Inspire Me

Alana’s Magical Minneapolis Holidays

 A Frosty Midwest Gem

There are places you visit because they’re famous, and then there are places you visit that quietly steal your heart when you least expect it. What I thought would be a simple Thanksgiving getaway turned into a really enjoyable discovery of Minneapolis. The city welcomed me with glittering frost, warm hospitality and world class shopping. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try to impress you, it simply does.

From the moment we took off with Aer Lingus, to discovering the incredible skyway tunnels, exploring the vibrant murals, wandering through quirky neighbourhoods, and losing ourselves in the legendary Mall of America, the city revealed a new layer each day. It was a trip filled with those small moments that stay with you long after you’re home again the moments that make travel magical.

Here’s a full look at my winter escape from luxury hotel stays and Thanksgiving surprises to icy river walks, iconic murals, and two-and-a-half days of pure retail bliss at one of the biggest malls in the world.

A Seamless Journey with Aer Lingus

We travelled with Aer Lingus, and from the moment we boarded, everything felt effortless. The crew were warm, engaging, and attentive on both flights — the kind of service that makes a long-haul trip feel genuinely enjoyable. In a wonderfully random twist, the same air host who took care of me on my Marrakesh flight months earlier recognised me instantly. That small, human moment set the tone for the whole trip.

Our Flights:

• Dublin → Minneapolis: 26 Nov, 14:20 – 16:55

• Minneapolis → Dublin: 30 Nov, 18:30 – 1 Dec, 08:10

Smooth skies, easy connections, and not a hint of stress — the perfect beginning.

Downtown Dreams: The Marquette Hotel

From Minneapolis–Saint Paul Airport, we hopped in a Lyft and headed downtown, where the city’s glittering winter skyline welcomed us. For our first two nights, we stayed at the stylish:

The Marquette Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
 710 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402

To our delight, we were upgraded to a Corner Suite King Room, and let me tell you — it was breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows, sweeping city views, and a sense of calm luxury that made it feel like our own private hideaway above the snow-dusted streets.

Thanksgiving Magic

We arrived just in time for Thanksgiving, a day when the city takes a quiet breath and everything slows down. Thankfully, we planned ahead and booked a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner followed by a TopGolf Simulator session for two hours, the perfect cosy evening experience, all for around $175.

A city asleep, a warm meal, a bit of fun, it felt beautifully cinematic.

The Secret World Above the Streets

One of the most surprising discoveries was the Minneapolis Skyway System. An extraordinary network of indoor bridges connecting more than 150 downtown buildings. While temperatures outside dipped to a frosty -10 to -15°C, locals wandered through these warm, bright walkways like a silent, elevated city.
We wondered why the streets looked so empty in our photos… and then we discovered everyone was simply upstairs!

Discovering Minneapolis Holdiays: Art, Sport, Culture & Charm

During our downtown stay on out Minneaplois holidays, we packed in plenty of sightseeing:

• A peaceful walk along the Mississippi River

• The striking U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Vikings (Major concerts and events)

• Target Center, buzzing with NBA and WNBA energy

• The iconic Prince mural

• The brilliant Bob Dylan mural

• The Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture at the Walker Art Center

• A wander around the lively and quirky University of Minnesota – Dinkytown

• And, of course, a pilgrimage to a huge Target store… plus Walmart (because, honestly, how can you not?)

What truly struck me was how safe, clean, and gentle the city felt. Very few major U.S. cities give off this vibe. Minneapolis felt genuine like a place that lives for its locals rather than tourists, making it all the more refreshing.

Food & Drink

One thing that genuinely surprised me about downtown Minneapolis was the refreshing lack of fast-food chains. Unlike many major U.S. cities where neon signs and drive through counters line every corner, Minneapolis takes a different approach. The streets feel calmer, cleaner, and far less commercial, yet the food scene is fantastic. From cosy local cafés and vibrant brunch spots to stylish bars and independent restaurants, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy genuinely good meals. It gives the city a more authentic, community driven feel, like you’re experiencing Minneapolis the way the locals do, not just the tourist version.

The Mall of America: A Shoppers’ Wonderland

After soaking up downtown, we made our way to the iconic Mall of America — one of the largest shopping centres in the world for the next two nights.

Radisson Blu Mall of America
2100 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN 55425

Another effortless Lyft journey (under $32), despite Black Friday causing a frenzy on the roads.

The Radisson Blu connects directly into the mall with its own private entrance — secure, smooth, and incredibly convenient. We loved being able to pop back to the room with shopping bags or take quick breaks between shops.

A Retail Paradise

The Mall itself is enormous:

• 5.6 million sq ft

• 500+ stores

• 4 sprawling floors

• And the famous Nickelodeon Universe theme park at its heart

It took us two and a half days to explore… and we still didn’t manage everything!

Smart Tips for Nickelodeon Universe

Download the Mall of America App.
Upgrade to the annual pass for $30 per person and you’ll receive a FREE one-day theme park pass.
Buying the pass on its own costs $55+tax, so this trick is a brilliant money-saver. I would highly reccomend spending a bit more time here as we actually didnt get to do everything !! The Mall is huge 4 levels and each floor goes on for hours!!!

And the BEST news for shoppers…

Minnesota has no sales tax on clothes or shoes.
Yes — what you see is what you pay.
Designer shopping without the extra sting at the till? Heaven.

Getting to the Airport

Radisson Blu offers a complimentary airport shuttle every 30 minutes, or you can hop on the light rail directly from the mall — an 8-minute journey. You just need to prebook (or call them from your room) or ask at check in/check out depending on availability ….. Otherwise there is a train station in the Mall of America with a train that is 8 mins direct

❤️ Final Thoughts: Minneapolis Stole My Heart

Minneapolis felt like a secret — a place many people overlook, yet it delivers so much:

• World-class shopping
• Safety and cleanliness that rival Europe
• Art, music, sports, and genuine Midwestern warmth
• Easy to navigate
• Family-friendly and perfect for kids
• A relaxed pace with a sprinkle of big-city sparkle

It reminded me of Boston meets New York, but quieter, cooler, and more authentic.
It doesn’t try to be a tourist city — and that’s exactly what makes it so refreshing.

Would I recommend it?
Without hesitation.
10/10, a winter escape I’d do again in a heartbeat.

Ready to Experience Minneapolis for Yourself? We’ll Get You There.

If this winter escape has inspired you to discover Minneapolis — whether for shopping, family fun, sightseeing, or a unique U.S. city break — Tour America is here to make it happen.
From flights and hotels to tailored packages, family itineraries, and insider tips, our experts know how to craft holidays that are unforgettable from start to finish.