EAST MINNEAPOLIS. This distinctive museum is housed in the turn-of-the-century Turnblad Mansion, Minneapolis' only castle, complete with intricate stone carvings and gargoyles. The historic mansion and sleek Nelson Cultural Center allow ASI to host contemporary art, music, and craft programs inspired by enduring ties to Sweden. ASI's café, FIKA, was named Best Lunch in Minnesota by the Star Tribune in 2013.

DOWNTOWN. Built almost a hundred years ago, this stately, impressive basilica serves the oldest Catholic parish in Minneapolis. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the church features entrance towers made of white Vermont granite and a copper dome that rises almost 200 feet. The sanctuary floor is made of pink Tennessee marble, and the nave is one of the widest in the world. Visitors should be respectful of masses being conducted; self-guided tour brochures can be found at the back of the sanctuary.

DOWNTOWN. At 32 stories and 447 feet, Foshay Tower seems small by today's skyscraper standards. However, the tower, built in 1929, was the tallest building in Minneapolis until 1971, when it was eclipsed by the 775-foot IDS Tower. Today, Foshay Tower is a well-preserved remnant of graceful, 1920s-era Art Deco style and is home to the W Hotel Minneapolis.

DOWNTOWN. This whimsical, pastel yellow-and-blue pedestrian bridge, designed by Siah Armajani, features graceful supporting arches and an enclosed private walking space, complete with poetry to read on the journey. It crosses 16 lanes of bustling I-94 traffic between downtown, Loring Park, and the Lowry Hill neighborhood.

UPTOWN. The Minneapolis Institute of the Arts owns this early 20th-century home, which was restored in 1991. The fascinating residence features decorative touches typical of Prairie School architecture and design, including intricate stenciling and art-glass windows. Many of the original furnishings remain in the low-slung structure. Tours are given at 10am, 11am, noon, and 1pm on Saturday and at noon, 1pm, and 2pm on Sunday. Reservations are required.

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. This area, once populated with empty industrial buildings and storefronts, has been rejuvenated in recent years and now offers some of the city's best dining, shopping, and entertainment. Sports fans can catch the Timberwolves at the Target Center or see the Vikings and the Twins at the nearby Metrodome. Over forty restaurants and bars, serving a wealth of cuisines and libations, dot the district, as do clubs, art galleries, intimate live music venues, and small theaters. Plenty of architectural personality adds to the pleasure of spending time in this northwest Minneapolis neighborhood.

UNIVERSITY. This Minneapolis museum's truly unique collection is a definite must-see. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum building houses the University of Minnesota's extensive collection of 20th-century American art. The permanent collection includes more than 17,000 works and spans a diverse variety of styles and genres, including American modernism, Mimbres pottery, Korean furniture and ceramics. Featured artists include Roy Lichtenstein, Georgia O'Keeffe and Marcel Duchamp. Special exhibits are scheduled throughout the year.