Minneapolis Weekend Getaway: The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary for Couples

Looking to plan a weekend getaway in Minneapolis? I’m a Midwest gal myself and would rate Minneapolis as one of the top cities in the region. It’s the perfect option if you’re seeking a change of scenery, with plenty of great restaurants, arts, music, and outdoor recreational opportunities!

In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for accommodations, dining, and activities to make the most of your weekend getaway in Minneapolis. While tailored for couples, it’s also perfect for a girls’ trip or a solo adventure for some “me, myself, and I” time.

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Where to Stay

Editor’s Pick: Hewing Hotel

The Hewing Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the North Loop neighborhood. The refurbished historic building retains some of the original industrial elements such as exposed timber and brick, providing a cozy setting for couples. Highlight: There’s a rooftop bar and hot tub, offering some of the BEST views of Minneapolis.

The North Loop itself is a walkable neighborhood close to tons of restaurants, bars, breweries, and even Target Field for a baseball game.

Here are a few more of my favorite hotels in the city that just ooze romance:

• Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis (⭐️ 9.2/10)
• Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District (⭐️ 8.9/10)
• Nicollet Island Inn (⭐️ 8.6/10)

How To Get Around Minneapolis

Certain neighborhoods are definitely walkable in Minneapolis, but overall, I would recommend renting a car during your stay for the most cost-effective option. Psst: Check out Discover Cars to compare prices from the top car rental companies.

Tip: When parking in downtown Minneapolis, you’ll likely need to pay for a spot. To save yourself some time, download the MPLS Parking app beforehand so you only have to enter your credit card and vehicle information when you’re ready to park.

If you prefer to not rent a car during your weekend getaway, Minneapolis offers a light rail transit (runs 24/7) that connects downtown Minneapolis with the airport and popular landmarks like the Mall of America, Target Field, and Minnehaha Falls.

Ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are also plentiful in the city!

Minneapolis Weekend Getaway: 3-Day Itinerary

This 3-day itinerary offers a mix of historical sites, outdoor activities, and nightlife options. Without further ado, here’s how to spend a weekend getaway in Minneapolis.

Friday

Afternoon

Check-in: Arrive in Minneapolis and check in at your hotel. Check-in at the Hewing Hotel begins at 3 pm.*

*If you arrive in time for lunch, try out Kramarczuk’s deli which has served and represented Eastern European food in Minneapolis for over 60 years. You can select from homemade sausages or hearty sandwiches (SO GOOD), along with traditional dishes like cabbage rolls and pierogi.

Explore: Head north of the Mississippi River and enjoy a romantic stroll on the Stone Arch Bridge and/or St. Anthony Main (cobblestone-lined streets full of character). I recommend stopping at Aster Cafe along the way for a pre-dinner cocktail/mocktail.

Note: Unfortunately, the Stone Arch Bridge is set to close from April 2024 until the spring of 2026, but you can still walk a portion of the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail, a 1.8-mile loop that will provide a view of the bridge and other historical landmarks.

Evening

Dinner: Treat yourselves to a dinner at Owamni, a James Beard Award winner for the best new restaurant in 2022. The restaurant overlooks the Mississippi River and has become THE place to eat in Minneapolis. So, be sure to plan ahead and secure reservations in advance! Sioux chef, Sean Sherman, creates a menu with foods indigenous to North America (i.e., no dairy, flour, beef, pork, or refined sugar).

Alternative Dinner Spots: 112 Eatery or Spoon & Stable

Nightcap (optional)

Here are a few different options based on what you’re in the mood for.

• Watch a comedy show at Acme Comedy Co., just 1-mile from Owamni
• Enjoy a sweet dessert at Edwards Dessert Kitchen (closes at 10 pm), a 3-minute walk from Hewing Hotel
• Relax at the rooftop bar and hot tub at Hewing Hotel, open to registered guests of the hotel until midnight, 365 days a year (the last pool entry is at 11:30 pm)

Saturday

Morning

Breakfast: With a big day ahead, grab a quick breakfast at Rise Bagel Co. in the North Loop neighborhood (about a 5-minute walk from Hewing Hotel). Here, you’ll find a selection of organic bagels and excellent coffee.

Explore: Start your day by visiting the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. This urban park showcases pieces owned by the Walker Art Center, located right across the street. Be sure to snap a picture of the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, one of the most photographed sites in Minneapolis. There is also a cute “LOVE” statue that makes for the perfect backdrop for you and your special someone. P.S. It’s all free!

If the weather is nice, walk across the street to the Walker Art Museum and grab a drink at Cardamom café (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere 😉). Their outdoor covered patio offers a European vibe with a view of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Afternoon

Lunch: If you are like me, it’s allllll about the food when you are on vacation. So, for lunch, head over to Matt’s Bar & Grill for a staple of Minnesota cuisine — a Jucy Lucy. What makes a Jucy Lucy so delicious? The melty and gooey cheese in between two hamburger patties.

