Minneapolis is a lake-studded city on the Mississippi River, paired with its neighbor St. Paul as the Twin Cities. It's known for a strong arts and music scene (the Walker Art Center, the Guthrie Theater, First Avenue and Prince's legacy), a serious food culture, big parks and an outdoorsy, friendly culture that embraces all four seasons.

Come for the lakes, the arts and the food, and plan around the weather. The city's skyways (enclosed walkways connecting downtown buildings) make winter easier.

Spring (April to May) is cool and variable, with melting snow and blooming parks by May. Fewer crowds, lower prices.

Summer (June to August) is warm, green and lively, with lake swimming, patios, festivals and outdoor concerts. Best overall, and the busiest season. Thunderstorms and mosquitoes are common.

Fall (September to October) has crisp air, fall color and the Minnesota State Fair in late August to Labor Day (held in St. Paul).

Winter (December to March) is cold and snowy, with brutal wind chills. Winter festivals, skating, skiing and cozy bars are the draw. Dress carefully.

Check the events calendar. Football and baseball games, big concerts and conventions raise hotel prices.

2 days covers downtown, the riverfront and a lake.

3 days (recommended) adds the Walker and Sculpture Garden, a neighborhood day and a night of live music.

4 to 5 days adds St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minnehaha Falls or a day trip into the countryside.

Day 1, downtown and the river: morning at the Mill City Museum and the Stone Arch Bridge, then a walk through the North Loop's shops and restaurants. Afternoon at the Guthrie Theater's Endless Bridge or Mill Ruins Park. Evening dinner downtown or in the North Loop.

Day 2, lakes and arts: morning on the Chain of Lakes (rent a bike or kayak at Bde Maka Ska or Lake Harriet in summer, or skate or walk in winter). Afternoon at the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (with the Spoonbridge and Cherry), or the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Evening in Uptown or Lyn-Lake for food and bars.

Day 3, choose your own: Northeast Minneapolis for breweries and art studios, then First Avenue or another music venue. Or St. Paul: the State Capitol, Summit Avenue and Cathedral Hill. A family option is the Mall of America and the nearby aquarium.

Downtown and the North Loop suit first-timers and no-car trips: walkable, close to light rail and the skyway.

Uptown and Lyn-Lake suit nightlife, shopping and lake access: lively and walkable.

Northeast Minneapolis suits breweries and creative spaces: local feel, quieter.

Near the airport or Mall of America suit early flights and shopping: convenient but isolated.

St. Paul suits a historic, quieter base: easy via the Green Line.

Metro Transit runs the METRO Blue Line (airport, Mall of America and downtown) and Green Line (downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul), plus buses and the A Line rapid buses. Check current fares and use contactless payment or a Go-To card.

Downtown has an extensive skyway system that links buildings above street level, handy in bad weather. Nice Ride bikes and scooters are available seasonally.

Rideshare is plentiful. A car helps for outlying parks and day trips, but isn't necessary for a central stay. Winter driving can be tough; carry emergency gear if you rent.

Winter cold: wind chill can be dangerous. Cover exposed skin and dress in layers.

Lakes: swim only at lifeguarded beaches in summer. Never assume ice is safe; follow official guidance and posted signs.

Food: Juicy Lucy burgers, walleye, wild rice soup, hotdish and the city's many Somali, Hmong and Latin American restaurants are worth seeking out.

Mosquitoes: common in summer evenings and near water. Bring repellent.

Last call is 2 a.m. Tipping 18 to 20% is standard.

Minneapolis is generally friendly and easy for visitors, with big-city awareness. Downtown can feel quiet and a little rough at night in some blocks; stay alert, keep valuables secure and use rideshare late. Lock your car and take belongings with you.

Winter hazards are the main risk: frostbite, ice and car trouble. Check forecasts, carry extra layers and let someone know your plans. In summer, watch for severe storms and heat.

Emergencies: dial 911. Urgent-care clinics and pharmacies are common, and the Twin Cities have major hospital systems. If you take prescription medications, bring a buffer supply. In extreme cold, know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Layers, a warm coat, hat, gloves and insulated boots in winter, comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket in other seasons, insect repellent and sunscreen for summer, and a swimsuit for the lakes.