Saint Paul, Minnesota Travel Guide

Discover Saint Paul, Minnesota's capital city, where history, culture, and modern charm converge along the banks of the Mississippi River.

Saint Paul, the capital city of Minnesota, is a treasure trove of history and culture. Nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, this city offers a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. From its grand architecture to its bustling neighborhoods, Saint Paul invites you to explore its many layers. The city is home to a range of attractions that cater to all interests. History buffs will appreciate the grandiose State Capitol building and the historic Cathedral of Saint Paul. Art enthusiasts can savor the exhibits at the Minnesota Museum of American Art and the Science Museum of Minnesota. For families, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory provide a fun and educational outing. Saint Paul also boasts a thriving food scene, with an array of restaurants serving everything from traditional Midwestern fare to international cuisine. The city's numerous parks and green spaces, such as Harriet Island and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, offer perfect spots for relaxation and outdoor activities. Whether you're strolling down Summit Avenue, shopping at local boutiques, or enjoying a live performance at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Saint Paul promises an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Saint Paul.

Visit the State Capitol building for free guided tours and a stunning view of the city from the dome.
Check out the local events calendar for festivals, concerts, and cultural events happening during your stay.
Use the Skyway system to navigate downtown Saint Paul during cold or rainy weather.
Stop by the Saint Paul Farmers' Market for fresh produce and local crafts, especially on weekends.
Take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River for a unique perspective of the city.
Summit Avenue is a must-see for its historic mansions and beautiful architecture.
Don't miss the chance to sample local craft beers at one of Saint Paul's many breweries.

Neighbourhoods in Saint Paul

Downtown St. Paul

Lowertown

Cathedral Hill

West Seventh

Summit-University

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Saint Paul

Explore Saint Paul: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Saint Paul

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

U.S. Bank Stadium

Discover the architectural wonder of U.S. Bank Stadium, home to thrilling sports and unforgettable concerts in the heart of Minneapolis.

4.7

Target Field

Discover the excitement of Major League Baseball at Target Field, an architectural marvel and the home of the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis.

4.7

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Explore Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: a captivating blend of wildlife exhibits and stunning gardens in the heart of St. Paul, Minnesota.

4.6

Como Regional Park

Explore Como Regional Park, a beautiful urban oasis in St. Paul, offering gardens, lakes, and family-friendly attractions in a serene environment.

4.7

Best landmarks in Saint Paul

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

CHS Field

Discover the excitement of CHS Field, a premier baseball stadium in St. Paul, where unforgettable moments and local flavors come together.

4.8

Cathedral of Saint Paul

Discover the stunning Cathedral of Saint Paul, an architectural masterpiece and spiritual sanctuary in the heart of Minnesota, inviting all for exploration and reflection.

4.8

Stone Arch Bridge

Discover the beauty and history of the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis, a pedestrian paradise bridging nature and urban charm.

4.8

Minnesota History Center

Discover the rich heritage of Minnesota at the Minnesota History Center, where engaging exhibits bring the state's past to life.

4.8

Best restaurants in Saint Paul

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Cossetta

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Cossetta in St. Paul – a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking delicious meals and delightful pastries.

4.6

Red Cow St. Paul

Experience the vibrant flavors of American cuisine at Red Cow St. Paul - where gourmet burgers meet local charm.

4.6

The Gnome Craft Pub

Experience St. Paul's vibrant culinary scene at The Gnome Craft Pub with its unique dishes and extensive craft beer selection.

4.4

Moscow on the Hill

Discover authentic Russian cuisine in St. Paul at Moscow on the Hill—a blend of tradition and modernity awaits you.

4.7

Best bars in Saint Paul

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

The Gnome Craft Pub

Discover the charm of The Gnome Craft Pub, a cozy spot in Cathedral Hill for craft beer lovers and food enthusiasts in St. Paul.

4.4

Brunson's Pub

Discover Brunson's Pub in St. Paul, where gourmet comfort food meets a vibrant atmosphere and local craft brews.

4.7

Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub

Discover the ultimate sports bar experience at Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub, where American cuisine and hockey passion come together in St. Paul.

4.4

Dark Horse Bar & Eatery

Experience the best of American cuisine and vibrant nightlife at Dark Horse Bar & Eatery in Downtown St. Paul, a must-visit for all food lovers.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Saint Paul

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Turf Club

Discover the lively Turf Club, a premier bar and live music venue in St. Paul, Minnesota, offering great food, drinks, and unforgettable entertainment.

4.6

Tiffany Sports Lounge

Experience the thrill of sports with delicious American cuisine at Tiffany Sports Lounge in Highland Park, St. Paul, a must-visit for families and fans.

4.2

Black Hart of Saint Paul

Discover Black Hart of Saint Paul, a vibrant gay sports bar offering delicious drinks, lively events, and an inclusive atmosphere in the heart of Minnesota.

4.6

Camp Bar and Cabaret

Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Camp Bar and Cabaret, where cocktails, comedy, and cabaret performances come together for an unforgettable night out in St. Paul.

4.2

Best shops in Saint Paul

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Mall of America®

Discover an unparalleled shopping and entertainment experience at Mall of America®, featuring over 500 stores, thrilling attractions, and diverse dining options.

