Minneapolis Travel Tips - Search for Cheap Airline Tickets to Minneapolis

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Minneapolis is an underrated tourist destination.  Its cosmopolitan vibe, friendly population, and user-friendliness are all reasons to visit.  The extremes in weather are legendary but are not quite as "extreme" as most people think.  Here are some tips to help would-be Minneapolis visitors avoid any unpleasantness during their visit.

1. The weather in Minnesota is cold in winter and warm in summer.  However, the bitter cold weather usually only last for a few weeks in January and February.  There are snow storms, but they are not as frequent as most people think.  Travel on roadways might be difficult during a storm, but roads are cleared by plows only a few hours after the snow has stopped.  Then, it is back to business as usual. 

2. Take advantage of the urban outdoors.  The city of Minneapolis is home to several urban lakes with biking/jogging trails, as well as plenty of room for walkers.  During the summer, these shoreline sidewalks are filled with people, creating an impromptu social scene. 

3. Minneapolis has a decent bus and light rail system.  However, if you truly want to get around the city with ease, a car is all but necessary.  Traffic can be a problem during rush hours, but is never as bad as it is in larger cities. 

4. Minneapolis has a diverse culinary scene.  Restaurants started by African, Latin, and Asian immigrants are just as prevalent as those serving traditional Midwestern cuisine.  Grab a copy of City Pages, a free weekly newspaper available at most restaurants, gas stations and public places around the city, to see where the best eats Minneapolis are located.  

5. The Mall of America is one of the most famous shopping venues in the country.  However, it is not the best, or the only, place in the city to shop.  Downtown Minneapolis has a pedestrian retail street called Nicollet Mall and Uptown is home to a hip collection of shops, bars, restaurants and cafés.

6. Crime is not a huge problem in Minneapolis.  Certain areas on the city's north side have high crime rates, but tourists have little reason to visit such places.  In general, common sense safety precautions, like you would take in any urban setting, are enough to assure your safety. 

7. Minneapolis is known for the energy and quality of its live music scene.  Local, regional, and national acts play regularly at intimate venues around the city.  The most notable of these include First Avenue, The Cabooze, The Fine Line Music Café and the Red Sea.  Check City Pages to see what's playing when.  Don't leave the Twin Cities without experiencing the live music.