State capital with the Cathedral, Science Museum, Xcel Energy Center, and Summit Avenue historic mansions.

About Downtown Saint Paul

Downtown Saint Paul has a distinctly different character from its larger twin — quieter, more historic, and anchored by impressive civic architecture. The Minnesota State Capitol, with its gleaming white marble dome designed by Cass Gilbert (who also designed the U.S. Supreme Court building), presides over the city from Capitol Hill. The Cathedral of Saint Paul, a massive Beaux-Arts church modeled on St. Peter's Basilica, faces the capitol from its own hilltop across the valley.

Saint Paul's downtown embraces its literary heritage as the birthplace of F. Scott Fitzgerald, with a walking tour passing his childhood homes and the now-trendy Summit Avenue mansions that inspired 'The Great Gatsby.' The Science Museum of Minnesota, perched on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, and the Minnesota Children's Museum are family favorites, while the Landmark Center (a restored Richardsonian Romanesque courthouse) hosts concerts, art exhibitions, and festivals.

Rice Park and the connected Ordway Center for the Performing Arts anchor the cultural district, while the revitalized Lowertown neighborhood — a warehouse district now filled with artist lofts, restaurants, craft breweries (including the iconic Summit Brewing Company nearby), and the Saint Paul Farmers' Market (one of the oldest in the Midwest) — provides the culinary and nightlife energy.

Nearby Landmarks

Minnesota State Capitol Cathedral of Saint Paul Science Museum Landmark Center

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $30-40
Time 20-25 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $25-35
Time 20-25 minutes

Terminal 1 Level 1

Train (METRO Blue + Green Line)

Cost $2
Time 40-45 minutes
Frequency Every 10-15 min (Blue), every 10 min (Green)

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Blue Line to US Bank Stadium, transfer to Green Line toward Union Depot (Saint Paul).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $30-40 20-25 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $25-35 20-25 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $2 40-45 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The METRO Green Line runs until approximately midnight. Downtown Saint Paul is quieter at night than Minneapolis, with most activity concentrated in the Lowertown neighborhood (W.A. Frost, the Bulldog, Keg & Case Market). Uber and Lyft are available but with longer wait times than in Minneapolis. Late-night ride-shares to MSP cost $20-30. The Xcel Energy Center area (Minnesota Wild hockey) has additional transport on game nights.

Luggage Tips

The METRO Green Line can accommodate luggage, though the trip is longer than the Blue Line to Minneapolis (40 minutes). Taxis from MSP to Saint Paul cost approximately $30-40. The Union Depot (Saint Paul's Amtrak station) has a grand waiting hall but no luggage storage. Most downtown Saint Paul hotels are within walking distance of the Green Line stations. Lowertown's flat streets are easy for rolling luggage.

Accessibility

The METRO Green Line is fully wheelchair accessible with level boarding. Downtown Saint Paul has wide sidewalks with curb cuts. The Science Museum of Minnesota is fully accessible. The State Capitol underwent extensive renovation with improved accessibility. The Cathedral of Saint Paul has elevator access. Lowertown is flat and generally accessible. Most downtown hotels have accessible rooms. Winter ice can present challenges on outdoor surfaces.