4.6

Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center

Discover the essence of Minneapolis at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center, your gateway to local attractions, dining, and shopping.

4.0

Keg and Case Market

Discover the flavors of St. Paul at Keg and Case Market, a bustling marketplace filled with local vendors and culinary delights.

4.5

Original Candyland store

Explore the delightful Original Candyland Store in St. Paul, where a rainbow of popcorn flavors and nostalgic sweets await every traveler.

4.8

Explore Saint Paul on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Saint Paul, mapped for you.

Saint Paul Essentials

Saint Paul is served by Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), which is located approximately 10 miles from downtown Saint Paul. The airport is well-connected with major cities across the United States and internationally. From the airport, you can reach Saint Paul by car, taxi, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, or public transit via the Metro Transit Light Rail Blue Line and Green Line.
Saint Paul offers a variety of transportation options. Metro Transit provides extensive bus and light rail services that connect different parts of the city and the Twin Cities metro area. Taxis and rideshare services are widely available. Biking is also popular, with many dedicated bike lanes and trails. Car rentals are available but downtown parking can be expensive and limited.
The official currency in Saint Paul is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including shops, restaurants, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are also commonly accepted.
Saint Paul is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's always important to exercise caution. Areas such as the Frogtown and Dayton's Bluff neighborhoods have higher crime rates and should be approached with caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit and populated areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Saint Paul has several hospitals, including Regions Hospital and United Hospital, which offer emergency services. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as weather can be unpredictable. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and places of worship. Remove hats and stay quiet in sacred spaces. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer seats to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transit. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Minnesotans are known for their 'Minnesota Nice' politeness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods like Juicy Lucy burgers and walleye. Don’t forget to tip your servers, typically 15-20%.
To experience Saint Paul like a local, visit the Saint Paul Farmer’s Market for fresh produce and local goods. Explore the historic Summit Avenue, home to some of the city's most beautiful mansions. Check out the local breweries and coffee shops in Lowertown. Attend a Minnesota Wild game at the Xcel Energy Center for a quintessential local experience.

When is the best time to visit Saint Paul?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Saint Paul

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Saint Paul. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey there
  [Hey thair]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [See yah]
- YesYeah
  [Yea]
- NoNah
  [Nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [Pleez/No problm]
- Thank youThanks a lot
  [Thanks uh lot]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [Pardn mee/My bad]
- How are you?How's it going?
  [Hows it goin?]
- Fine. And you?Doing good. You?
  [Doing good. You?]
- Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [You speak Inglish?]
- I don't understandI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check the menu?
  [Can I chek the menu?]
- I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian
  [I'm vegetarian]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseCheck, please
  [Check, please]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [Get lost!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [Call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [Get a doctor!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [Just browsin]
- How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [How much duz it cost?]
- That's too expensiveThat's too pricey
  [That's too pricey]
- Can you lower the price?Can you give me a discount?
  [Can you give me a discount?]
- What time is it?What's the time?
  [Whats the time?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [It's one]
- Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [Ten thirty]
- MorningMorning
  [Morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [Evening]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
- 1One
  [Wun]
- 2Two
  [Too]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Ate]
- 9Nine
  [Nin]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Wheres the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [Whats the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Can you show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [Whens the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of Saint Paul

Saint Paul, originally called Pig's Eye, was founded in 1838 by Pierre Parrant, a French-Canadian fur trader. The settlement, which was named after Parrant's popular tavern 'Pig's Eye', quickly became a trading post and a destination for settlers. It was renamed Saint Paul in 1841 by Father Lucien Galtier, a Catholic priest, to honor the Apostle Paul and to provide a more respectable name for the growing community.
In 1849, Saint Paul was designated as the capital of the Minnesota Territory. The city's strategic location along the Mississippi River made it a crucial hub for trade and transportation. By the time Minnesota achieved statehood in 1858, Saint Paul had firmly established itself as the political and economic center of the region.
One of the most significant events in Saint Paul's early history was the Great Fire of 1857, which destroyed much of the city's downtown area. Despite the devastation, the city quickly rebuilt, and the fire spurred efforts to improve firefighting infrastructure and urban planning.
The late 19th century saw a boom in growth for Saint Paul with the arrival of the railroads. The city became a major transportation hub, connecting the Midwest to the rest of the country. Railroads like the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill, played a crucial role in the city's economic development.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Saint Paul experienced a cultural renaissance. The city became known for its vibrant arts scene, with institutions like the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and the Minnesota Opera contributing to its reputation as a cultural hub.
The 1920s and 1930s were marked by the presence of notorious gangsters in Saint Paul. The city became a haven for criminals like John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson, thanks to a corrupt 'O'Connor System' that allowed gangsters to stay in the city as long as they committed no crimes within its limits. This era left a lasting mark on Saint Paul's history and is still a subject of fascination today.
Post-World War II Saint Paul saw significant urban renewal projects that reshaped the cityscape. The construction of the Interstate Highway System and the development of new residential and commercial areas transformed the city. Efforts to preserve historic districts and buildings have also been a focus, blending the old with the new.
Today, Saint Paul is known for its diverse population, rich history, and thriving cultural scene. The city boasts numerous museums, historic sites, and annual events like the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. As the capital of Minnesota, it continues to play a vital role in the state's political, economic, and cultural life.