Know Before You Go: Minneapolis–St. Paul

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is well connected to both city centers. The cheapest transport option is the METRO's Blue Line, which stops at Terminals 1 and 2 and goes to Downtown Minneapolis. Trains run about every 15 minutes during the day, and the journey takes around 25 minutes. A regular ticket costs $2 and is valid for 2.5 hours. For Downtown St. Paul, you can take the Route 54 bus from Terminal 1, which runs every 15 to 30 minutes and takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing services typically reach Downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day and traffic.

The downtown areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul are relatively compact and easy to explore on foot, with Minneapolis offering a particular advantage with its extensive Skyway system. A network of glazed bridges connects numerous buildings in the center, so you can get through the city with dry feet even in rain and snow. For longer distances and the journey between the two city centers, METRO Light Rail and central bus lines are the most sensible choice. The cycling network is well developed, and rental bicycles and e-scooters are available through private providers. A rental car is only necessary for excursions, for example to the lakes.

In Minneapolis–St. Paul, as in the rest of the US, tipping is an integral part of the service culture. In restaurants, about 20 percent of the bill amount is common, regardless of the type of restaurant. Bars usually charge $1 to $2 per drink. A surcharge of around 20 percent is also expected for taxi rides. In hotels, you should expect to pay up to $5, depending on the service. Tipping is usually included in the bill or handed over in cash.

Type A and B sockets are used in the USA. Although the voltage of 120 volts is well below the European standard of 230 volts, this is usually not a problem for most modern electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and cameras, as their power adapters can automatically switch between different voltages. However, due to the different plug shape, an adapter is still required, featuring two flat parallel pins, sometimes with an additional grounding pin.

In winter, do not ignore weather warnings or indications of wind chill levels. The perceived temperature can be significantly lower than the measured one, and black ice on sidewalks, bridges, or parking lots quickly makes even short distances with luggage exhausting. In the case of urban snow removal, the parking rules may also change. Anyone who parks incorrectly on designated snow routes or obstructs traffic must expect that the vehicle will be towed.

It is no coincidence that Minneapolis is nicknamed the "City of Lakes": within the city limits are several lakes that, together with the Mississippi River and numerous parks, form a coherent network of riverside paths and green spaces. On what is known as the "Chain of Lakes" people jog, paddle, or cycle in summer. In winter, cross-country ski trails and improvised ice hockey fields are created on the ice.