The Playground

All the best ways to explore the Twin Cities without breaking the bank.

By Hannah Jarosch 

When it comes to experiencing the best of what the Twin Cities offer, you don’t need to break the bank doing it. You can be boujee and still cater to your wallet. 

Rose Prosser is a student at the University of Minnesota who struggles to keep up with expenses and yet manages to chase down some fun in the city. Prosser learned to navigate the city on a budget by taking advantage of free or low-cost places and events, using public transportation, and discovering affordable eateries instead of dining at expensive restaurants.

 “I usually find myself making more memories in the city by finding joy in simple pleasures,” Prosser said. 

Here are a few tips for chasing mad fun on a budget yourself. 

Explore the great outdoors: The Twin Cities are known for their beautiful parks and lakes. You can enjoy a day of hiking, biking, or even a leisurely picnic in spots like Minnehaha Falls Park, Theodore Wirth Regional Park, or Lake Harriet. Walk across the Stone Arch Bridge for free to see the terrific views of the Mississippi River and Saint Anthony Falls. These outdoor activities are not only affordable but also a great way to take in the natural beauty of the area. 

Visit museums and art galleries: Many museums and art galleries in the Twin Cities offer free admission or have specific free days or discounted rates. The Minneapolis Institute of Art, (MIA) the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, and the Walker Sculpture Garden, with the iconic spoon cherry, for instance, have free admission days, allowing you to explore world-class art without spending a dime. 

Enjoy budget-friendly eats: The Twin Cities boast a vibrant food scene, and there are plenty of affordable dining options. Visit the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis, where you can sample a wide variety of international cuisines on a budget. Or check out food trucks and street vendors for tasty and inexpensive bites. If you want to enjoy a night out, look for restaurants and bars that offer happy hour specials. Many establishments in the Twin Cities have discounted drinks and appetizers during specific hours, making it an affordable way to savor the local flavors. 

Attend free events: Keep an eye on local event listings for free or low-cost events happening in the Twin Cities. In the summer, you can find free outdoor concerts, movies in the park, and cultural festivals that are both entertaining and budget friendly. 

Shopping: It might not seem like the best budget-friendly advice, but if you’re in need of adding to your wardrobe, Minnesota’s got you covered. There are no taxes on clothing sales here so you can save quite a bit more than you would in other states. Thrifting is another great way to save your pennies on clothing as the Twin Cities has numerous second-hand shops. Unique Thrift Store has a large selection of gently used clothing. On Mondays, they even offer 25% off most items. You can’t go wrong with the Salvation Army in North Loop for cheap finds. It’s known to have a semi-secret Target overstock with plenty of brand-new merchandise at heavily discounted prices.  

Transportation: Budgeting on transportation might just be the best way to thank your wallet in the Twin Cities. Use the Metro Transit system, which connects both cities with buses and light rail. You can purchase day passes for unlimited rides, making it a cost-effective way to get around and explore the area. You can also find Nice Ride city bikes and scooters that are wallet-friendly to save on high gas prices. 

Kiana Coombs, who moved to the Twin Cities in 2019, found it difficult to keep up with the city’s expenses. After living here for a couple of years now, she has adapted new ways to save and spend. Coombs eventually created a categorized spreadsheet for the year, updating monthly spending and figuring out where she can trim excess spending, or where she can spend more while still saving. One small tip is to head outside city limits to fill up her car. 

“Gas prices are a lot cheaper when you go further away from the middle of the city. I would never fill up at a gas station right off a busy highway exit,” Coombs said.