Although these two cities are "twins", the culture/speed/feel of them could not be more different.  Minneapolis is a bustling metropolis with high urban density, great public transportation, tons of museums and site-seeing opportunities, and a big night-life.  Saint Paul, on the other hand, is sleepier.  Most businesses are neighborhood centric, and the night-life consists of British-style pubs and sports bars.  The dress is casual and there's always a fun hang-out just around the corner (yes, where everyone knows your name).  Both cities are great, but just for different things!

If you're curious about things to do, some of which are not listed here, in MINNEAPOLIS, click here.

If you are into architecture at all, you should not miss out on the opportunity to see these buildings in person, each of which could be classified as works of art in and of themselves:

1. The Guthrie Theater on the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis- the ONLY building in the United States designed by Jean Nouvel.
2. The Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota campus- designed by Frank Gehry.
3. The Walker Arts Center in downtown Minneapolis.- designed by Herzog + de Meuren
4. The Children's Theater at the Minneapolis Institute of Art- designed by Michael Graves
5. The Minneapolis Public Library (pictured at left) in downtown Minneapolis- designed by Cesar Pelli

A world-class theatre, complete with world-class food, and world-class architecture to boot-- what more could you ask for?  All in all, if you feel like classing up your trip here to the Twin Cities, catch a matinee on Sunday before you head out of town. If nothing else, you should NOT miss this Minneapolis landmark, both inside and out.  You can cure your hang-over from the wedding with happy hour at the Target Lounge or top-off your epic bike tour of the metro area lakes (as suggested above) with an ultra-lux sustainable-seafood focused meal at Sea Change, which is one of the only Michelin Star rated restaurants in the Twin Cities!

This world-class art museum holds some of Modern Art's most famous pieces.  Listed as one of the nation's "big five" museums for modern art along with the MOMA, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, and the Hirshorn, this museum will make even the snootiest art snob stop and look.  Not only is the collection astounding, though, the architecture is also some of the best in the area.  Originally opened in 1927, the Walker itself became a work of art when it underwent significant renovation and redesign by the architects Herzog & de Meuron in 2005.  Don't miss the opportunity to see this masterpiece!

Ok, not gonna lie, although the Walker is "world-class" and "blah-blah-blah", Kelsey still likes the MIA much better. A) It's FREE. B) They have some pretty f--ing AMAZING works, especially for being a relatively young museum. And  C) They have a much larger percentage of their permanent collection on display at any given time.  In essence, this is Kelsey's favorite art museum in the Twin Cities, by far, but we felt the need to give you the rest, just in case you really wanted to get your art on while you're here.  From housing what is regarded as the best Doriphorous in the world to housing the largest Chihuly ever created, the MIA is certainly an often overlooked example of the high caliber of art and culture the Twin Cities has to offer!

Fun for all ages in the heart of downtown Saint Paul. Tons of Natural History, science, interactive exhibits, and the ever-popular IMAX Theater. :)

Lake Calhoun is a GREAT place to spend a sunny summer day.  There is a 3.2 mile bike, rollerblade, and jogging path around the perimeter, as well as sandy beaches for sun bathing and playscapes for the kids.  You can rent kayaks and paddle out to the center, or simply enjoy the view of the magnificent skyline from the shore.  Either way, this is the PERFECT place for a brisk morning run, an afternoon swim, or a quick picnic stop on your bike tour of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway.

Lake Calhoun
close to Uptown Minneapolis (not accessible by light rail)

You're in Twins Territory!

Go see a game at the newest, latest, greatest field in the US! Yes. That's right. We said it. The Yankees can eat it with their silly "new" stadium. Ours can kick their butt all the way to the World Series (even though our team apparently can't)!!! Our stadium is so much better. :) By this time, the inaugural season hype will have subsided, and it should be easier to get tickets.  The Target Field is truly an experience not to be missed!

If you are considering a trip to the Mall of America, and vintage/second-hand stores are not your thing, Nicollet Mall is the place for you.  (If they are, though, check out the Uptown area...)  This "mall" is less a mall and more an open-air downtown shopping district.  All the stores are on Nicollet Ave (including the largest Target store in the US), and you can walk along, browsing from store to store, stopping for a bite to eat at one of the numerous cafes along the way... If you want to do an afternoon of shopping while you're here, skip the Mall of America, and head straight to Nicollet Mall!

Nicollet Mall
Downtown Minneapolis (stop right on the light rail)

That's right folks, all those things exist under one roof!  Bowling here is old school, with no computerized score keeping, and all original equipment. Their staff is as funky and colorful as their decor, and their food does not disappoint.  Featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, this place is great for a truly Mid-Western afternoon of fun. Bryant Lake Bowl is definitely a Minneapolis landmark that should not be missed!  (Seriously. We know we've said that at the end of practically every description, but it's so true- every time!)

Bryant-Lake Bowl
Uptown Minneapolis on the corner of Bryant and Lake (not accessible by light rail)

With multiple lounge spaces and an Art Nouveau "Le Chat Noir"-type vibe, this is a great place to relax, check out some live music or even curl up with a good book and a dirty martini.

The Kitty Cat Klub
In dinkytown, right by the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus.
Cover: Usually some type of cover (between $5 and $7) after 10pm on weekends or on nights when there's a band playing.
Price range: between $7 and $15 for a cocktail and $5 - $8 for a beer or glass of wine