Your Travel Guide to Madison, Wisconsin
Having a drink at Memorial Union Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin. Click on my photos to pin on Pinterest!
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin is fun all year around. This city is a college town, Wisconsin’s second largest city, and there’s so much to do and so much energy! I’m lucky enough to have family members and friends who have lived in Madison, and still do, to show me around and take me to all the best spots. I always have an amazing time in Madison every time I visit, and I hope you do too!
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Where to Stay Around Madison
When you’re visiting Madison, it’s conveinent to stay downtown close to all the activity. Below are my recommendations on where to stay on your visit to Madison.
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
The DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown is such a great spot to stay near everything downtown. It’s very close to the Kohl Center and State Street. Plus, when you stay at a DoubleTree, you get complimentary cookies!
AC Hotel Madison Downtown
Another lovely spot to stay downtown is AC Hotel Madison Downtown. It’s located right outside the State Capitol and one of my favorite restaurants, Eno Vino, is located on the rooftop. You can’t go wrong with this location.
Wisconsin State Capitol
What to do Around Madison
There is no shortage of fun activities to do around Madison. Whether it’s grabbing great food, seeing a show, cheering on the Badgers, or going on an adventure, there’s something for everyone in Madison. Below are my recommendations for your visit.
Visit State Street
State Street is the most iconic street in Madison. It faces the State Capitol in one direction and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the other. It’s closed off to vehicles and is often filled with college students, Badger fans, or both at all times of the year. State Street is lined with awesome shops, venues, and bars and restaurants.
Shopping at B-Side Records
B-Side Records
While walking State Street, check out B-Side Records. We love shopping at record stores wherever we go. This one is pretty cool and has a large inventory of music.
University Book Store
Looking to grab some Badger gear? Head to the University Bookstore on State Street and they’ll hook you up with all the latest Wisconsin apparel. Whether you’re a student or not, this is a fun stop to make on State Street.
Lake Mendota
Lake Mendota
Lake Mendota is located right in the heart of Madison. It’s great for boating, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, fishing, swimming, you name it! There are also several piers that are perfect for sun bathing and jumping off around University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Head to Memorial Union Terrace to find a few. Grab your swimsuit and take a dip in this beautiful lake!
Henry Vilas Zoo
Visit the Henry Vilas Zoo if you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly activity in Madison. This zoo is fairly small, but still has some beautiful animals and best of all, it’s free! If you’d like to donate to help keep the zoo maintained and contribute to their conservation efforts, donate here.
Wisconsin State Capitol Building
Taste of Madison
Every Labor Day weekend, The Taste of Madison is held around the Capitol Square. Here you can try so many delicious treats from local restaurants and get a “taste of Madison”. There are over 80 restaurants and 27 beverage stands to try, serving Wisconsin classics as well as ethnic foods from all over the world. It’s pretty awesome! There is also live music and activities to explore throughout. If this sounds up your alley, you’re in luck. The Taste of Madison is free to attend. You just have to pay for your food and drinks of your choosing.
Badger Game at Camp Randall Stadium
Badger Game at Camp Randall Stadium
One of the most iconic things to do in Madison is attend a Badger game at Camp Randall Stadium. I’ve been going to Badger games with my family and friends since I’ve been a child. They’re so much fun! People of all ages come together to cheer on the Badgers. The whole city is filled with energy on game days. It’s a blast! Not only is the football game fun to watch, but the University of Wisconsin-Madison band is incredibly talented, and game traditions, like Jump Around, makes the whole experience so exciting. Grab your tickets here!
Tailgate
In Madison, tailgate parties are taken seriously. Game starts at 11am? We are starting the party at 8am. There are tailgate parties all around Camp Randall Stadium. No matter if you decide to go to the Badger game or just watch from the bar, it’s always fun to tailgate in Madison. Here are some of the best places to attend a tailgate party in Madison on game day.
Jordan’s Big 10 Pub
Over on Regent Street, Jordan’s Big 10 Pub hosts a large outdoor beer garden tailgate party on game days. Grab some food, drinks, and hang out with a ton of other Badger fans at this tailgate. Arrive early, because it gets busy quick! It’s only a 10 minute walk to Camp Randall Stadium.
Union South
Every home game, Union South hosts the Badger Bash. Here, you can grab food, drinks, and watch the University of Wisconsin-Madison band perform before the big game. It’s a family-friendly tailgate party and is enjoyable for all ages!
Tailgating at Union South
Where to Eat
Madison has so many great restaurants and bars! From Wisconsin classics to fine dining, below are a few that I recommend for your visit.
The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.
Grab a Spotted Cow and some comfort food from The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. The Great Dane has several locations around Madison, Fitchburg, and Wausau, but the original is in downtown Madison. It’s one of our go-to spots for a burger and beer.
State Street Brats
Brats, beer, and sports-that’s what State Street Brats is all about. State Street Brats has a fun outdoor patio and some very famous brats. This restaurant is located right on State Street of course.
Drinks at Eno Vino
Eno Vino Downtown
I love a good rooftop patio, and if you do too, head to Eno Vino Downtown. Located right by the State Capitol, you’ll get gorgeous city views with delicious drinks and small plates to share all around. Eno Vino has so many great dinner options and is vegan friendly as well. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in Madison.
The Harvey House
The Harvey House is like a Wisconsin supper club, but more modern and upscale. It’s located right in downtown Madison behind Madison’s Train Depot. The Harvey House is even partly built in an old train car. How cool! You can find classic supper club dishes here, like relish trays and walleye, as well as upscale steaks. The Harvey House was even featured on the most recent season of Top Chef.
