Eylul Tunc 
I hope you’re ready for a journey to a colorful city in the USA’s midwest region, Minneapolis. Are you looking for historic museums, unique art galleries, theme parks, shopping centers, or nightlife? I have good news for you, Minneapolis has it all!
Located in Minnesota by the beautiful Mississippi River, this city and its “twin” St Paul form a metropolitan area where they share many of the same institutions such as schools and political buildings, so you get two great cities for the price of one!
Minneapolis not only offers scenic landscapes and lush green parks but also gives you a modern city vibe thanks to its high-rise buildings. In just a few minutes you can move from a historical site to a beautiful lake or an upscale restaurant in one of those cool skyscrapers I just mentioned. If you like this kind of vibrant city that is full of surprises, you will love Minneapolis!
In this blog post on where to stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota I will talk about the 5 best areas to stay in the city and give you the top hotels for all budgets. Before we start, I just want to remind you that in order to get better deals on hotels and secure your place, do not forget to make a reservation in advance. Many Minnesota hotels have a free cancelation policy, so don’t worry if you change your mind!
Shall we start our Minneapolis city tour?
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Minneapolis Downtown East – where to stay for the first time
- 2. Minneapolis Downtown West – best place to stay in Minneapolis, MN, for nightlife
- 3. The Warehouse District (North Loop) – the coolest neighborhood
- 4. St Louis Park – where to stay in Minneapolis for families
- 5. South Loop District – where to stay in Minneapolis for shopping
- Frequently asked questions about Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Conclusion
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are the best hotels where to stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota from luxury to budget. They all have very good reviews and great locations!
Here is a map about where to stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota with the 5 best areas I will be talking about in this travel guide so you can easily visualize them:
- Downtown East: for first-timers
- Downtown West: for nightlife
- Warehouse District: the coolest area
- St Louis Park: for families
- South Loop District: for shopping
1. Minneapolis Downtown East – where to stay for the first time
Set by the beautiful Mississippi River, Downtown Minneapolis is the heart of the city. Even though it is a business district, don’t expect to see just boring office buildings. Here you will find many nice historical museums, cultural attractions, shops, breweries, and nice restaurants. If you want to be close to the action in the city, my answer for where to stay in Minneapolis is definitely Downtown East!
Start discovering downtown with a stroll along the Mississippi River. Here you will see Mill Ruins Park.
INTERESTING FACT: The ruins that you will see in The Mill Ruins Park belong to the Washburn A Mill which was the largest water-powered facility in the world until it exploded in 1878. This accident helped to improve mill safety standards in the USA.
In Downtown East you will see so many nice theaters, music events, and lively bars and restaurants. Make sure to check out events in the city before your visit to catch all the action. In any case, I am sure you will not have time to be bored in downtown Minneapolis with all the awesome shops, art galleries, and local flavors to taste!
Of course what you’re really here for, Downtown East has some of the best accommodation options in the city and I picked the top 4 for you. Since it is a popular area to stay in Minneapolis, make sure to make your reservation in advance to not miss your favorite place.
At the heart of the city center, this 4-star hotel features a great breakfast, a gym, family-friendly modern rooms with upscale amenities, on-site parking, and free wifi. At night you can have a drink at the chic hotel bar with a nice atmosphere. I really liked the decoration of the fancy restaurant that offers gourmet food. If you feel like going out, all the major city attractions and restaurants are within walking distance.
