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Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Downtown is the central business district of Minneapolis. It is sprinkled with architecturally interesting skyscrapers, most of which are interconnected, mainly on the second level above the street level, by a growing web of skyways, now approaching eight miles in total length. Nicollet Mall is the main semi-pedestrianized shopping street in downtown Minneapolis. The central business district, officially known as Downtown West, but commonly called Downtown, is surrounded by the other downtown communities: Downtown East, Elliot Park, Loring Park, and the North Loop neighborhoods.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Giant five-story mural on the side of the old Schmitt Music Building, considered a landmark of the Minneapolis music scene.
A statue of Mary Richards, her character in The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The bronze sculpture, by artist Gwendolyn Gillen, depicts the iconic moment in the show's opening credits where Moore tosses her tam o' shanter in the air, in a freeze-frame at the end of the montage.
Gold Medal Park is a 7.5-acre park next to the Guthrie Theater. A 32-ft-high mound, reached by a spiral walkway, offers great views of the riverfront.
Archaeological site at the location of former flour mills and other industrial buildings. A canal that ran through the area has been restored.
The Sculpture Garden is an outdoor exhibition of sculptures from many different artists, including the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry. It takes up 11 acres and is one of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the country.
A former railroad bridge of the Great Northern Railway spanning the Mississippi River; it was abandoned in 1978 and sat idle until it was repaired and adapted for pedestrian and bicycle use in the early 1990s. The Stone Arch is famous for its graceful arches and breathtaking views overlooking the Saint Anthony Falls.
Museum of the Foshay Tower, the former tallest building in Minneapolis from 1929-1971. The art deco tower was modeled after the Washington Monument. Outdoor observation deck on the 31st floor offers spectacular views of Minneapolis landmarks.
This interactive museum, an arm of the Minnesota Historical Society, recounts Minneapolis' history as the flour milling capital of the world. The eight-story "Flour Tower" ride describes life in the mills, and leads to an observation deck atop the Washburn A Mill, formerly the world's largest flour mill.
One of the "big five" modern art museums in the United States, which underwent expansion in 2005.
This building was once the flagship store of Dayton's, a highly-renowned Minneapolis institution that was the dominant department store chain of Minnesota, and also had some presence in surrounding states. That all ended when it was rebranded as Marshall Field's in 2001; five years later the Marshall Field's brand would also become a thing of the past when the chain was bought by Macy's. The store floundered under Macy's ownership and was closed in March 2017. The building is vacant but is being redeveloped for offices and retail, and is expected to open in 2020.
Opened in 1914 as a pro-cathedral, Pope Pius XI lifted its rank to that of minor basilica in 1926, making it the first basilica in the United States. It serves as co-cathedral for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis along with the Cathedral of St. Paul.
Opened in 1921 as the Hennepin Theatre, a Beaux-Arts style building that was said to be the largest vaudeville house in the country at the time. It later became a movie house around the 1930s and 40s, and also started hosting live theater in the late 1950s. The theater was renovated in the early 1990s to host larger Broadway productions (a couple musicals debuted here before moving on to Broadway), and it also hosts the occasional concert.
This internationally renowned theater opened in 1963 and is known for its productions of both classical literature and new work from contemporary playwrights. In 2006, the theater moved into a new building along the Mississippi River near the old milling district. Designed by award-winning architect Jean Nouvel, this building houses three stages, and also acts as a public space, with restaurants, a cafe, and a 178-foot cantilevered bridge (the "Endless Bridge") looking out over the river.
The State opened in 1921 and was designed in an Italian Renaissance style. It mostly operated as a movie house, although the theater occasionally hosted vaudeville acts and live music. The theater closed in 1978, but was later renovated and reopened in 1991, and now hosts live theater and concerts.
Opened in 1916 as a vaudeville house run by theater magnate Alexander Pantages, later converted to a movie house. It was built as a Beaux-Arts, twelve-story complex, but it was later significantly reduced to two stories. It operated as the Mann Theater from 1961 until closing in 1984. A five-year restoration led to its reopening in 2002 under the original name, now hosting theatrical and occasional live music performances.
at Orchestra Hall
Minneapolis' symphony orchestra dating back to 1903. Puts on the annual Sommerfest every summer.
