Minnesota is called the land of ten thousand lakes. And although Minneapolis and its twin city St Paul have plenty of urban entertainment, the main attraction of Minneapolis is as a gateway to the natural beauty of the state.

Parks

Minehaha Park is one of the most popular green-belts for locals and visitors and is used as a picturesque setting for weddings most weekends during the warmer months. You'll find plenty of families here too, usually with a portable barbecue, as the combination playgrounds, lakes and birdlife make an idyllic afternoon.

Bunker Lake Park is another popular nature preserve and leisure area. There's an entrance fee ($5) but it's still one of the cheapest family days out to be had. Take a tent for a weekend, and a bike or two to enjoy the trails that criss-cross the park, or relax by the pool at Bunker Beach – the water amusement park – while the little ones enjoy the largest wave pool in the state and the water-slides.

St Paul is another good spot for garden-based attractions, although most of them don't make the guide books. Como Park is one of the cities best kept secrets, with the standard lake as well as a zoo, golf course and conservatory. Como is a little off the beaten path, but well worth a look.

Places to See

Minneapolis has more than its fair share of distinctive neighborhoods. There is a bohemian underbelly to this city that deserves to be explored. The Cedar & Riverside neighborhoods are the best place to start. A high African immigrant population gives this part of town a multicultural cachet – head to The Red Sea for live reggae and world music, making time for dinner at the Odaa (good Ethiopian food). Both of these are on Cedar Avenue. If you have time during the day, browse the stalls at the African market and try a few new flavors as well as stopping for a chat with the notoriously friendly crowd.

For other flavorsome shopping, Mercado Central (East Lake St and Bloomington Ave South) is the market that specializes in Latino goods, and the Mexican bakery makes some of the best bread this side of the border.

The old-world European touch is provided by the area across the River. Driving on Hennepin, you will come to a – literal – gateway that is marked with medallions. This is the Little Eastern Europe of Minneapolis and has more tiny restaurants serving rich meats and pickles than you can shake a stick at. A great slice of culture and the best place in the city for a cheap meal.

Nicollet Island is the bastion of stately homes in Minneapolis. This tiny neighborhood is completely walkable and there are just enough quaint eateries and old-fashioned boutiques to break up the trip. If you're visiting Minneapolis at Christmas definitely check out the neighborhoods of Golden Valley and Crystal – Minneapolis is famous for going all out with its Christmas decorations, and these two suburbs are the pick of the bunch.

Hotels

Although hotel prices in Minneapolis tend to stay in the $150 range, chains like Comfort Inn offer online specials for around $80 a night.