Although most of the city's grid is along a strict north-south/east-west layout, the area near downtown on both sides of the river lies at an angle to the rest of the city's grid to better align with the river. Here streets run parallel to the river, and avenues run perpendicular except for Washington Avenue, which parallels the river. Downtown contains mostly numbered streets and avenues, although a few important ones are named. Most of Downtown is within South Minneapolis, although the Warehouse District extends into North Minneapolis. Keep in mind that this is the only part of town, other than the West Bank, where you will encounter streets as well avenues designated "South". The intersection of S 2nd Ave and S 5th St is many blocks from the intersection of S 2nd St and S 5th Ave!
Much of downtown uses a series of Skyways, (http://downtownmpls.com/i...) to connect downtown shops and businesses. Navigating the skyway system can be confusing since one often has to take a curcuitous route to reach their destination. However, it's often a welcome alternative to walking outside in Minneapolis' harsh winter cold. For example, one could walk from the Convention Center in Minneapolis to Washington Avenue a block before the Mississippi without going outside, and without stopping at a pedestrian traffic light. Interstate 394 feeds into heated parking garages, so that a Wayzatan suburbanite could enter her vehicle, drive the length of 394 to the heated lot, go to work, shop at Target or Neiman-Marcus, see a movie, have dinner, and return home - all without having to wear a coat or change clothes, even in 20-below weather.
If you get tired of walking, Metro Transit buses are only $0.50 per ride within the Downtown Zone; keep in mind that no transfers are issued when paying the downtown fare. You can also ride a light-rail train between Target Field and Downtown East/Metrodome stations for this same fare. In addition, certain buses on the Nicollet Mall are marked "Free Ride"; specifically, they are the northbound Route 18 and southbound Route 10 buses. You can board these buses without paying a fare.
