Things to Do in St. Paul
50 curated spots from St. Paul itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Wander the sunken garden, palm dome, and fern room, then stroll the surrounding park and lakeside paths for photos wrapped in greenery.
2h 30m · Donation-based (Free entry, suggested donation)
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
Hands-on exhibits about Minnesota’s past, from logging and Native cultures to tornado simulations; kids can climb, touch, and learn through interactive displays.
2h · $15-20 per adult, $10-15 per child
Science Museum of Minnesota
Pick a few exhibits rather than trying to see everything; this is your easy indoor anchor for the last day.
2h · $18-25
Lowertown & Mears Park Free Explore
Head to Mears Park, a small urban green space with a stream and trees, then wander the surrounding Lowertown streets and historic warehouse buildings at an easy pace.
2h · 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 slow stroll past historic mansions and leafy sidewalks; keep it unstructured and stop for photos along the way.
1h 30m · 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
A short walk from Lowertown, this former industrial site has been reclaimed into wetlands, limestone bluffs, and trails under the tall rail bridges, with a wild, slightly overgrown feel and views back toward downtown.
1h 30m · 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
Enjoy a quieter nature break with wooded paths and water views; keep the walk gentle and scenic.
2h · Free
Mears Park
End with a relaxed park walk among trees, water features, and soft city noise; an easy romantic finish.
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 tree-shaded Rice Park, watch fountains and street life, then step into the historic Landmark Center (if open) to see its dramatic interior courtyards and occasional exhibits.
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
Grab a simple halal breakfast with eggs, sambusas, or a sandwich before heading north to Como Park.
45m · $12-20 per person
Babani’s Kurdish Restaurant
Homey Kurdish restaurant with many dishes naturally aligning with halal preferences; choose vegetarian and fish options like dowjic (yogurt soup), biryani rice, and veggie stews, and ask staff to confirm which items meet your halal requirements.
1h 15m · $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, colorful spot blending East African, Mediterranean, and American dishes with a bright, plant-accented interior. Halal options include their Somali steak sandwich (halal beef), chicken fantastic wrap, veggie fantastic wrap, falafel sandwich, and sambusas; ask for confirmation and avoid non-halal meats.
1h · $15-25 per person
Khyber Pass Cafe
Order halal Afghan kebabs, rice dishes, and vegetarian sides.
1h · $18-30 per person
On's Kitchen
Choose vegetarian noodle soups or meat-free noodle/rice dishes that avoid broth or ingredients you cannot verify as halal.
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 cafe with creative drinks and light breakfast; choose vegetarian items like avocado toast, acai bowls, crepes without meat, and coffee or tea without alcohol-based flavorings.
1h · $12-20 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
Choose vegetarian breakfast bowls, pastries, fruit, and egg dishes; halal-friendly through clearly vegetarian options.
1h · $15-25 per person
Khaluna
Choose vegetarian dishes and seafood options; confirm halal-friendly suitability and avoid any meat items that are not explicitly halal.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Moscow on the Hill
Select halal-friendly seafood dishes, vegetable-heavy plates, and potato-based sides; avoid meat dishes unless the kitchen confirms halal preparation.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Shish Mediterranean Grill
Order halal-friendly shawarma plates, kebabs, falafel, and rice bowls.
1h · $18-30 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