Saint Paul travel guide
Saint Paul Tourism | Saint Paul Guide
You're Going to Love Saint Paul
One of Minnesota's twin cities (with Minneapolis), Saint Paul is more sedate and laid back than its sister city. But it has a lot going on, with literary landmarks, great museums, interesting architecture, and fine food to enjoy.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Saint Paul
1. Trace the History of F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of the greatest American writers, and he grew up in Saint Paul. See his birthplace and childhood home, and find out where the creator of Jay Gatsby found his inspiration.
2. There Are Some Superb Museums
Saint Paul's Science Museum is one of the best in the Midwest, with great exhibits for kids, while the Landmark Center offers a fascinating window into the 1920s, when Saint Paul saw numerous gangland prosecutions.
3. Take a Refreshing Brewery Tour
Saint Paul is very much a beer city, with flourishing craft brewers like Flat Earth and Summit competing with the best in America.
4. See Some Stunning Architecture
The city has a magnificent 19th-century cathedral, luxurious mansions like the James J. Hill House, and the Minnesota State Capitol, and all are worth a visit.
5. Every Kind of Cultural Attraction Is Here
Head to theater shows at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown, follow the Saint Paul Art Crawl, see live music in Mears Park, or buy tickets for world famous musical acts at the Xcel Energy Center.
Where to Eat in Saint Paul
Some of the finest eateries in town include the Italian pizzeria Mucci's, the Mexican maestros at Pajarito, and the ever-reliable Saint Paul Grill. Prices vary considerably, but as a rule meals should come to around $20-30 per head.
When to visit Saint Paul
Summer is the best time to visit, with reliable temperatures over 80 degrees in July and August.
How to Get to Saint Paul
Plane
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has plenty of domestic connections. When you get there, take the Blue Line light rail link ($1.75-$2.25). Taxis cost around $35.
Train
Saint Paul Union Station is on Amtrak's Empire Builder route, connecting it to Chicago and Seattle.
Car
From Chicago, take I-90 northbound and change onto I-94 at Tomah. I-35 runs into Saint Paul from the south.
Bus
Bus companies serving Saint Paul include Greyhound, Megabus, and Jefferson Lines, so you shouldn't have trouble finding a cheaper route to the city.
Airlines serving Saint Paul
Where to stay in Saint Paul
High-end hotels abound in Saint Paul, including the Saint Paul Hotel (built in 1910) and the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, which has a lovely riverfront location.
Popular neighbourhoods in Saint Paul
Downtown - Saint Paul's hub, Downtown is home to the State Capitol, theaters, and fine restaurants like Handsome Hog.
Lowertown - next to the Mississippi, Lowertown was once down at heel, but it's now an artistic center and sporting destination thanks to CHS Field, home to the Saint Paul Saints baseball team.
Dayton's Bluff - packed with stunning 19th-century homes, Dayton's Bluff is like a timewarp, offering a portal into the Gilded Age.
Where to stay in popular areas of Saint Paul
Most booked hotels in Saint Paul
How to Get Around Saint Paul
Public Transportation
Metro Transit runs the Green Line, which links the Twin Cities, and METRO buses run across Saint Paul (single fares are $1.75).
Taxi
If you need to take a taxi, expect to pay a flag drop of $5, followed by $3 per mile.
Car
Car rental options in Saint Paul include Avis, Hertz, and Budget, and rates will be around $20 per day.
Best car rental deals in Saint Paul
Intermediate SUV
5 adults, 3 Bags
C$ 85/day
Standard SUV
5 adults, 3 Bags
C$ 108/day
The Cost of Living in Saint Paul
Shopping Streets
There are hundreds of small craft stores in Saint Paul. Seek them out in areas like Summit Avenue, Cathedral Hill, and Downtown.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets in Saint Paul include Cub Foods and Aldi, and as a guide, expect to spend around $2.65 on 12 eggs.