Matt’s Bar & Grill first invented this juicy burger in 1954 and has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Man Vs. Food and Food Wars, where it won the best-tasting “Jucy Lucy” in town. Note: Matt’s Bar only takes cash for payment.

Explore: Minneapolis is famously known as the “City of Lakes”, with over 20 lakes within its limits. So, a trip to Minneapolis wouldn’t be complete without visiting one. On a warm sunny day, drive 10 minutes west to Bde Maka Ska, sit on a bench and watch sailboats glide by. Or, rent a pedal boat for a leisurely ride on the lake.

If you are visiting during the winter, skip the lake and visit Ice Castles instead. This is a true winter wonderland with ice sculptures, caves, frozen waterfalls, and glaciers. You can even book the Arctic Alcove if you want a more private, secluded experience.

Evening

Dinner: Head to the North Loop neighborhood for dinner at Bar La Grassa (9-minute walk from Hewing Hotel), an Italian eatery that offers a cozy atmosphere with INCREDIBLE handmade pasta. Be sure to make reservations in advance!

Alternative Dinner Spots: Parlour or Young Joni

Nightcap (optional)

Here are a few different options based on what you’re in the mood for.

• Bunker’s Music Bar & Grill — a hole-in-the-wall bar with live music and dancing ($10+ cover charge – cash only); located across from Bar La Grassa
• Billy After Dark — cozy cocktail bar located in the basement of Billy Sushi
• Upstairs Circus — a hip new environment where you make DIY projects from leather working, jewelry making, woodworking, art, and more

Sunday

Morning

Check-out: If you’re staying at Hewing Hotel, check-out is anytime before noon. You can either leave before brunch or head to the restaurant and pack up later.

Brunch: Enjoy a French-inspired meal at Blondette, located on the 5th floor of the historic Rand Tower Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. This trendy new restaurant offers a chic ambiance and great views of the Minneapolis skyline with a retractable glass roof.

Note: Complimentary valet parking is available with dining validation (for up to two hours).

Afternoon

Explore: On your way to the airport (if flying), visit Minnehaha Falls. This 53-foot waterfall is easily accessible, requiring just a small hike to see it. It’s worth visiting not only in the summer but in the winter too when the falls are covered in snow and icicles.

Before you leave, enjoy one final treat at Sea Salt Eatery, located across from Minnehaha Falls. This seasonal spot (open April to October) serves delicious ice cream, and if you’re still hungry after brunch, they also offer seafood bites, beer, and wine.

Alternative activities to add to your Minneapolis weekend getaway

If you’ve already visited Minneapolis before and have completed some of the suggested activities in this itinerary, here are a few additional options to consider swapping in.

Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: Enjoy a guided, all-you-can-drink craft beer tour at three local breweries in Minneapolis, a city that is ranked one of the “best beer cities” in the U.S.

Paisley Park: This is for the die-hard fans of Minneapolis native, Prince! You can tour Prince’s home and production complex and get to see artifacts from his personal archives. Tickets are pricey, starting from $65, but worth it if you’re a big fan.

Couples Massage: Unwind at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel and treat yourselves to a couples’ massage. The “Just for Two” package includes champagne or non-alcoholic sparkling tea and sweet treats, 60-minute massages, and access to a soaking tub.

Go to a Sporting Event: Catch a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field or see The Minnesota Vikings in action at US Bank Stadium. The stadium is consistently ranked one of the best in the NFL. So grab your partner and shout a Skol chant or two!

Mall of America: I don’t usually recommend the Mall of America for out-of-town visitors unless there are stores inside that you can’t find where you’re from. It’s neat to walk around for a bit, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to spend time here.

When is the best time to visit Minneapolis?

The best time to visit Minneapolis is during the summer months, typically from June to August when the weather is warmest and there are a ton of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Minneapolis truly comes alive during the summer. Parks and recreational areas become popular spots for picnics, sports, and leisurely walks; lakes attract kayakers and paddleboarders enjoying the warm weather; and restaurants become busy with diners on the patio. The city is buzzing!

Winter temperatures oftentimes linger in the 20s so it can be a bit chilly for exploring. But, if you love activities such as ice fishing, exploring ice castles, and sledding, then you will have a grand ole’ time.

Average temperatures by month in Minneapolis:

Final Thoughts

I hope that this post gave you some ideas for planning your weekend getaway to this Midwest gem. So often, Minneapolis is deemed a “flyover destination”, but it is far from it. There’s a ton of history to uncover and explore, a huge craft beer scene, plenty of outdoor activities, and the best part — people are so friendly.

People in Minneapolis genuinely appreciate the opportunity to share their city with others and are eager to make visitors feel at home. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, you can expect to be greeted with open arms. Enjoy your trip!