On the banks of the Mississippi stands the 16th largest metropolitan area in the US, with a population of 3.2 million, known as Minneapolis or the "City of Lakes", as its admirers love to call it. Minneapolis is indeed the "City of Lakes" and a great destination for those who love water. With 22 lakes, wetlands, creeks, waterfalls, and the rhythmic flow of the Mississippi surrounding it, the city offers great fishing and water activities all year round.

Minneapolis is also one of the most literate cities in the United States, with over 100 public schools, 20 private schools and the famous University of Minnesota, the focus on education is a primary goal of the city. Other educational facilities such as, The Art Institutes International Minnesota, and the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology add to the cities elite literary status. With a great cultural literary atmosphere and one of the healthiest living environments the US can offer, the city attracts a large number of residents and tourists from both the national and international level.

With attractions that offer an eden like atmosphere of relaxation, enjoyment and educational benefits, such as the Grand Round Scenic Byway, Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, The Sculpture garden, Frederick Arts Museum, Falls of Saint Anthony, Minnehaha falls, Depot Skating Park, Basilica of Saint Mary, along with the University of Minnesota, the city attracts a large number of students and tourists alike.

If you are a tourist, finding a great hotel should be the first thing on your mind. Most of the cities in US offer a wide variety and range of hotels to suit every pocketbook, right from the casual traveler and backpackers to the executive business travelers. Some of the best four and five star hotels in Minneapolis include Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, Marriot Minneapolis, Hilton Minneapolis, The Marquette Minneapolis, Graves 601 Hotel, The Grand Hotel Minneapolis, Sofitel Minneapolis, where you can have a luxurious stay along with executive facilities from 250 dollars upwards. Most of these hotels are located in the Downtown area. Although, Bloomington has also some executive deluxe hotels. If you want an economical deal on hotels check out the Hostel, American Inn, Aqua City Hotel, Motel 6, Oakwood at La Salle, Holiday Inn Express suites where you can grab a very good bargain. The normal rates at these hotels vary between $43 and $125 dollars a night. But as prices are subject to change, be sure to check out the rates before you set out on your trip. Most of these hotels offer complimentary breakfast and often low priced buffet lunch and dinners. The 5 star hotels offer chauffer driven cars for transportion, however the economy traveler need not worry about affordable transportation.

The city has a solid public transportation system that is connected through busses, and metro transit light rails, that offer affordable transportation to most areas of the city. However if you want to explore the city on your own, you can contact a good car rental company. Avis, Enterprise, budget, Thrifty are some of the companies that will give you very good deals on weekly and daily car rentals.

The cuisines offered by Minneapolis restaurants are something you will not want to miss out on. Most of the famous as well as economical restaurants are located on Eat Street in Minneapolis. Dinkytown and Stadium Village also boast some terrific restaurants. Safari Restaurant, Caterpillar Lounge, Black Forest Inn, Little Tijuana are highly recommended restaurants that travelers as well as local residents enjoy. However apart from these popular restaurants you can check out the Vietnamese restaurants, simply because you can't get a cheaper lunch and dinner anywhere else. Lunch and dinner at $5 to $10 dollars is amazingly unbelievable. In Dinky town check out the Dinkytowner and The Steak Knife. Stub and Herb and Sally's saloon are also highly recommended.

If you are impressed by the facilities and the opportunities in Minneapolis, you may want to look for an apartment, condo or house to migrate permanently to the city. The real estate business has undergone massive changes in the last 5 years. In 2006 there were more permits issued for new construction in the Downtown area than any of the surrounding suburbs or surrounding cities. Traditional homes are a bit pricey at $250000 dollars upwards, but don't worry some homes and downtown condos are still quite affordable and apartments are also available for rent. You can contact any Real estate dealer in the city to assist you on finding the latest bargain in housing available.

The presence of multinational loan companies and banks help ensure that you have enough cash to buy your home or start constructing your house for that matter. Brookfield, Burnet, and Countrywide are some reliable home loan companies. Auto loans are also available in Minneapolis contact the Minneapolis Auto Finance and car Loans or The Security Auto Loans for the best expert advice and different deals like low down payments and exchange. For home, life and Medicare insurance some of the best available options include Chubb Group of insurance, State farm Insurance, all State and American Family insurance.