bigtravelbuzzMadison is the capital of the US state of Wisconsin, located in the southern part of the state. It is a vibrant and culturally rich city, home to many festivals, museums, and outdoor activities.
Some of the top things to do in Madison include visiting the Wisconsin State Capitol, exploring the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, wandering around the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and taking a stroll down State Street, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. Other popular attractions in Madison include the Henry Vilas Zoo, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, and the Chazen Museum of Art.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Madison offers plenty of opportunities for biking, hiking, and boating. The city is located on the shores of Lake Mendota, one of the largest lakes in Wisconsin, and is surrounded by several parks and nature reserves, including the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, the Picnic Point Trail, and the Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
Foodies will enjoy the vibrant food scene in Madison, with a wide range of restaurants serving everything from traditional American fare to international cuisine. Some of the top-rated restaurants in Madison include L’Etoile, which specializes in locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, and Graze, a farm-to-table gastropub that offers a range of creative dishes.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, or food, there is something for everyone in Madison.
Places to Visit in Madison
Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin, offers a range of attractions for visitors. Here are some places to visit in Madison:
Wisconsin State Capitol: The impressive domed building in the heart of Madison houses the Wisconsin State Legislature and is open for public tours.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens: These gardens are a beautiful place to visit, with outdoor gardens, a conservatory, and a Thai pavilion.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Take a stroll around the campus of this renowned university, which includes historic buildings, art galleries, and museums.
Henry Vilas Zoo: This free zoo has over 800 animals, including giraffes, lions, and tigers.
Chazen Museum of Art: This museum houses a diverse collection of art, including American and European works, contemporary pieces, and Asian art.
Wisconsin Historical Museum: Learn about the history of Wisconsin through interactive exhibits and displays.
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center: Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this building hosts events and offers stunning views of Lake Monona.
State Street: This pedestrian-friendly street is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, and is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.
Capitol Square: Located in the heart of downtown, this square is home to the State Capitol building and hosts farmers’ markets, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.
Devil’s Lake State Park: Just a short drive from Madison, this park offers hiking trails, swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities.
Best Time To Visit Madison
The best time to visit Madison is during the summer months of June, July, and August when the weather is warm and the city’s numerous outdoor activities are in full swing. The fall months of September and October are also a popular time to visit due to the beautiful fall foliage and numerous seasonal events. Winter can be cold and snowy in Madison, but it can also be a good time to visit if you enjoy winter sports and activities. Spring, specifically May, is also a great time to visit as the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor events and festivals.
Things to Do in Madison
Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin, offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some things to do in Madison:
Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol: Take a guided tour of the beautiful Capitol building and learn about the state’s history and politics.
Explore the University of Wisconsin-Madison: This prestigious university has a beautiful campus with several museums, art galleries, and gardens to visit.
Go to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens: These stunning gardens feature a Thai pavilion, a rose garden, and a butterfly exhibit.
Visit the Henry Vilas Zoo: This free zoo features a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and primates.
Walk or bike around Lake Mendota: This picturesque lake offers beautiful views of the city and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Check out the Wisconsin Historical Museum: Learn about the state’s history through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
Take a brewery tour: Madison is home to several craft breweries, and many offer tours and tastings.
Visit the Chazen Museum of Art: This museum has an extensive collection of American, European, and Asian art.
See a show at the Overture Center for the Arts: This performing arts center hosts a variety of shows, from theater to dance to music.
Shop at the Dane County Farmers’ Market: This popular market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.
How to get around in Madison
Madison has several options for getting around the city:
Bus: Madison Metro Transit operates a network of bus routes that cover the city and surrounding areas. Fares are affordable and the service is reliable.
Bike: Madison is a very bike-friendly city, with a network of bike paths and lanes throughout the city. You can rent bikes from various shops in the city, and there is also a bike share program called B-cycle.
Car: You can rent a car from various rental agencies in the city. However, parking can be difficult and expensive in the downtown area.
Taxi and rideshare: Taxi services and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available in the city.
Walking: Madison is a very walkable city, especially in the downtown area. Many of the city’s attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Where to eat in Madison
Madison has a vibrant food scene, with a variety of options ranging from farm-to-table restaurants to street food vendors. Here are some popular places to eat in Madison:
Graze – a farm-to-table restaurant serving American cuisine
L’Etoile – a French-inspired restaurant known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu
Ian’s Pizza – famous for its unconventional pizza toppings, including mac and cheese and mashed potatoes
The Old Fashioned – a classic Wisconsin tavern with a menu featuring regional specialties such as cheese curds and bratwurst
Marigold Kitchen – a cozy breakfast spot with homemade baked goods and locally roasted coffee
Sujeo – a Korean-inspired restaurant with a contemporary twist, serving dishes like kimchi fried rice and bibimbap bowls.
