Want to learn what makes the Capital City of Minnesota a good place to live? Local experts share 16 unique things to do in St. Paul to help you get to know the city.
St. Paul is the Capital City of Minnesota. Although it may be best known as one of the Twin Cities alongside Minneapolis, there are many unique things to do in St. Paul, MN, that make it such a good place to live.
Whether you’re looking for an apartment in St. Paul, MN, hoping to buy a home in the Twin Cities area, or looking to rent a house in the city itself, these local experts have helped us compile the perfect list of unique things to do in St. Paul to help make the Capital City feel like home.
“St. Paul is a city brimming with charm and surprises,” shares Shaunie, owner of the local Flava Cafe, a cultural gem in the Frogtown neighborhood dedicated to empowering young women of color and gender-expansive youth. “Start your adventure at the coffeehouses with us or Café Astoria, where the crepes are as irresistible as their decked-out lattes,” says Shaunie. “As the seasons shift, downtown transforms into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures, skating rinks, and captivating performances like Black Nativity at Penumbra Theatre and dazzling shows at the Ordway.”
“There are two unique things to do in St. Paul that make this city truly special,” shares Ralena, creator of Bar & Cart Restaurant and Lounge on Grand Avenue. “The first, Grand Old Day, a one-day street festival along Grand Avenue, kicks off the summer. Then, the Minnesota State Fair bookends it nicely at the end of the season. Both events bring people from all around together to enjoy the summer sun with family, friends, live music, and so much more.”
Image courtesy of FoodSmith Bistro Pub.
With classic dishes like Mushroom Strudel, Käse Spätzle, and traditional Austrian Apfelstrudel, FoodSmith Bistro Pub is a hidden gem in the West St. Paul neighborhood. Sip on handcrafted cocktails, local draft beer, or a glass of their carefully selected wine alongside the authentic Austrian-American cuisine. They also feature live performances from local musicians every other Friday and trivia on Saturdays for the perfect blend of dinner and entertainment.
“Attending a Minnesota Wild’s game is a must when looking for unique things to do in St. Paul,” shares Chris of UAV Vision Media, a local real estate media company. “It offers an authentic taste of Minnesota’s passion for hockey and strong community spirit. The Xcel Energy Center in the city provides an electric atmosphere with fans who live and breathe the game, creating an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan, or just looking for exciting entertainment, it’s the perfect place to get to know St. Paul.”
Photo courtesy of Alary's Bar.
Right in the heart of downtown St. Paul, Alary’s Bar is the go-to spot for a good time with even better barbecue. Whether you’re catching the big game on one of their giant screens, shooting some pool, catching one of their shuttles to local events, or just hanging out with friends over a cocktail, this place has the perfect vibe to pair with whatever you’re up to.
Photo courtesy of Can Can Wonderland.
There is always an adventure waiting for you at Can Can Wonderland. Their retro arcade, art-designed mini golf course, live shows, and craft food and drinks make this unique thing to do in St. Paul an unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect all-in-one place to meet up with friends, share a unique first date, or have fun with family while exploring the Capital City.
As the only elevated Venezuelan restaurant in the region, Crasqui is a must-add to your St. Paul bucket list. Here, you’ll find vibrant and delicious dishes inspired by the flavors of Venezuela. Their bar features cocktails rooted in tradition, highlighting Venezuelan rum and the unique flavors that tell the story of their heritage. Whether you’re craving a taste of home or eager to discover something new, you won’t want to miss this unique thing to do in St. Paul.
Photo by Jared Arvin, courtesy of St. Paul Farmers' Market.
The St. Paul Farmers’ Market has been a staple of the community since 1854, hosting over 200 small businesses at 18 locations across the Twin Cities. All of their food is grown or produced within 100 miles of the city. Whether you enjoy the hustle and bustle in the year-round Lowertown location, or prefer something more quiet like the Summit Hill area, the farmers and vendors in every location throughout the St. Paul neighborhoods are sure to have something you’ll enjoy.
Tucked into the heart of St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood is one of the Twin Cities oldest and unique bars: The Midway Saloon. With live music, pool tables, darts, and an amazing selection of beers and spirits, this unique thing to do in St. Paul is a perfect hangout location. Pair your drink with one of their pizzas, sandwiches, or other menu items full of top-notch bar foods.
The Red Balloon Bookshop has been a neighborhood landmark for the last 40 years and a tried-and-true unique activity in St. Paul that never disappoints. This independent children’s bookstore on the historic Grand Ave has weekly story times, events with local and national authors, and fantastic family events to explore year-round. There’s even a small but mighty section of books for the grown-ups to browse as well.
Grand Ave is full of unique stores, including Catzen Coffee: a cozy, specialty coffee shop with its own coffee lab and seven resident cats. Sign up for a variety of coffee education classes to learn new skills to take to your at-home coffee station, or find a comfy spot in their Den. The space is modeled as a welcoming living room featuring cozy seating, a roaring fire, books, games, and, of course, the Catzen Cats.
Head on over to the Como Park neighborhood to check out Gabe’s Bar & Kitchen. This family-owned neighborhood institution is the perfect place to grab a bite, catch a game, or see a familiar face. Whether it’s happy hour on the patio or catching up with an old friend over a meal, this unique thing to do in St. Paul is ready to welcome you.
To experience the true essence of St. Paul, you have to dive into its history. From the legendary Mississippi River, to the city’s Irish influence, to its darker history, CynCity Tours is ready to show you the real Capital City. Take an exciting stroll on their Gangsterland Walking Tour. Walk the same streets as some of the darker characters of the 1930s and learn what made St. Paul a crook’s haven at the time.
“St. Paul is a fantastic city,” shares Jeremy with Hope Breakfast Bar, a local favorite for breakfast and brunch. “It is often referred to as ‘Small Paul’ because of its close-knit community feel. As a resident myself, I can confidently say there is something for everyone in this city. I’d recommend exploring our Hope Breakfast Bar, The Apostle Supper Club, or The Gnome for some unique dining spots in the city. On weekends, you can stroll through farmers’ markets or catch a live event at the Xcel Energy Center. A Saints baseball game at CHS Field is a must in the summer, and the iconic Winter Carnival is always fun. The city is also home to a number of vibrant local pubs, breweries, and weekly events. There are always unique things to do in St. Paul.”
“One of the best ways to spend a weekend morning in St. Paul is going to Legacy Chocolates for coffee, heading to the farmers’ market in Lowertown, then checking out the Minnesota Museum of American Art,” shares Katie with Gambit Brewing, a local microbrewery. “And, of course, you can’t end your adventure without stopping at a local brewery like Barrel Theory, Metronome, or us at Gambit for a craft beer afterwards.”
“I’m new to the area, and I adore being situated close to St. Paul,” shares Mycah, owner and photographer of Mycah Schrader Photography. While working in the city, Mycah discovered several unique things to do in St. Paul that she would recommend:
From its hidden gems to its well-known attractions, there are many unique things to do in St. Paul that make the Capital City worth exploring. Whether you’re comparing Minneapolis to St. Paul, or considering the pros and cons of living in the city, this smaller Twin City has a big personality that won’t go unnoticed.
Kaitlyn is a Content Marketing Coordinator with Redfin. She lives in Seattle, WA, where she enjoys hiking, reading, and finding cozy coffee shops to write in. Her ideal home has an in-home library with big windows for natural lighting to read by.