Historic Downtown St Paul Food Tour

If you’re like us, you’re always on the lookout for experiences that combine good food with a bit of local storytelling. The Historic Downtown St. Paul Food Tour promises just that—a chance to wander through the city’s historic streets, sample some of its best eats, and learn about the area’s past from a knowledgeable guide. It’s a great way to spend a few hours if you enjoy walking and are interested in food that reflects the culture of the Twin Cities.

What really caught our eye is how this tour balances delicious local flavors with insights into St. Paul’s history. Plus, the small-group setting makes it feel intimate, giving you a chance to ask questions and get personalized attention. On the flip side, the walking aspect could be a consideration if you’re not keen on lots of steps, but overall, this tour seems well-suited for those who love a mix of history, food, and a little adventure.

For travelers who want to explore downtown in a relaxed, engaging way—and don’t mind a bit of walking—this tour hits many of the right notes. It’s especially appealing to foodies, history buffs, or anyone craving a taste of local life in St. Paul.

Key Points

• Thoughtfully Curated Itinerary: Combines historic sights with food tastings to give you a well-rounded experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, making the stories and food come alive.
• Diverse Food Stops: From chocolatiers to ethnic eateries, the tour celebrates local and multicultural cuisines.
• Small Group: Ensures a more personalized, engaging experience with fewer crowds.
• Walks through Historic Areas: Includes landmarks like Rice Park, Landmark Center, and the Saint Paul Hotel.
• Good Value: At $79, you get about three hours of guided exploration, food tasting, and local insights.

What to Expect from the Tour

This 3-hour walking experience takes you through St. Paul’s most historic neighborhoods, with stops that let you taste some of the city’s culinary gems and learn about its past. Starting at Union Depot, you’ll head into the heart of downtown, where the tour is based indoors for most of the tastings, making it comfortable regardless of weather.

The Itinerary in Detail

Rice Park:
Your journey begins in Rice Park, which is not only beautiful but also central to downtown St. Paul. Here, you’ll learn about the city’s food culture while sampling local bites. This stop sets the tone, blending history with culinary delights.

Landmark Center:
From there, you’ll stroll over to the Landmark Center, an impressive building with a storied past. Along the way, you’ll pass quaint eateries proud of their local roots—many of which have been serving their communities for decades. One standout is a chocolate shop that’s been delighting visitors since 1932, and you’ll have the chance to try some of their handcrafted confections.

Historic Streets & the Saint Paul Hotel:
The tour also takes you past the iconic Saint Paul Hotel overlooking Rice Park, offering a glimpse into the city’s elegance and history. Walking through these historic streets helps you understand how the city has evolved and what makes it unique.

Mississippi River & Northeast Neighborhood:
The last part of the tour includes a walk along the Mississippi River in the Northeast neighborhood, giving you scenic views and more context about the city’s development.

Food Highlights

Expect a variety of local specialties and foods from multicultural communities. Reviewers point out that the tour includes hand-crafted chocolates, diverse cuisines such as Somali, and even craft beers brewed with well water, which adds to the culinary intrigue. The guide is praised for sharing fun facts and ensuring a flexible, inclusive experience—important if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.

The Food and Drink

The food stops reflect a mix of sweet and savory options, with a particular highlight being a chocolate tasting that includes sipping chocolates and truffles. Other stops include sampling craft beers and tasting foods from different cultures, making this a well-rounded culinary experience.

The Experience and Atmosphere

Touring in a small group (up to 25 people) keeps things cozy and conversational. Reviewers consistently mention the guides’ knowledgeability and friendly attitude. One reviewer called their guide Jonas a “wealth of knowledge,” which suggests you’ll get a richer understanding of both the city and its cuisine.

Since most of the tour involves walking through historic neighborhoods, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes. The total walking distance isn’t specified, but reviews mention about 7,700 steps, so it’s not a leisurely stroll but manageable for most.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour starts at Union Depot, close to public transportation, so reaching the meeting point should be straightforward. The tour includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, so the $79 cost is transparent. It’s recommended to specify any dietary restrictions when booking—special menus can be arranged if requested 24 hours in advance. Minimum age is 21 due to alcohol, and children must be accompanied by adults, making it mostly suitable for adult travelers or teens interested in food and history.

Price and Value

At $79 per person, this tour offers a good deal considering the three hours of guided activity and multiple food tastings. The reviews indicate that guides are engaging and knowledgeable, which adds value. Comparing it to other experiences, this isn’t the cheapest, but the small-group setting, quality of food, and historical insights justify the price.

Why It’s Worth It

• Culinary Diversity: Tastes from different cultures give you a broad view of the city’s food scene.
• Rich Stories: The guide shares interesting facts about landmarks and the city’s past.
• Comfortable Setting: Most tastings are indoors, which is convenient regardless of weather.
• Flexibility: Special dietary options are available with advance notice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to see downtown St. Paul from a different perspective. It’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy walking but prefer a guided, curated experience rather than wandering aimlessly. If you’re interested in tasting local specialties and learning about the city’s development, this tour will meet those interests.

While not explicitly family-focused, it’s generally suitable for older teens and adults comfortable with walking and standing. Keep in mind the minimum age of 21 due to alcohol, but younger visitors interested in cultural and food experiences will still find value.

Final Thoughts

The Historic Downtown St. Paul Food Tour offers a charming way to explore the Twin Cities’ lesser-known historical and culinary treasures. With knowledgeable guides, a variety of local bites, and scenic walks through historic neighborhoods, it’s a well-rounded experience that balances storytelling with tasty bites.

If you enjoy discovering cities on foot and savoring diverse foods, this tour is a smart pick. It may not be for those who dislike walking or need more flexibility with dietary restrictions, but overall, it’s a fun, engaging, and delicious way to spend an afternoon in St. Paul.

FAQ

• How long is the tour?
  It lasts about 3 hours, covering several historic areas and multiple food stops.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  It begins at Union Depot and ends at 421 Cedar St, near St. Paul.

• Is the tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
  Yes, dietary restrictions such as nut-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, shellfish-free, and pork-free can be accommodated if requested 24 hours in advance.

• Is this tour easy to walk?
  There will be some walking involved—roughly 7,700 steps—so comfortable shoes are recommended.

• Are children allowed?
  Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 21, due to alcohol sampling.

• Are there any additional costs?
  All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the price.

• What makes this tour special?
  The combination of historic sights, diverse food tastings, and personal guides makes for a memorable experience.

• Can I get a group discount?
  Yes, group discounts are available, making it a good option for friends or small groups.

• Is this tour weather-dependent?
  Most tastings are indoors, so weather isn’t a big concern, but the walking portion is outside.

• Do I need to book in advance?
  Yes, it’s recommended to book ahead to secure your spot, especially during busy times.

If you’re eager to explore St. Paul with your taste buds and curiosity in tow, this tour offers a friendly, well-crafted way to do just that.