Other options in Minneapolis Downtown East
This hotel has a perfect location in the city center and offers modern rooms, a gym, great breakfast, and free wifi
This hotel features modern rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a gym, fabulous breakfast, on-site parking, and free wifi
This centrally located Airbnb has spacious rooms with great amenities, a fireplace, a fully furnished kitchen, and free wifi
Things to do in Minneapolis Downtown East
- See the historic ruins of an old mill and the famous ‘Gold Medal Flour’ sign at the Mill Ruins Park
- Learn about the history at the Mill City Museum
- Catch a show at the Guthrie Theatre
- See the impressive sculptures at the Gold Medal Park
- Watch a football game at the famous US Bank Stadium
- Take a pint at Town Hall Brewery
- Go for a stroll across the Stone Arch Bridge and pay a visit to the University of Minnesota
2. Minneapolis Downtown West – best place to stay in Minneapolis, MN, for nightlife
Downtown Minneapolis west is located a mile (2 km) west of Downtown East and is the best place to stay in Minneapolis for nightlife. You will find numerous nightclubs, theatres, events venues like the Target Center and the Minneapolis Convention Center, trendy bars, and upscale restaurants here so make sure to wear your dancing shoes!
Apart from the lively nightlife, downtown west offers nice cultural attractions, museums, and great shops too. Get lost in the streets connected by skyways and dotted with skyscrapers, discover local cafes, and find the impressive Bob Dylan mural on South 5th Street. Sounds like a colorful neighborhood right?
In Downtown Minneapolis West I found out the best of the best hotels for all budgets but these hotels are selling too fast so you have to be quick to secure your place and get better deals on hotels. If you are looking for travel inspiration for another colorful city, check out the best places to stay in Kansas City.
Let’s have a look at the best accommodation options in Downtown Minneapolis West.
This 5-star hotel has a perfect location in downtown Minneapolis and offers modern rooms with unique city views. This luxury hotel features a very good breakfast, an excellent gym, on-site parking, and free wifi. After a tiring day, you can go to the luxurious hotel spa to relax in the sauna. You will also love the rooftop bar with a panoramic view where you can listen to DJ performances in a fun atmosphere. Plus, all your entertainment needs are covered with popular attractions such as Target center and Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis within walking distance.
Other options in Minneapolis Downtown West
This hotel has a great location near the Minneapolis Convention Center, modern rooms with quality amenities, good breakfast, and on-site parking
This centrally located Minneapolis hotel offers spacious rooms with modern amenities, a gym, on-site parking, and free wifi
Located Downtown, this Airbnb features free parking, comfortable rooms, a kitchen with great amenities, and free wifi
Things to do in Minneapolis Downtown West
- Check out the Bob Dylan mural on the South 5th Street
- Visit the Minneapolis Central Library and Minneapolis City Hall
- Catch a concert at the Minnesota Orchestra Hall
- Take a pint at Cowboy Jack’s Downtown Minneapolis
- Marvel contemporary artworks at Walker Art Center and see the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
- See an amazing performance at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis
- Listen to a DJ set and dance till the early hours of the morning at The Exchange & Alibi Lounge
- Catch an event at the Target Center or the Minneapolis Convention Center
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3. The Warehouse District (North Loop) – the coolest neighborhood
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The Warehouse District, also known as the North Loop, is situated by the Mississippi River and a mile north of Downtown East. If you are looking for a cool neighborhood with hipster cafes, trendy bars, designer boutiques, and street murals, my answer for where to stay in Minneapolis is definitely the Warehouse District!
If you are a person like me who likes to explore undiscovered parts of the city, local restaurants, and bohemian cafes you will have so much fun here as there are tons of places to be discovered from local restaurants to international cuisines (and plenty of spots your Instagram will love).
The Warehouse District is also a great neighborhood to hang out at night thanks to the numerous bars with live music and popular comedy clubs spread throughout the area.
By staying in the Warehouse District you will be both very close to main city attractions and will also have a chance to stay in a cool neighborhood making it the best of both worlds.
Here are the best places to stay in this trendy area:
Hewing Hotel is the best place to stay in Warehouse District that offers a boutique stay near the city center. You will love the rooftop lounge area where you can play pool and have a great selection of drinks. The spacious rooms have Scandinavian design and nice city views and you can enjoy the fully-equipped fitness center and large swimming pool.
