Overview
St. Paul, Minnesota s capital city, sits on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River just across from its flashier twin, Minneapolis. While Minneapolis gets more attention, St. Paul offers its own compelling experience — the stunning Cass Gilbert-designed State Capitol, the Cathedral of Saint Paul modeled after St. Peter s in Rome, Summit Avenue s five miles of Victorian mansions (the longest continuous stretch in America), and an increasingly vibrant food and craft beer scene along Grand and Selby Avenues. St. Paul is noticeably quieter and more affordable than Minneapolis while being connected by the Green Line light rail.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget travelers ($85/day): Stay in budget hotels or Airbnbs, eat at the city s diverse ethnic eateries and Grand Avenue diners, ride Metro Transit buses and the Green Line, and enjoy free attractions like the Capitol, Cathedral, Summit Avenue walking, and Mississippi River overlooks.
Mid-range travelers ($180/day): Book a downtown hotel, enjoy St. Paul s growing restaurant and brewery scene, visit the Science Museum of Minnesota and Minnesota History Center, and explore both St. Paul and Minneapolis via the light rail.
Luxury travelers ($400+/day): Stay at The Saint Paul Hotel overlooking Rice Park, dine at the city s best restaurants, attend performances at the Ordway Center, and explore the Twin Cities cultural scene with car and private tours.
Where to Save
The Minnesota State Capitol — one of the most beautiful state capitols in America, recently restored to pristine condition — is free to tour. The Cathedral of Saint Paul, modeled after St. Peter s Basilica, is free and magnificent. Walking Summit Avenue past F. Scott Fitzgerald s brownstone and dozens of grand Victorian homes costs nothing. Kellogg Mall Park and the Mississippi River overlooks are free. The Green Line light rail connects St. Paul to Minneapolis for easy, affordable access to both cities. Grand Avenue restaurants and cafes offer excellent meals at prices well below Minneapolis equivalents.
Where to Splurge
The Science Museum of Minnesota, dramatically perched on the Mississippi River bluffs, is one of the best science museums in the Midwest. A performance at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts rivals anything in Minneapolis. The St. Paul Winter Carnival (late January), the oldest winter festival in America, transforms the city into a celebration of ice and snow. Dinner at a standout Grand Avenue or Selby Avenue restaurant — the neighborhood dining scene is booming — showcases the city s culinary ambitions. A Mississippi River paddle-wheeler cruise from Harriet Island offers scenic views of both cities from the water.