Twin Cities 101
By Heather Wood, Twin Cities Editor
Split by the mighty Mississippi, fast-paced Minneapolis and laid-back St. Paul blend culture, nightlife and lots of green space, making Twin Cities a national hot spot.
-
Basil's Restaurant
710 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Casual hotel eatery with large glass windows offers tourists and office workers a view and above-average American cuisine. -
Jax Cafe
1928 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN
This neighborhood institution has been offering a popular brunch, remarkable steaks and a romantic patio since 1933. -
Nicollet Island Inn Restaurant
95 Merriam St, Minneapolis, MN
Romantic and serene, this historic restaurant captivates with its cozy atmosphere, Mississippi River view and creative heartland cuisine. -
Tavern on Grand
656 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN
Once you've been here for walleye, you'll soon be casting for more.
-
Martini Blu
615 Second Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
With sushi and martinis, this trendy nightspot in the Grand Hotel elevates the Minneapolis scene to a new level. -
Infinity Room
601 First Ave N, Minneapolis, MN
This sleek hotel lounge has all the glitz and glam of a hip-hop video. -
First Avenue & 7th Street Entry
701 First Ave N, Minneapolis, MN
Prince made it famous in "Purple Rain," but the diverse calendar is what this club is known for. -
O'Donovan's Irish Pub
700 First Ave N, Minneapolis, MN
Right across from Target Center and First Avenue nightclub is a friendly bit of Gaelic charm. -
CC Club
2600 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Unassuming, comfortable and unpretentiously hip neighborhood favorite.
-
Saint Paul Hotel
350 Market St, St. Paul, MN
A 1910 landmark in the Rice Park District that stands for luxury. -
Sofitel - Minneapolis
5601 W 78th St, Bloomington, MN
Comfy, elegant accommodations with great suburban access. -
Marquette Hotel
710 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Elegant hotel near Crystal Court in downtown appeals to business travelers and tourists. -
Grand Hotel Minneapolis
615 Second Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Elegant boutique hotel that's one of the swankiest overnight options in downtown Minneapolis. -
Nicollet Island Inn
95 Merriam St, Minneapolis, MN
This restful hotel offers romantic getaways and an alternative for business travelers on the Mississippi River.
-
Juut SalonSpa
2945 S Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Trendy Uptown Aveda day spa is known for its massages, hairstyles, waxing and exfoliating. -
The Refinery
321 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN
This little spa's low profile and low prices make its high-quality services a sweet surprise. -
reVamp! salonspa
2910 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Celebrity-watchers know that this salon has been featured on "Oprah" as the go-to place for Twin Cities makeovers. -
Details Salon Spa
757 Cleveland Ave S, St. Paul, MN
Get a Brazilian bikini wax or a custom facial at this sleek and edgy spa. -
The Spa at the Marsh
15000 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN
Achieve inner peace (and outer beauty) in a bucolic setting at this getaway spa.
-
Mall of America
8100 24th Ave S, Bloomington, MN
Bloomington's shopping extravaganza draws locals ready to devote a day to it and tourists who come just for it. -
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 Kellogg Blvd W, St. Paul, MN
Dazzling riverfront digs house an omnitheater, exhibits and a hands-on museum. -
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Constitution Ave, St Paul, MN
Not just another pretty face, the stunning Capitol houses plenty of activity. -
Chain of Lakes
W Calhoun Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis' best-known lakes boast the Twin Cities' best human scenery. -
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Ave, Minneapolis, MN
An impressive collection of art, from antiquity to the present, is housed in this splendid, sprawling building.

