Things to Do in St. Paul
50 curated spots from St. Paul itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Visit the free zoo and then linger in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, where palm rooms, ferns, and seasonal flower shows create a humid, glasshouse jungle.
2h 30m · Free (donation suggested)
Cathedral of Saint Paul
Explore the grand exterior, stained glass, and hilltop views; linger for photos and the quiet, dramatic atmosphere.
1h 15m · Free
Minnesota History Center
Explore exhibits about Minnesota’s people, environment, and cities; the building’s high windows frame green lawns and the Capitol dome.
2h · $16 per person (approx.)
Science Museum of Minnesota
Hands-on science museum with dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and Mississippi River views; let the kids explore the experiment stations and catch the giant astronaut or dinosaur skeletons.
2h 30m · $25-30 per adult, $20-25 per child
Lowertown & Mears Park Free Explore
Stroll cobblestone streets, stop in small galleries or shops, and spend time in leafy Mears Park, where a rocky stream runs through a mini urban ‘forest’—a great play and photo spot.
1h 30m · Free
Minnesota State Capitol
Tour the grand Capitol interior and grounds, then walk the nearby ceremonial spaces for architecture, civic history, and photos.
1h 30m · Free
Summit Avenue Stroll
Walk the tree‑tunneled stretch between the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the James J. Hill House, admiring ornate Victorian mansions and leafy yards. It feels like a quiet urban forest with grand architecture peeking through the green.
1h 30m · Free
Summit Avenue Walk
Take a relaxed self-guided walk along Summit Avenue to see historic mansions, tree cover, and classic neighborhood character.
2h · Free
Wabasha Street Caves Tour
Join a guided historic cave tour (check and book in advance if needed); explore old sandstone caves with stories of gangsters, speakeasies, and Prohibition-era St. Paul.
1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary
Explore this urban nature reserve with short trails, bluffs, and wetlands at the base of Dayton’s Bluff, offering a feeling of wilderness close to downtown.
2h · Free
Como Lakeside Walk
Circle the lake on the paved path under mature trees, watch paddle boats, and find quiet benches with views of reeds and waterfowl.
1h · Free
Hidden Falls Regional Park
Descend into a wooded ravine along the Mississippi to find a small waterfall, sandy river edges, and shaded picnic spots that feel surprisingly wild for an in-city park.
2h · Free
Mears Park
Small but lush downtown park with a rocky stream, tall trees, and plenty of benches surrounded by high-rises and old warehouses.
45m · Free
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Three floors of interactive play zones with climbing structures, a pretend town, and creative building areas; best if your 8-year-old enjoys free play.
2h · $20-25 per person
Minnesota State Capitol Grounds
Walk the landscaped grounds, see the grand white dome up close, and look back toward downtown from the elevated steps; join a free interior tour if the timing works for you.
1h 30m · Free
Rice Park & Landmark Center
Relax in the tree-shaded Rice Park, then pop into the Romanesque Landmark Center (when open) to see the atrium and small exhibits; great for photos of old stone against green trees.
1h · Free
Rice Park and Landmark Center
Start with the park, then visit the grand Landmark Center exterior and interior spaces if open; both are compact and easy to pair.
1h 30m · Free
Cathedral Hill Free Afternoon
Revisit this area more slowly: browse small shops on Selby Avenue, wander quiet side streets, and relax on a bench in one of the small green spaces near the Cathedral.
2h 30m · Free
Cathedral of Saint Paul (Exterior & Grounds)
Explore the grand exterior, surrounding gardens, and bluff‑top views toward downtown; step inside briefly if you wish, dressing modestly as it is an active church.
45m · Free
Cathedral of Saint Paul (Exterior Grounds & Interior Visit)
Walk around the Cathedral’s elevated, tree-ringed grounds for sweeping views of downtown and the river valley, then step inside (when open) to admire the vast dome and stained glass.
1h · Free
Como Lakeside & Park Trails
Walk the paved path around Como Lake, relax under big shade trees, or rent a paddleboat in warm months to get onto the water.
1h 30m · Free (boat rentals extra)
Como Park Conservatory
Explore the tropical rooms, floral displays, and glasshouse paths; this is your strongest jungle-wild visual match.
1h 30m · Free
Como Park Lake and Garden Walk
Take a relaxed walk around the lake and garden areas; keep it light and photo-friendly.
1h 15m · Free
Como Park Lakeside Stroll
After the conservatory, do a gentle walk around the park's green spaces and water views before heading back downtown.
45m · Free
Downtown Riverfront & Science Museum Overlook
Walk the paths near the Science Museum of Minnesota and Kellogg Mall Park, looking out at the Mississippi, bridges, and tree-covered banks on the opposite side.
1h 30m · Free for outdoor areas; ~$20 for museum entry (optional)
Downtown Riverfront Walk & Raspberry Island
Start near the Science Museum or RiverCentre and stroll down toward Raspberry Island for greenery, river views, and a quiet place to sit under trees with views back to the skyline.
2h · Free
Downtown St. Paul Free-Explore Block
Wander Rice Park, peek into the Landmark Center, and explore nearby streets; look for small green spaces, local shops, and riverside viewpoints without a strict plan.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Evening Stroll at Allianz Field Grounds
Walk around the modern Minnesota United stadium’s exterior plazas and green spaces; on non-game nights it’s a calm, open area with interesting lighting and a futuristic feel.
