bigtravelbuzzSaint Paul is the capital city of the state of Minnesota, located in the eastern part of the state along the banks of the Mississippi River. Here are some things to do in Saint Paul:
Visit the Minnesota State Capitol: The Minnesota State Capitol is a beautiful building that houses the state’s legislative and executive branches. Visitors can take tours and learn about the state’s history and government.
Explore the Science Museum of Minnesota: The Science Museum of Minnesota is a hands-on museum that features exhibits on science and technology, as well as a planetarium and Omnitheater.
Check out the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a free zoo and botanical garden that features a variety of animals and plants, including polar bears, gorillas, and bonsai trees.
Wander through the Saint Paul Farmers’ Market: The Saint Paul Farmers’ Market is open year-round and features local produce, baked goods, and other items from vendors.
Take a stroll along Summit Avenue: Summit Avenue is a historic street in Saint Paul that features beautiful mansions and architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul: The Cathedral of Saint Paul is a stunning church that features intricate architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows.
Enjoy a show at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is a theater that features Broadway shows, musical performances, and other events.
Explore the Mississippi River: The Mississippi River runs through Saint Paul, and visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on the river, as well as biking or walking along the riverfront trails.
Places to Visit in Saint Paul
There are many great places to visit in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Here are some suggestions:
Minnesota State Capitol: The Minnesota State Capitol is an impressive building with stunning architecture and offers guided tours for visitors to learn about the history of Minnesota’s government.
Science Museum of Minnesota: This hands-on museum is perfect for families and offers interactive exhibits on science and technology. Visitors can also enjoy the planetarium and Omnitheater.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: This free zoo and botanical garden features a wide variety of animals and plants, including gorillas, polar bears, and bonsai trees.
Summit Avenue: This historic street features beautiful mansions and architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Cathedral of Saint Paul: This stunning church features intricate architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows.
Landmark Center: This historic building was originally built as a courthouse in 1902 and now serves as a cultural center with art exhibits, concerts, and events.
The Mississippi River: The Mississippi River runs through Saint Paul, and visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on the river, as well as biking or walking along the riverfront trails.
Minnesota History Center: This museum offers interactive exhibits on Minnesota’s history and culture, including exhibits on Native American history and immigration.
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts: This theater hosts Broadway shows, musical performances, and other events throughout the year.
Mears Park: This park features a beautiful fountain, outdoor concerts in the summer, and a farmer’s market on Saturdays.
Best Time To Visit Saint Paul
The best time to visit Saint Paul, Minnesota, depends on personal preferences and interests. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. Here are some factors to consider:
Summer (June-August): This is the peak tourist season in Saint Paul. The weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. Many outdoor festivals and events take place during this time, such as the Minnesota State Fair and the Saint Paul Jazz Festival.
Fall (September-November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Saint Paul, with the leaves changing color and cooler temperatures. The weather can be unpredictable, with warm days and chilly nights. This is a great time to visit the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory to see the fall foliage.
Winter (December-February): Winters in Saint Paul can be harsh, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, the city does offer many winter activities such as ice skating, skiing, and snowshoeing. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a 10-day festival featuring ice sculptures, parades, and other winter-themed activities, takes place in late January.
Spring (March-May): Spring can be a great time to visit Saint Paul as the weather begins to warm up, and the city’s parks and gardens start to come to life. Visitors can enjoy events such as the Minnesota State High School League boys’ basketball tournament and the Saint Paul Art Crawl.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Saint Paul depends on what activities you are interested in and what kind of weather you prefer.
Things to Do in Saint Paul
Saint Paul is the capital city of Minnesota and offers a range of activities for visitors. Here are some things to do in Saint Paul:
Visit the Minnesota State Capitol: The capitol building is a beautiful architectural landmark and offers free tours.
Explore the Science Museum of Minnesota: This museum has a variety of interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory: The zoo has a range of animals, while the conservatory features a beautiful collection of plants.
Stroll along the Mississippi River: The riverfront in Saint Paul has miles of walking and biking paths, with beautiful views of the river.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul: This stunning cathedral is a must-see attraction for its beautiful architecture and history.
