Start from 47 curated places around St. Paul, MN, then choose the recommendations that fit your guests.
Restaurants & cafés
Cossetta Alimentari
A sprawling Italian-American market and eatery on West Seventh, with cafeteria-style plates, giant pizza slices, and an imported-goods market. Skip the long downstairs line and head upstairs to the ristorante, or grab cannoli from the market on your way out.
Mickey's Diner
A railcar-style diner on the National Register, serving greasy-spoon breakfast since the WPA era. It is cash-and-grill-counter culture, so sit at the stools and order a malt.
Trails & outdoors
Mississippi Gorge Loop Trail
A loop along both bluffs of the Mississippi Gorge with two river crossings, mixing paved and dirt sections. Watch for bald eagles overhead; it is best in the warmer months.
Lake Como Loop Trail
An easy, very popular paved loop around Como Lake with separate walking and biking lanes, plowed all winter. Pair a lap with the free conservatory and zoo right in Como Park.
Things to do
Science Museum of Minnesota
A riverfront science museum with a giant Omnitheater dome screen and a dinosaur hall. The Omnitheater's near-wraparound dome beats a standard big-screen; buy tickets at the box office to dodge the per-ticket online fee.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
A free century-old zoo with a sea-lion show and a marine habitat, alongside the glass conservatory in Como Park. Admission is free with a suggested donation; time your visit to the sea-lion show, a long-running city tradition.
Landmarks & sights
Cathedral of Saint Paul
A French-Renaissance cathedral with a towering copper dome crowning Cathedral Hill, one of the city's defining landmarks. Free weekday tours cover the dome and shrines; pair it with the mansion across the street for a half-day on the hill.
Minnesota State Capitol
A marble-domed capitol designed by Cass Gilbert, freshly restored and open for free tours. The highlight is heading out near the gilded horse statues above the entrance, so time a hourly guided tour.