Madison

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit Madison
Photo provided by Visit Madison
Photo provided by Visit Madison
Photo provided by Visit Madison
Photo provided by Visit Madison
Wisconsin’s capital and second-largest city offers spectacular natural and architectural beauty and many ways to enjoy watersports. 

With five lakes, more than 250 parks and hundreds of miles of biking and walking trails, Madison is loaded with outdoor attractions. The city center is perched on an isthmus between two lakes, Mendota and Monona. There are thousands of acres of fields, parks and dairy farms just outside the city. This natural environment contributes to Madison’s relaxed way of life.

Enjoy the watersports offered year-round on Lake Mendota, including water skiing and canoeing in summer and ice boating and ice hockey in winter. Stroll through the wetlands, prairie and forest of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum.

Visit Downtown Madison to see the seat of Wisconsin’s state government, the only state capitol built on an isthmus. Take one of the free daily tours to admire the rotunda’s extravagantly decorated ceiling and the building’s art and hand-carved furniture.

If you appreciate great architecture, head two blocks south of the Wisconsin State Capitol Building to the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. The building is based on a design by Wisconsin native, Frank Lloyd Wright. Often considered one of the greatest architects of the 20th century, Wright designed many civic structures and homes in the city.

Madison regularly appears on lists of the country’s “most walkable” cities and is easy to get around. Since by law, new and redeveloped roads must accommodate pedestrians and bikes as well as cars, the city is constantly increasing areas with non-car access. If you want to pedal around the city, use Madison B-Cycle urban bike-share program. For information about bike paths, visit the City of Madison’s website. Alternatively, use the Metro Transit bus service. Driving in the city center is not recommended since parking is scarce and permits are required in some areas.

Madison’s residents may place a strong emphasis on healthy living, but they also know how to celebrate. Every Memorial Day weekend at the end of May, the city hosts four days of food, music and fun, dubbed “The World’s Largest Bratfest,” featuring thousands of juicy bratwurst sausages.

Where to stay in Madison

Madison showing a garden, a house and flowers

Downtown Madison

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Madison. A stop by Orpheum Theater or Overture Center for the Arts might round out your trip.

Downtown Madison
Default Image

Monona

Monona is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Winnequah Park.

Monona
I love this sign.  Spotted near the UW Madison campus.  #iconography #vaf2012 #octopus #sign #retro

Regent

Regent might not have many top sights, but Camp Randall Stadium and Wisconsin Field House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Regent
Madison's first and best Thai restaurant. I can't imagine Pad Thai tasting any better than how they make it.

Marquette

While visiting Marquette, you might make a stop by sights like Yahara Place Park and Orton Park.

Marquette
Default Image

Greenbush

While Greenbush might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Wisconsin Field House and Kohl Center.

Greenbush
This spot is an ice rink in the winter but a beautiful place to spend the day in the city of Madison #adventure

Tenney-Lapham

While visiting Tenney-Lapham, you might make a stop by sights like Breese Stevens Field and Lake Mendota.

Tenney-Lapham
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
3.5 out of 5
1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI
The price is P8,329 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
P8,329
P9,620 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 23 - Feb 24
Stay at this 3.5-star luxury hotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,305 reviews)
Omg the bed and pillows
"The hotel was very quiet. I’ve been running into a lot of hotels that have dogs barking through the night or smell like urine. This hotel was exceptional the bed, the pillows, the shower. The shower was exhilarating. The pressure was firm. The water temperature was very hot just like I like it Back ..."

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2025

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
Best Western Plus InnTowner Madison
Best Western Plus InnTowner Madison
3 out of 5
2424 University Avenue, Madison, WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,288 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
P7,288
P8,417 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 24 - Feb 25
Stay at this hotel in Madison. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Madison Hotel
"The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the restaurant offers delicious food, and the location is convenient and well-maintained."

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2025

Best Western Plus InnTowner Madison
Best Western West Towne Suites
Best Western West Towne Suites
2.5 out of 5
650 Grand Canyon Dr, Madison, WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,933 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
P3,933
P4,542 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 24 - Feb 25
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Madison. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,135 reviews)
Madison weekend
"Comfortable bed, great pillows. Had a Jetta tub in room - fabulous! Not the greatest tv selections but wasn’t there to watch tv."

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2025

Best Western West Towne Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Dylin by Locale
The Dylin by Locale
4 out of 5
611 E Dayton St, Madison, WI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Kohl Center and Camp Randall ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"This is a fabulous location. The building is beautiful. The beds are cozy and the units have all the amenities one would need. Absolutely fabulous! The only complaint is communication is lacking In the weekends if booking or having issues. M-Friday the text communication is great. I’m having an issue ..."

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2025

The Dylin by Locale
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do