St. Paul is the capital city of Minnesota and the smaller twin of Minneapolis. It has a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a diverse culinary scene. Whether you are looking for art, nature, history, or entertainment, St. Paul has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in St. Paul in a day.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Buttered Tin, a cozy bakery and cafe that serves fresh, made-from-scratch baked goods and dishes. You can choose from a variety of options, such as biscuits, pancakes, eggs, and sandwiches. The Buttered Tin also has a selection of vegan and gluten-free items. Don’t forget to try their signature cupcakes, pies, and cookies for dessert.
A Testimonial: “ Such great food. Got the Smothered Breakfast Burrito and it was amazing. All the ingredients were well layered and in healthy portions! Loved it. It’s quite big, so be ready… The latte was tasty and the milk froth was very well done. We will be frequenting. Definitely come eat and sit here. You’ll love it.”- Robert Delgado
After breakfast, head to the Science Museum of Minnesota, one of the most popular attractions in St. Paul. The museum features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and immersive films that cover topics such as dinosaurs, human body, space, and the Mississippi River. You can also visit the Omnitheater, a giant dome screen that shows stunning documentaries on nature, science, and culture.
A Testimonial: “Fun and very educational for not only kids but adults too. Three levels to explore all filled with fun activities to do as you’re learning. Parking is attached to the building and you just take the elevator right up to the museum. Before entering, there’s a place for snacks and drinks.” –Nas Ej Hmoob
After exploring the Science Museum of Minnesota, head to Urban Growler Brewing Company, the first woman-owned microbrewery in Minnesota. You can enjoy a variety of craft beers, from traditional styles to seasonal and experimental brews. You can also order some delicious food from their kitchen, which features pizza, wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. Urban Growler Brewing Company has a spacious taproom, a beer garden, and a dog-friendly patio.
A Testimonial: “I’m not a big brewery gal, but Urban Growler might convert me… great food, excellent NA options, and overall warm vibes. Loved the vegetarian nachos; the chips were perfect. It’s overall a really cozy and welcoming place, and I definitely want to return.”–Shannon Mahedy
If you love nature and animals, you can’t miss the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, one of the oldest and most popular attractions in St. Paul. The zoo houses over 1,000 animals from around the world, including giraffes, polar bears, gorillas, penguins, and more. The conservatory showcases a variety of plants, flowers, and gardens, such as the Japanese Garden, the Fern Room, and the Sunken Garden. You can also enjoy other activities, such as riding the carousel, playing mini golf, or taking a walk around the Como Lake.
A Testimonial: “Our party of four loved our visit today to the Como Park Zoo Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota! My favorite display was the Fern Room, with its beautiful waterfall fountain, near the entrance to the conservatory. The Sunken Garden display was also amazing and is a favorite place for my husband and me to capture a selfie. The Conservatory’s plants are exotic and well maintained. The volunteers are friendly and well informed. We will definitely be returning during the winter months to enjoy the warmth, delightful fragrances, and robust colors abounding.”–Pam Myhra
After visiting the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Moscow on the Hill, a Russian restaurant that offers authentic and flavorful dishes. You can sample some of the classics, such as borscht, pelmeni, stroganoff, and blini. You can also try some of their house-made vodkas, infused with flavors like horseradish, cranberry, and ginger. Moscow on the Hill has a cozy and elegant ambiance, with live music on weekends.
A Testimonial: “Absolutely amazing. Our reservation somehow was confused yet there was no issues and we still got seated. Service was very quick and all the waiters were nice. The food was absolutely amazing with very traditional Russian and Slavic foods made well and came fast after ordering.”.–Stella Mraz
If you are looking for some fun and entertainment after dinner, head to Camp Bar Twin Cities, one of the best nightlife spots in St. Paul. Camp Bar Twin Cities is a gay-friendly bar and cabaret that features live music, comedy, drag shows, and karaoke. You can also dance the night away at the dance floor, sip on some cocktails at the tiki bar, or relax at the lounge. Camp Bar Twin Cities has a friendly and lively vibe, with a diverse and welcoming crowd.
A Testimonial: “My friends and I stumbled upon this bar trying to find somewhere to enjoy some beers near our hotel. The service was great, they had a pool table and touch tunes. What more can someone ask for? Also, the late night pizza came in clutch.”-Sarah Koberlein
