Shopping · Minneapolis · United States
Shopping in Minneapolis
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
Minneapolis shopping ranges from the vast Mall of America to North Loop boutiques and Northeast studios. Minnesota does not tax most clothing and shoes. Best souvenirs: Hand-harvested wild rice, Prince memorabilia and Local art prints.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 4
- Markets
- 3
- Top souvenir
- Hand-harvested wild rice
Where to shop
Mall of America
Around 500 stores, from department stores to small brands, under one roof in Bloomington.
North Loop
Independent fashion, homewares and design shops in converted warehouses.
Nicollet Mall
Downtown's pedestrian-and-transit street with shops and the skyway-connected department stores around it.
Northeast Arts District
Artists' studios and galleries selling prints, ceramics and jewellery directly from makers.
Markets
Mill City Farmers Market
A seasonal Saturday market of local produce and food under the train shed beside Mill City Museum.
Minneapolis Farmers Market
Long-running produce market near Target Field with dozens of farm stalls in season.
Midtown Global Market
Indoor market of immigrant-run food stalls and craft shops on Lake Street.
What to buy
Hand-harvested wild rice
Look for packages labelled hand-harvested or lake-harvested, often from Ojibwe producers.
Prince memorabilia
Purple Rain posters, First Avenue merchandise and Paisley Park shop items.
Local art prints
Prints, ceramics and jewellery bought directly from Northeast studio artists.
Scandinavian crafts
Dala horses, textiles and baking tools from the American Swedish Institute shop.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Experience · Bloomington
Mall of America
The largest shopping mall in the United States has around 500 shops plus Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park with roller coasters under a skylit roof, the SEA LIFE Minnesota aquarium and mini golf.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Shopping
- Rainy day
- Iconic
Market · Lake Street
Midtown Global Market
Inside the huge former Sears building on Lake Street, now the Midtown Exchange, dozens of small food stalls and shops serve Mexican, Somali, Vietnamese, Moroccan and Scandinavian food.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Rainy day
- Shopping
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Cheese curds, Scandinavian baking, Bars and Craft beer. Bars, brewpubs and baseball games at Target Field; the State Fair in late August. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| North Loop | $$$ | Converted brick warehouses with restaurants, boutiques and Target Field next door |
| Northeast | $$ | Taprooms, artists' studios and old Eastern European parishes across the river |
| Uptown and Lake Street | $$ | Bars, vintage shops and the lakes on the doorstep |
| St. Anthony Main and Marcy-Holmes | $$ | Cobblestone Main Street, river views and the University of Minnesota nearby |
| Bloomington | $$ | Airport and Mall of America hotels on the Blue Line |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in USD. Tipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at bars and 15–20% for taxis and rideshares. Check for automatic service charges, which some restaurants add.
- Minnesota charges no sales tax on most clothing and shoes, which helps at the Mall of America and local shops.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January–February; the busiest months are July–August.
- June: Stone Arch Bridge Festival on the riverfront (usually Father's Day weekend)
- August: Uptown Art Fair (usually early August)
- August: Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights (usually the 12 days ending on Labor Day)
- September: Minnesota State Fair ends on Labor Day
- December: Holiday markets and Nordic Christmas events at the American Swedish Institute (usually December)
Staying near the shops
$$$ · Best for food lovers, couples, shopping and nightlife
North Loop
Converted brick warehouses with restaurants, boutiques and Target Field next door
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Minneapolis?
Hand-harvested wild rice, Prince memorabilia, Local art prints and Scandinavian crafts.
+Where is the best shopping in Minneapolis?
Mall of America: Around 500 stores, from department stores to small brands, under one roof in Bloomington.
+What are the best markets in Minneapolis?
Mill City Farmers Market, Minneapolis Farmers Market and Midtown Global Market.