Minneapolis Saint Paul is a city that offers much more than its famous skyline and lakes. Its food scene reflects its diverse neighborhoods, from historic districts to trendy riverfront areas. Whether you’re into trying local cheese curds, exploring historic streets, or sampling craft beers, the Twin Cities have something for every palate. We’ve picked the top food tours to help you savor Minneapolis and St. Paul like a local. Our favorites include options that combine history, scenic walking, and authentic local flavors, making each experience worthwhile.
For those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and tasting, the Minneapolis Riverwalk Food Tour stands out with its scenic route along the Mississippi River, visiting neighborhoods like Mill District and Northeast Minneapolis. If history and local stories appeal more, the Historic Downtown St Paul Food Tour offers a walk through the city’s storied streets with tasty stops and cultural insights. For a more modern, trendsetting taste, the Minneapolis Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours dives into Minneapolis’s evolving culinary scene in the North Loop. Each of these tours offers a different way to experience the Twin Cities’ food culture—detailed below so you can pick the best fit.
1. Minneapolis Riverwalk Food Tour
This tour takes you through some of Minneapolis’s most lively neighborhoods, with a highlight on the scenic Riverwalk area. It lasts about three hours and costs $79 per person. What makes this tour special is its combination of food tastings—nearly a dozen—alongside visits to landmarks like the Mill City Museum and St. Anthony Falls. You’ll explore the Mill District, once the heart of Minneapolis’s flour milling industry, and the vibrant Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood, known for its breweries and arts scene.
The tour is designed for small groups, ensuring a personalized experience. Highlights include tasting cheese curds, European-style baked bread, gelato, and locally brewed craft beer. The route follows the Stone Arch Bridge, offering great views of the Mississippi and the city skyline. The guide shares stories about Minneapolis’s history and culinary evolution, making it more than just a tasting session. With a mix of history, scenery, and food, this tour appeals to travelers wanting an active yet relaxed way to discover Minneapolis.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable guide and variety of food. One reviewer called it “a great mix of history and food,” emphasizing the hidden gems like the Tea House and Fletcher’s ice cream. The combination of walking nearly 2 miles and sampling diverse foods makes it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of exercise with their culinary adventure.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, scenic tour perfect for curious travelers who want to see the city and enjoy authentic local bites.
2. Historic Downtown St Paul Food Tour
At number two, this three-hour tour explores the historic heart of St. Paul for $79. It’s designed for those interested in local stories and culinary traditions. The route includes stops at Rice Park, Landmark Center, and the Saint Paul Hotel, blending food with a walk through the city’s most iconic sites.
This tour features tastings of local specialties and visits to unique eateries that have been part of the city’s fabric for decades. Highlights include sampling craft beer made with well water and visiting an old gangster hangout, giving a taste of the city’s colorful past. For history lovers, the guide provides in-depth commentary about landmarks like the Landmark Center and Summit Avenue mansions. The walk along the Mississippi River in the Northeast neighborhood adds a scenic touch, showcasing St. Paul’s rich cultural mix.
Reviews commend the tour’s engaging narration and variety of food stops, including the chocolate shop, the candy store, and a Somali diner. One reviewer said, “Kim was an excellent guide, sharing fun facts and a variety of food choices,” which highlights the tour’s personalized feel. The walking distance is manageable, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
Bottom Line: A flavorful way to explore St. Paul’s historic neighborhoods, perfect for history buffs and food lovers looking for a local experience.
3. Minneapolis Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
This tour is slightly pricier at $85.50 but promises a deep dive into Minneapolis’s hidden culinary scene. Over approximately three hours, you’ll explore two neighborhoods, focusing on off-the-beaten-path spots that showcase the city’s Scandinavian roots, immigrant influences, and innovative chefs.
What makes this tour different is its focus on secret spots behind the historic warehouses of the North Loop, now bustling with bakeries, gastropubs, and boutique eateries. Led by a passionate local guide, you’ll taste a variety of foods—ranging from Scandinavian pastries to modern fusion dishes. It’s perfect for travelers who want to discover lesser-known culinary treasures and see how Minneapolis’s food scene is evolving.
This tour delves into the city’s modern trendsetting neighborhoods, giving insights into the transformation of old warehouses into trendy food hubs. Since reviews are currently unavailable, it’s best suited for adventurous eaters who enjoy discovering new flavors and places. The tour’s focus on authentic local eats makes it worth the slightly higher price.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies eager to uncover Minneapolis’s trendy, lesser-explored neighborhoods and innovative cuisine.
$85.50 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour
When selecting a food tour in Minneapolis Saint Paul, consider your interests and physical activity level. If you want a scenic walk with a focus on history and local bites, the Minneapolis Riverwalk Food Tour offers a great mix. For those fascinated by St. Paul’s historic streets and traditional flavors, the Historic Downtown St Paul Food Tour provides depth and storytelling. If your passion lies in exploring up-and-coming neighborhoods and discovering secret culinary spots, the Minneapolis Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours might be your best bet.
Budget-wise, all tours are similar in price, but think about what you want from the experience: scenic views, historical insights, or trendy, innovative eats. Book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Minneapolis and St. Paul offer a wide range of food tours that showcase their rich, diverse culinary scenes. For a scenic, history-rich experience, the Minneapolis Riverwalk Food Tour hits the mark. If you prefer a walk through historic streets with a focus on local stories, the Historic Downtown St Paul Food Tour is ideal. For those craving a taste of Minneapolis’s modern, trendsetting neighborhoods, the Secret Food Tours offers an insider’s look.
No matter which tour you choose, each provides a delicious and educational way to explore these Twin Cities. To make the most of your trip, consider your interests, fitness level, and curiosity. Remember to book early, and get ready to savor the best of Minneapolis Saint Paul’s food culture.