An improv and sketch comedy theater that has been around in various locations in Minneapolis since 1958; the theater had a long history in Uptown but moved to its present location in 2010.
Opened in 2010, this outdoor stadium is home to Major League Baseball's Minnesota Twins, who moved in after a 28-year-long stint at the since-demolished indoor Metrodome.
Home of the NBA Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA Minnesota Lynx basketball teams.
Home of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings; also hosts a few early-season Minnesota Golden Gophers (University of Minnesota) baseball games. Fixed-roof stadium built on the site of the Vikings' and Twins' former home of the Metrodome.
Ride a Segway as you enjoy the history of the Minneapolis Riverfront area from 10,000 BC to present. Tour goes for 5-7 miles on a beautiful historic route. The tour lasts around three hours and includes a stop for refreshments at the Mill City Museum.
Tour downtown Minneapolis in a horse-drawn carriage with the Hitching Company. Carriages accommodate up to four people.
Established in 1992 and known for its burgers and 32 on tap beers. 8th Street Grill serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night.
The only pizzeria in Minnesota using coal-burning ovens.
Chicago-style pizza, beer on tap, good hoagies.
Casual upscale dining with fresh seafood, lamb, bone-in pork tenderloin, baked chicken, country-style ribs, and many other great offerings.
Shawarma place.
Barrio has extra-cheap happy hour specials on its already-cheap small plates. You can get tacos for less than three bucks. And even during regular hours, Barrio's selection of small plates won't cost much more than $8.
Highly recommended. Chic establishment with French/fusion offerings.
Gluek's is a 4th-generation brewery and restaurant. The food and the beer are good, but it is the history of this restaurant that sets it apart. Gluek's has been brewing beer since 1857 and there has been a bar on this site since 1902, except during Prohibition. The building burned in 1989, but was repaired and reopened in 1990.
A chef-owned restaurant known for its damn good food. Awesome atmosphere and full bar.
Full bar, punk rock staff. You can get pizza by the slice or sit down and order a whole pie. It also offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM-2PM and a gluten-free menu.
Voted favorite steakhouse by Mpls.St.Paul magazine.
Murray's opened in 1946 and could be considered to be the best white tablecloth restaurant in Minneapolis, with prices to match. If on a budget, consider eating during lunch when you can enjoy the atmosphere without worrying about breaking the bank. Or go all out and get the 4-pound golden butter knife steak at over $100 and share it with the entire family.
Native American restaurant, almost exclusively using ingredients native to North America, like bison, wild rice, corn, sumac, and squash. No dairy, wheat, or other "colonial" ingredients. The menu rotates seasonally and includes a number of vegetarian and vegan options. Reserve well in advance as Owamni is popular and can book up weeks ahead of time.
Probably the oldest and most legendary club in town. Dance nights of various flavors (house, salsa, etc.) are hosted as are local and national bands and the occasional weird event such as pro-wrestling and the roller derby league. Housed in the former Minneapolis Greyhound station, the club is at the corner of 1st Avenue and 7th Street, and can be easily identified by its black exterior decorated with silver stars of all the noteworthy artists who've played there. First Avenue gained national notoriety in the mid-1980s as the club where Prince played out his rivalry with Morris Day and The Time in Purple Rain. The club is divided into two main parts. The Mainroom is where the dance nights are held and national touring acts perform. The Mainroom is regarded as one of the premier sites for live music in the country. Often compared to Chicago's Metro, or San Francisco's Filmore. it offers nightly drink specials and a limited kitchen. The 7th Street Entry is a smaller room off to the side where one is more likely to see local bands or lesser known national touring acts. Don't be put off by the small size. Hundreds of touring bands have graduated from the Entry to become major touring acts. Son Volt, Wilco, The Replacements and Jane's Addiction are among the list of bands that played first in the Entry before moving on to the Mainroom, much bigger venues and even arenas.
A smaller-sized music club on 1st Avenue, the Fine Line features national and local acts. The main level provides a close proximity to the acts, while the mezzanine offers meals and seating for a more expensive price.
Upscale jazz club.