Other options in The Warehouse District (North Loop), Minneapolis
This hotel is well connected to the main attractions and offers a swimming pool, a gym, and spacious rooms with modern amenities
AC Hotel Marriott has a great location in the Warehouse District and features a comfortable room, free wifi, and on-site parking
This Airbnb has a great location and offers a boutique stay near downtown with its contemporary room and free parking
Things to do in The Warehouse District (North Loop), Minneapolis
- Visit the James J. Fiorentino Foundation and Museum
- Have fun playing an escape game at Trapped Puzzle Rooms
- Listen to live music at the Fine Line Music Cafe
- Have a nice Italian meal at Red Rabbit Minneapolis
- Go for a stroll along the West River Parkway and check out the beautiful Mississippi River views
- See a show at the Acme Comedy Club
- Have a good coffee at Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea
4. St Louis Park – where to stay in Minneapolis for families
St Louis Park is located 8 miles (12 km) west of downtown Minneapolis and is a very nice neighborhood with lush green parks and beautiful lakes. It is my pick for where to stay in Minneapolis for families thanks to its chilled, safe environment as well as the family-friendly attractions and hotels.
In St Louis Park you will find kids’ playgrounds in almost every beautiful park and you can do activities such as cycling or kayaking on the stunning lakes. Doesn’t it sound like a good place to spend time with your families?
By staying in St Louis Park you will be away from the crowd of the city center but still have easy access to the many nice restaurants and shops. The hotels I picked here have spacious rooms where even the largest families can have a comfortable stay in and are some of the safest hotels in Minneapolis.
AC Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Minneapolis for families with its spacious rooms and restaurant with a kid’s friendly buffet. This beautiful hotel has an amazing fitness center where you can work out with city views. You will love the breakfast with a great selection of fresh products and at night you can have drinks at the hotel bar in a cozy atmosphere.
Other accommodation in St Louis Park, Minneapolis
This hotel has a very nice garden area, family-friendly rooms, kids buffet, free wifi, and a great breakfast
Ramada Wyndham Hotel offers a nice bar, family-friendly rooms, a gym, free parking, and a very good breakfast
Located near the metro station, this Airbnb is well connected to downtown and has family-friendly rooms for 4 people, a sauna, and a nice garden
Things to do in St Louis Park, Minneapolis
- Have a family meal at the Punch Bowl Social Minneapolis
- Go hiking and see scenic views at Westwood Hills
- Have fun at the water park, Oak Hill Park Splash Pad
- Go for a swim at Cedar Lake
- Take a trip to the beautiful the Eloise Butler Wildlife Garden
- Go for a walk at the Brownie Lake
5. South Loop District – where to stay in Minneapolis for shopping
South Loop District is located 10 miles (15 km) south of downtown Minneapolis and just 2 miles (3 km) away from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
Thanks to its proximity to the airport I recommend staying in this area if you have an early flight in the morning but more importantly, this is where to stay in Minneapolis for shopping as you will find the enormous shopping center, Mall of America here!
FUN FACT: When Mall of America was opened in 1992 it was the largest shopping mall in the western hemisphere and the 7th largest shopping mall in the world. Its ground area is equivalent to 78 football fields!
Shopping lovers will go crazy at the Mall of America with tons of nice shops to go “window shopping”. A word of advice, set yourself a time limit so you don’t spend your entire life’s savings here!
Even if you don’t feel like shopping you can still enjoy so many fun attractions such as theme parks, aquariums, and many nice cafes and restaurants. So make sure to wear your most comfortable shoes and allow enough time to discover this huge shopping complex!
In the South Loop District, you will also be able to find many nice accommodation options due to the popularity of the famous shopping mall and the closeness to Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport. Also by using the light rail line metro you can easily access downtown Minneapolis so what’s not to love?
This hotel is one of the best places to stay near Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport and the Mall of America. I love the large swimming pool with night lighting and fancy dining area where you can have gourmet foods. The rooms are very spacious and there is 24-hour room service, perfect for if you want to indulge yourself in a little “me time”.