45m · Free (outside grounds)
Evening Walk Around Mears Park
Explore small, tree-filled Mears Park with its stream, landscaping, and surrounding historic warehouse buildings; in warmer months you may find live music or relaxed crowds.
45m · Free
Evening Walk on University Avenue
Walk a short stretch of University Avenue’s busy, multicultural corridor, noticing diverse shops, markets, and street life before heading back.
45m · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Afro Deli & Grill
Return for a simple dinner of halal grilled meats, rice plates, wraps, or sambusas if you want an easy, reliable meal near your hotel.
1h 15m · $15-28 per person
Babani’s Kurdish Restaurant
Homey Kurdish restaurant with simple, hearty plates; choose vegetarian and fish items such as dowjic (yogurt-rice soup without meat), tabbouleh, dolma, vegetarian biryani-style rice, and any clearly labeled meat-free stews to keep halal.
1h · $15-22 per person
Bole Ethiopian Cuisine
Ethiopian spot with many vegetarian and fish dishes that avoid pork/alcohol; staff can guide you to halal-friendly choices. Order: veggie combo, lentil wot, shiro, and fish tibs; confirm cooking oils and no alcohol in sauces.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Afro Deli & Grill (St. Paul)
Casual, bright spot with Somali, African, Mediterranean, and American dishes; for halal, order the Somali steak sandwich, chicken fantastic, falafel wrap, veggie fantastic, or rice bowls with clearly marked halal meats and vegetarian options.
1h · $12-18 per person
Khyber Pass Cafe
Order the halal-friendly kebabs, chicken curries, lentil dishes, or rice plates. It’s a dependable dinner with a cozy, intimate feel.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
On's Kitchen
Pick vegetarian Thai breakfast/brunch options or noodle dishes with no meat broth; confirm halal-friendly preparation and stick to clearly meat-free items if needed.
1h · $15-25 per person
Afro Deli & Grill (Downtown St. Paul)
Casual Afro–Mediterranean cafe with many clearly labeled halal options. Order: Somali steak sandwich (halal beef), chicken fantastic (halal), veggie sambusas, or falafel bowl; confirm halal meat with staff and avoid non-halal items.
1h · $15-22 per person
Café Astoria
Trendy café with creative coffee and beautiful smoothie bowls; stick to vegetarian options like granola bowls, crepes without meat, avocado toast, and smoothies, and avoid anything cooked with bacon or sausage—confirm ingredients for peace of mind.
1h · $10-20 per person
Everest on Grand
Nepalese/Indian restaurant; focus on vegetarian and seafood curries, lentil dishes, vegetable momos, and rice—ask the staff to guide you to dishes cooked without alcohol and with no pork or non-halal meat.
1h · $15-30 per person
French Meadow Bakery & Cafe
Keep it easy with vegetarian breakfast and bakery items; halal-friendly via clearly meat-free ordering.
1h · $15-25 per person
Khaluna
Choose vegetarian and seafood dishes that align with halal needs; call ahead only if you want to confirm the safest ordering path, but dine on clearly compatible items.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Moscow on the Hill
Select vegetable and seafood options, plus sides and salads that fit halal needs without meat ambiguity.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Shish Mediterranean Grill
Order halal-friendly breakfast plates, falafel, hummus, and customizable bowls; a simple, dependable start near Grand Avenue.
1h · $15-25 per person
Shish Mediterranean Kitchen
Lively, plant-filled Mediterranean café; focus on vegetarian-friendly items like falafel wraps, hummus, baba ghanoush, salads, and grilled veggie plates—ask for no meat or alcohol in dishes as you prefer.
1h · $15-22 per person
Shish Restaurant
Choose halal-friendly Middle Eastern plates such as kebabs, shawarma, grilled chicken, rice, salads, and mezze.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Afro Deli & Grill – Saint Paul
Fast-casual African, Mediterranean, and American dishes using halal beef and halal chicken; order Somali steak plates, chicken fantastic, falafel, and sambusas—confirm halal meats at the counter but they clearly advertise halal-friendly options.
1h · $12-18 per person
Afro Deli & Grill – Saint Paul (Final Halal Lunch)
Return once more for trusted halal beef and chicken plates or falafel before departure; choose family favorites from earlier in the trip.
45m · $12-18 per person
Afro Deli & Grill – Saint Paul (Revisit for Lunch)
Return for more halal-friendly dishes like chicken fantastic, sambusas, or veggie platters; again, stick to clearly labeled halal beef/chicken and vegetarian dishes.
45m · $12-18 per person
Afro Deli & Grill (Downtown revisit option)
If you want an easy repeat, come back for a different halal-friendly dish such as the chicken fantastic rice bowl, veggie curry over rice, or falafel platter; reconfirm halal meat upon ordering.
45m · $15-25 per person
Afro Deli & Grill (Final Flex Option)
Use this as a flexible halal ‘safety net’ meal later in the week when plans are looser; repeat favorites or try the veggie curry, sambusas, and rice bowls; reconfirm halal status as usual.
45m · $15-22 per person