A rather small-looking pub with a big inside, this is a good place to go for a pint. They have a nice variety of drinks on tap, from cider to stout to both ("Poor Man's Black Velvet"), and some authentic Irish food in case that isn't thick enough. The help can range from decent to good, and the regulars may even be rather welcoming as well. Fair prices, good beers, and even better food.
Jeans are allowed inside the club, but the following attire is not: No white tennis shoes, baseball hats, athletic apparel, badly ripped jeans, baggy clothing, or white t-shirts.
Upscale bar on the 27th floor of the Foshay Tower.
Historically a gay nightclub, these days the straight patrons often outnumber the gay patrons (sometimes to the chagrin of the latter). Six bars contained inside. Large dance floor with live DJ. Drag shows nightly.
This casual gay dive bar is also the oldest gay bar in town. Features pool, darts, an outdoor patio, and cheap beer.
On site restaurant. Indoor pool, spa, and sauna.
Within walking distance of Nicollet Mall and the convention center.
In the Mill District, across the street from the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum, Gold Medal Park, and the Stone Arch Bridge. Includes an on site bar, XYZ.
Indoor water park and seasonal ice skating rink in the historic Milwaukee Road train station.
A few blocks from the Minneapolis Convention Center, and one block from Nicollet Mall.
This boutique-style hotel built in a former bank (the old vault doubles as a wine cellar) offers classy and modern style all at once. Guest rooms are smaller but offer all the amenities of a luxury hotel. The lobby area is inviting with a beautiful lobby bar with free billiards, and a full service restaurant known as the Max.
Large, comfortable rooms and free, hot breakfast.
Rooms start at $189 per night, but discounts can be had. The Hyatt is also home to two high quality dining experiences: Oceanaire and Taxxi.
Luxury hotel and spa with rooms starting at $170 per night. Connected to the climate-controlled Skyway, letting guests walk to the Target Center, Convention Center and other buildings in any weather.
Built into the historic Farmers & Mechanics Bank in downtown Minneapolis. The wine cellar is built into the former bank's vault. Appropriately, the bar/restaurant is called BANK.
In the heart of downtown. Connected to 7 miles of skyway, connecting guest to attractions such as the Convention Center, Nicollet Mall, Orchestra Hall and the Guthrie Theatre regardless of weather.
Luxury hotel with modern art furnishings. Guests get free access to the Walker Art Center. The hotel also houses the Burnet Art Gallery.
Directly across the street from the Target Center, the hotel is connected by Skyway to the entire shopping and business district.
The Foshay
In the Historic Foshay Tower in the heart of downtown. Hotel includes an on-site bar, and famous Manny's Steakhouse. Just a block from Nicollet Mall.
Men's clothing store with in-house tailor. They have been in Downtown Minneapolis (in a couple different locations) since 1936 and started out in Saint Paul in 1916.
A shopping center divided between two adjacent buildings on Nicollet Mall. Gaviidae I and II house exclusive department stores, specialty retailers, and delicious restaurants. Below is a small selection of stores located in Gaviidae Common.
A floral and small gift store.
A brutalist monstrosity of a shopping center from the early 1980s. It went through rough times at the end of the 1990s and through the 2000s; only now are retailers trickling back in.
Bookseller offering antiquarian printed maps and used classical and jazz albums.
The flagship farmers market in Minneapolis, operated by the Central Minnesota Vegetables Growers Association. Most of the produce is locally grown, although there are some resellers with non-local produce in the mix as well; each vendor should have signage indicating whether their goods are local. The CMVGA also operates a market along Nicollet Mall on Thursdays during the market season.
Directly adjacent to the main farmers market (many people mistakenly think it's part of the main market), the Annex has many textile and pre-made food vendors mixed in with its produce vendors.
Pacifier offers a wide selection of hip and trendy baby gifts, nursery decor, clothing, wooden toys and baby gear. They also have a smaller location with limited hours at City Center.
By commuter rail
The Northstar Line runs from the northwest suburbs and terminates in Downtown Minneapolis at Target Field Station, which is also a transfer point to the light rail.
By bus
Numerous buses serve Downtown Minneapolis, far too many to name individually.
By car
Although most of the city's grid is along a strict north-south/east-west layout, the area near downtown on both sides of the river lies at an angle to the rest of the city's grid to better align with the river.
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