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
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Monona

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

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
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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
Morning view

Bay Creek

Though Bay Creek might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Henry Vilas Zoo and Vilas Park.

Bay Creek
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 P8,155 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
P8,155
P9,419 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 9 - Feb 10
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! (2,280 reviews)
"Very happy with my stay. Service stood out because check-in took longer than expected but the staff took care of us. With reactions like that I owe them the good survey."

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2025

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
Best Western West Towne Suites
Best Western West Towne Suites
2.5 out of 5
650 Grand Canyon Dr, Madison, WI
The price is P3,969 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
P3,969
P4,584 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 16 - Feb 17
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! (1,085 reviews)
"Pretty good place"

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2025

Best Western West Towne Suites
Hyatt Place Madison Downtown
Hyatt Place Madison Downtown
3 out of 5
333 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI
The price is P6,698 per night from 12 Feb to 13 Feb
P6,698
P7,736 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 12 - Feb 13
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Madison. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Nice hotel Madison Downtown
"Staff very friendly, hotel very clean. King suite room was good sized and comfortable. The water pressure in the shower was amazing! Free breakfast had a really nice selection of food. Close enough to walk to the capital, State Street and the Kohl Center."

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2025

Hyatt Place Madison Downtown
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Very nice property. Check-in was easy and the underground parking was convenient. We rented a 2 bedroom that was plenty of space for our family of 4. The beds were comfortable and the unit was spotless. The area was very quiet but only a few blocks from the square and East Wash. I'll definitely be ..."

Reviewed on Feb 2, 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.

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