Other accommodation in South Loop District, Minneapolis
This 4-star hotel has a swimming pool, free airport shuttle to Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport, family-friendly rooms, and a good breakfast
This hotel has a great location near the airport, an indoor swimming pool, a room with a nice city view and free wifi
Located near Mall of America this Airbnb offers a room with modern amenities, a fully furnished kitchen, and a boutique garden
Things to do in South Loop District, Minneapolis
- Shop until you drop at Mall of America
- Have fun at the theme park Nickelodeon Universe
- Discover the underwater world at SEA LIFE at Mall of America
- Take a day trip to the beautiful Minnehaha Falls
- Have a meal at Hazelwood Food and Drink
- Go for a stroll to Wright’s Lake Park
- Have a nice dinner and drink at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
| 👑 Luxury price: | $200 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | $160 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $120 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | $150 |
| 💰Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍Best Area: | Downtown Minneapolis East |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Canopy Hilton Minneapolis |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Aloft Minneapolis |
Frequently asked questions about Minneapolis, Minnesota
🤔 Is it safe to stay in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota?
Yes, Downtown Minneapolis is a safe place to stay in and you will find the major city attractions here. Some of the best hotels to stay in Downtown Minneapolis are Canopy Hilton Minneapolis and Loews Minneapolis Hotel.
✨ What are the nice areas of Minneapolis, Minnesota?
There are many nice areas to stay in Minneapolis, here are some great options for you:
● Downtown East – Canopy Hilton
● Downtown West – W Minneapolis
● Warehouse District (North Loop) – AC Hotel Marriott
● St Louis Park – JW Marriott
🗺️ What is the difference between Minneapolis and St Paul?
Minneapolis and St Paul are called twin cities and St Paul is the capital of Minnesota. In Minneapolis, you will see more high-end buildings and in St Paul, there are more government buildings so I would say that the architecture is different in twin cities.
🛎️ What are the best places to stay in Minneapolis Downtown?
Canopy Hilton Minneapolis and W Minneapolis are the best places to stay in Minneapolis Downtown.
🏢 Which hotel has the best view in Minneapolis, Minnesota?
Thanks to their high-end buildings Loews Minneapolis Hotel and W Minneapolis in Minneapolis Downtown has one of the best panoramic city views in Minneapolis.
❓ Is Minneapolis worth visiting?
Minneapolis, Minnesota is definitely worth visiting with its art scene, historic and cultural museums, and fun attractions. Some of the main attractions you should not miss in Minneapolis are:
● Mill City Museum
● Mall of America
● James J. Fiorentino Foundation and Museum
● Walker Art Center
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed reading this city tour as much as I did. In this blog post on where to stay in Minneapolis, I talked about the best hotels to stay from luxury to budget as well as Airbnbs in each area. I also gave you some information about the things you can do there so you could pick the perfect one for you!
As I’ve already mentioned, being close to all attractions, Minneapolis Downtown east and west are the best areas to be at the heart of the action, discover cultural sites and enjoy the nightlife. However, if you have fancied the vibe of another neighborhood I say go for it as you can easily travel between neighborhoods thanks to the light rail line metro.
I would like to remind you again that in order not to miss your favorite Minneapolis accommodation and get better deals on hotels, do not forget to make a reservation in advance!
For those who are having difficulty picking among the many hotel options, let me sum up. Here are the best 2 hotels in Minneapolis, Minnesota that have convenient locations as well as good reviews. I definitely recommend you to stay in one of these if you can’t decide between the awesome options in this list!
- Canopy Hilton Minneapolis – The best hotel in Minneapolis downtown with luxury rooms and upscale facilities
- Radisson Red Minneapolis – A great place to stay in Minneapolis downtown that has comfortable rooms and a convenient location
If you have any other suggestions or questions about Minneapolis, Minnesota, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below. I’ll be glad to leave a reply to them!
Enjoy your time in Minneapolis,
Eylul
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This is very interesting and helpful, just booked myself a nice hotel!
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Outstanding work!