Take a tour of the James J. Hill House: This historic mansion offers guided tours to visitors and gives a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy in the early 1900s.
Shop and dine at Grand Avenue: This shopping and dining district has a range of independent shops and restaurants.
Catch a show at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts: This performing arts center hosts a range of shows, including theater, dance, and music.
Visit the Minnesota History Center: This museum showcases the state’s history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations.
Explore the Summit Avenue Historic District: This area features beautiful Victorian homes and mansions, and offers walking tours to visitors.
How to get around in Saint Paul
There are several options for getting around Saint Paul:
Public Transit: Saint Paul has a bus and light rail system operated by Metro Transit. The light rail system, known as the Green Line, connects downtown Saint Paul to downtown Minneapolis.
Ride-Sharing Services: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in Saint Paul and are a convenient option for getting around the city.
Bike Rentals: Saint Paul has a bike-sharing program called Nice Ride Minnesota, which allows visitors to rent bicycles for a fee. There are also several bike rental shops in the city.
Walking: Many of Saint Paul’s attractions are located close to each other, making walking a viable option.
Car Rental: Car rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget have locations in Saint Paul for those who prefer to drive themselves.
Taxis: Taxis are available in Saint Paul, and visitors can hail them on the street or use a taxi app to request a ride.
It’s important to note that Saint Paul is a relatively easy city to navigate, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Where to eat in Saint Paul
Saint Paul has a variety of restaurants offering diverse cuisines. Here are some recommendations for places to eat in Saint Paul:
The Lexington: This iconic restaurant offers classic American cuisine and has been a Saint Paul staple since 1935.
Revival: Known for its delicious southern-style fried chicken and comfort food, Revival is a must-visit for foodies.
Handsome Hog: This modern restaurant serves elevated southern cuisine, including smoked meats and craft cocktails.
Pazzaluna: This Italian restaurant offers classic dishes like pasta and pizza, as well as seafood and steaks.
Tongue in Cheek: This trendy restaurant offers seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on sustainability.
Meritage: This French-inspired restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes and has an extensive wine list.
Moscow on the Hill: This Russian restaurant offers authentic dishes like borscht, pierogies, and blinis, as well as an extensive selection of vodka.
Gray Duck Tavern: This casual American restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including burgers, salads, and sandwiches, as well as craft cocktails and beer.
El Burrito Mercado: This Mexican restaurant and market offers authentic Mexican cuisine and a variety of groceries and products from Latin America.
French Hen Café: This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast and brunch dishes, including omelets, waffles, and pastries.
These are just a few of the many great restaurants in Saint Paul. Whether you’re looking for classic American cuisine or international flavors, you’re sure to find something delicious in Saint Paul.
Famous street stalls in Saint Paul
Saint Paul is not known for its street food scene like some other cities, but there are still some notable street stalls and food trucks worth checking out. Here are some famous street stalls in Saint Paul:
MidNord Empanadas: This food truck serves up delicious empanadas with unique flavors like Swedish Meatball and Cuban Pork.
Fro Yo Soul: This food truck offers frozen yogurt with a variety of toppings and flavors, as well as smoothies and coffee drinks.
A Cupcake Social: This food truck specializes in gourmet cupcakes with unique flavors like Honey Lavender and Salted Caramel.
The Anchor Fish & Chips: This food truck offers classic British-style fish and chips, as well as other seafood dishes.
Moral Omnivore: This food truck serves up sustainable, locally sourced cuisine with a focus on meat dishes like burgers and tacos.
Pimento Jamaican Kitchen: This food truck offers authentic Jamaican cuisine like jerk chicken, curried goat, and plantains.
World Street Kitchen: This food truck offers global street food with dishes like Korean BBQ and Moroccan Fried Chicken.
El Taco Riendo: This food truck serves up authentic Mexican cuisine, including tacos, burritos, and tortas.
Gastrotruck: This food truck offers a variety of gourmet sandwiches and sides, using locally sourced ingredients.
Cafe Racer: This food truck serves up Latin American cuisine with a focus on Cuban-style sandwiches and coffee drinks.
