha.

  • Depending on the section selected, staying in South Minneapolis offers experiencing the city as locals do with numerous parks, lakes, small eateries, and markets.
  • Mainstream accommodation alternatives are few; this is perhaps a improved area to seek apartment rentals.
  • Having a car here can be helpful, given how distributed everything is. However, all the primary sights – Eat Street, Minnehaha Park, the art museum – are accessible by light rail or bus.
  • Top Hotels: Moxy Uptown • Westin Edina Galleria
  • Best Mid-Tier Hotel: Homewood Suites Edina
  • Top Hostel: Minneapolis Hostel

7. Dinkytown / University of Minnesota Area

The small area of Dinkytown borders the expansive University of Minnesota campus on the northern bank of the Mississippi River, directly across from East Town. It can be an enjoyable place to stay, with students understandably making up most residents and plenty of diverse (and reasonably priced) places to eat and drink (including some excellent microbreweries). The Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum is another advantage, and transportation via light rail is convenient. The campus itself is a hub for arts and cultural events, with Northrop Auditorium serving as the primary venue.

FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

about me

ComfyUI_00005_

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

social

Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube Email

Search