These are just a few options among the many great places to eat in Madison.
Famous street stalls in Madison
Madison, Wisconsin is known for its diverse culinary scene, and there are many street stalls and food carts throughout the city offering delicious food options. Here are some of the most famous street stalls in Madison:
The Cart: This popular food cart is located on Library Mall and offers a variety of street food, including falafel, gyros, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Banzo: Banzo is a food cart that serves delicious Mediterranean food, including falafel, shawarma, and hummus.
La Taguara: La Taguara is a food cart that serves authentic Venezuelan cuisine, including arepas and empanadas.
El Grito Taqueria: This food cart serves authentic Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
Good Food: Good Food is a food cart that serves organic and locally sourced food, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
These are just a few of the many street stalls and food carts in Madison. There are many other options to explore and try, each with their own unique flavors and styles.
Where to stay in Madison
Luxury accommodation
Madison offers a range of luxury accommodations for visitors looking for upscale amenities and comfortable surroundings. Some of the best luxury hotels in Madison include:
The Edgewater – This hotel is located on the shores of Lake Mendota and offers luxurious rooms with lake views, a spa, rooftop bar, and multiple dining options.
Mansion Hill Inn – This boutique hotel is located in a historic mansion in the heart of downtown Madison. It offers elegant rooms with antique furnishings, a daily breakfast, and afternoon tea.
HotelRED – This modern boutique hotel is located near the University of Wisconsin campus and offers spacious rooms with contemporary décor, a fitness center, and a rooftop lounge.
Graduate Madison – This hotel is located on the edge of the University of Wisconsin campus and offers stylish rooms with unique décor, an outdoor terrace, and a lively rooftop bar.
AC Hotel Madison Downtown – This Marriott property offers sleek and modern rooms with city views, a fitness center, and a European-style breakfast.
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club – This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Madison and offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and a top-floor club lounge with panoramic views of the city.
Hilton Madison Monona Terrace – This hotel is located near the Monona Terrace Convention Center and offers spacious rooms with lake or city views, an indoor pool, and a restaurant with a rooftop terrace.
All of these luxury hotels offer easy access to Madison’s top attractions, including the State Capitol, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the city’s many parks and lakes.
Where to stay in Madison
Budget accommodation
Madison offers a variety of budget accommodation options for visitors. Here are some suggestions:
HI Madison Hostel: This centrally-located hostel offers affordable dorm rooms and private rooms, as well as a shared kitchen and lounge area.
Super 8 by Wyndham Madison South: This budget hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price, and is located just a short drive from downtown Madison.
Motel 6 Madison East: This budget motel offers simple, no-frills rooms at a budget-friendly price, and is located just off the interstate for easy access to the city.
Red Roof Inn Madison: This budget hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price, and is located just a short drive from downtown Madison.
Rodeway Inn & Suites WI Madison-Northeast: This budget hotel offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a complimentary continental breakfast.
These are just a few examples of the budget accommodation options available in Madison. Visitors can also consider searching for vacation rentals, guesthouses, and other budget-friendly accommodations through platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com.
Travel Tips Madison
Here are some travel tips for visiting Madison, Wisconsin:
Visit in the summer: Madison has a lot to offer year-round, but the summer months (June-August) are the most popular time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny, and many outdoor festivals and events take place during this time.
Explore the outdoors: Madison is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, such as the UW Arboretum, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and the Lakeshore Path. Rent a bike, take a walk, or go for a paddle to fully experience the city’s natural beauty.
Check out the food scene: Madison is home to many great restaurants, cafes, and bars, serving everything from classic Wisconsin fare to international cuisine. Don’t miss out on local favorites like cheese curds, brats, and craft beer.
Take a tour: Madison has a rich history and culture, and there are many ways to learn more about it. Take a guided walking tour, visit a museum, or check out a local brewery or distillery for a behind-the-scenes look.
Use public transportation: While Madison is a relatively small city, it can be difficult to navigate without a car. Fortunately, there are several public transportation options, including buses and bike rentals, that can help you get around.
Be prepared for weather changes: Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to pack for a variety of conditions. Bring layers, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes, and be ready for sudden temperature drops or heat waves.