These street stalls and food trucks often move around the city, so it’s best to check their websites or social media pages to find out where they’ll be located.
Where to stay in Saint Paul
Luxury accommodation
Saint Paul offers a range of luxury accommodations, including historic hotels, modern boutiques, and upscale resorts. Here are some of the top luxury accommodations in Saint Paul:
The Saint Paul Hotel: This historic hotel is located in downtown Saint Paul and offers elegant rooms and suites, as well as a fitness center, spa, and on-site restaurant.
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront: This modern hotel is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and offers luxurious rooms and suites with river views, as well as a fitness center, indoor pool, and on-site restaurant.
The Covington Inn Bed & Breakfast: This unique bed and breakfast is located on a restored riverboat and offers luxurious accommodations with river views, as well as a rooftop hot tub and a gourmet breakfast.
The Hotel Landing: This boutique hotel is located in the charming town of Wayzata, just a short drive from Saint Paul, and offers luxurious rooms and suites with lake views, as well as a fitness center, spa, and on-site restaurant.
The Hewing Hotel: This boutique hotel is located in the trendy North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, just a short drive from Saint Paul, and offers stylish rooms and suites with exposed brick and timber, as well as a rooftop bar, fitness center, and spa.
The Hyatt Regency Minneapolis: This modern hotel is located in downtown Minneapolis, just a short drive from Saint Paul, and offers luxurious rooms and suites with city views, as well as a fitness center, indoor pool, and on-site restaurant.
These luxury accommodations offer a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay in Saint Paul.
Where to stay in Saint Paul
Budget accommodation
Saint Paul offers a variety of budget accommodations, including affordable hotels, motels, and hostels. Here are some of the top budget accommodations in Saint Paul:
Motel 6 St Paul I-94: This affordable motel is located near the State Fairgrounds and offers simple rooms with basic amenities.
Best Western Plus Capitol Ridge: This budget hotel is located in downtown Saint Paul and offers comfortable rooms and suites with free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
The Saint Paul Hostel: This hostel is located in a historic mansion in the Summit Hill neighborhood and offers shared dorm rooms and private rooms with access to a communal kitchen and living areas.
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Paul Downtown: This budget hotel is located in downtown Saint Paul and offers comfortable rooms and suites with free breakfast and Wi-Fi, as well as a fitness center and indoor pool.
Days Inn by Wyndham St. Paul-Minneapolis-Midway: This budget hotel is located near the Midway area of Saint Paul and offers simple rooms with basic amenities and free breakfast.
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Paul Downtown: This all-suite hotel is located in downtown Saint Paul and offers spacious suites with separate living areas, as well as free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
These budget accommodations offer affordable options for travelers who want to explore Saint Paul without breaking the bank.
Travel Tips Saint Paul
Here are some travel tips for visiting Saint Paul:
Check the weather before you go: Saint Paul experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Make sure to pack accordingly and check the weather forecast before your trip.
Get a Metro Transit Pass: Saint Paul has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and light rail. Purchase a Metro Transit Pass to save money on transportation and easily navigate the city.
Explore the neighborhoods: Saint Paul is a diverse city with unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and attractions. Take time to explore different areas, such as Lowertown, Summit Hill, and Grand Avenue.
Visit the museums: Saint Paul has several excellent museums, including the Minnesota History Center, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Children’s Museum. Plan to spend some time learning about the city’s history and culture.
Enjoy the outdoors: Saint Paul has many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy, including Como Park and Zoo, the Mississippi Riverfront, and the Indian Mounds Regional Park. Bring comfortable shoes and plan to spend some time outside.
Try the local cuisine: Saint Paul has a vibrant food scene, with many excellent restaurants and cafes serving up local and international cuisine. Don’t miss out on trying some of the city’s specialties, such as Juicy Lucy burgers, wild rice soup, and Scandinavian pastries.
Be respectful of the locals: Saint Paul is a friendly and welcoming city, but it’s important to be respectful of the locals and their customs. Keep in mind that the city has a strong community spirit, so make an effort to interact with the locals and learn about their culture.