Memorial Union Terrace
The historic Memorial Union Terrace is such a gorgeous spot to come when the weather is nice. You can grab drinks, food, and relax along Lake Mendota. I love the colorful seating and fun energy at Memorial Union Terrace. There is also ice cream, a gift shop, and so much more inside. If you want to grab food and drinks, make sure to purchase a $1 day pass membership at Memorial Union restaurants or sign up for an annual membership here!
The Old Fashioned
Another quintessential Wisconsin restaurant is The Old Fashioned. It’s located right across from the Capitol building and it’s Wisconsin-themed and locally sourced. Yum!
Nitty Gritty
If you’re looking for a classic Madison bar, head to the Nitty Gritty. They have delicious burgers and sandwiches for a good price. It’s very popular, especially if it’s your birthday. On your birthday, you get to drink for free!
Greenbush Bakery
Greenbush Bakery’s sour cream old fashioned donuts are mouth watering. My family loves their cherry ones, but they also come in flavors like blueberry, chocolate, and apple cinnamon. YUM! On game days, you can grab a Badger Claw. How fun!
Mickie’s Dairy Bar
A small, cozy, and fun diner to grab food at is Mickie’s Dairy Bar. This place has amazing, classic food at such a good price! I ordered 1 chocolate chip pancake and it was so huge, I had to take half of it home to eat later. The portions are ginormous! On game days, Mickie’s Dairy Bar has a line outside the door, because so many people want to eat here. It’s pretty iconic.
bartaco
Grab your friends and head over to bartaco. They serve yummy tacos, of course, and incredible drinks. Just start a tab, grab as many tacos as you’d like, and relax inside or out on the patio. The atmosphere here is wonderful!
Craftsman Table & Tap
Over in Middleton, is the Craftsman Table & Tap. They have a great happy hour, old fashioneds, and cheese curds! The Craftsman Table & Tap also has a delightful brunch.
Everly
For some California inspired dishes, try Everly. Their dishes are so tasty and they are very vegan and gluten-free friendly. This restaurant is a nice switch from the typical Wisconsin fare.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Madison’s nightlife and entertainment is so great in this college town. There’s something for everyone here! Below are some of my favorite spots.
Comedy on State
Seeing a show at Comedy on State is one of my favorite things to do when I’m in Madison. Comedy on State is located on State Street and hosts so many hilarious comedians. The venue is small, but that makes the experience even better in my opinion. It’s always such a fun night when we see a show here! Check out who’s performing for your visit.
The Sylvee
If you want to see a great show at a small venue, grab tickets at The Sylvee. This venue was so nice and their staff was top notch. Since it’s a small venue, there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. The Sylvee has hosted a ton of awesome sold-out performances. It’s such a fun date night right in downtown Madison.
Royel Otis at The Sylvee
The Ivory Room Piano Bar
Want a change of pace from your typical bar? Head to The Ivory Room Piano Bar to see some exciting performances and have a drink. It’s located right outside the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Overture Center for the Arts
See some awesome Broadway tour shows, orchestras, and more at the Overture Center for the Arts. I’ve been lucky enough to see a few shows here, like Hamilton, The Lion King, and Mannheim Steamroller, and they were all so beautiful. I highly recommend grabbing dinner and seeing a show at the Overture.
The Kohl Center
Not only does The Kohl Center host awesome Wisconsin sports, like volleyball, basketball, and hockey, but the venue is also used for live performances. Check out the schedule here and grab your tickets before they’re gone!
Capital Brewery
Over in Middleton, grab some drinks and watch live music at Capital Brewery. I recommend their apple cider! Their outdoor space is great for large parties and it’s less busy than bustling downtown, which is sometimes nice to get a break from.
Live music at Capital Brewery
Day Trips from Madison
There are so many awesome places to visit just outside Madison, Wisconsin. If you’re in the area and have time to explore, here are some recommendations.
Drumlin Ridge Winery
Just outside Madison, only 20 minutes, is Drumlin Ridge Winery in Waunakee. I came here with my friends for a bachelorette party and it was such a pretty place! We drank wine on the patio and strolled through their vineyards.
Drumlin Ridge Winery with my friends
Wollersheim Winery & Distillery
My favorite winery near Madison is Wollersheim Winery & Distillery. It’s located about 40 minutes outside Madison in Prairie du Sac. The grounds at Wollersheim Winery & Distillery are just so beautiful and it feels like a little slice of Europe. They have a bistro to get food at and of course, tasty wine to pair it with. I love Wollersheim Winery & Distillery!
Wisconsin Dells
An hour North of Madison, is the famous Wisconsin Dells. Wisconsin Dells is full of exciting attractions, late night entertainment, and some amazing waterparks. Wilderness Resort, Kalahari Resorts and Great Wolf Lodge are three of our favorite waterpark resorts. You also can’t miss Noah’s Ark, the biggest waterpark in Wisconsin Dells.
Hiking at Devil's Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park
Also an hour North and near Wisconsin Dells, is Devil’s Lake State Park. This State Park is wonderful! Hike gorgeous, Wisconsin bluffs above Devil’s Lake and see views for miles. Check out the best hiking trails at Devil’s Lake State Park here. Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle admission sticker before your visit.
Noah Kahan at Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Alpine Valley Music Theatre
An hour and 15 minutes away from Madison, is Alpine Valley Music Theatre. Want to see some of the biggest names in music perform at a lovely outdoor amphitheater in the middle of nowhere? Grab tickets to Alpine Valley! lol. For real though, Alpine Valley Music Theatre hosts amazing shows all summer long. It’s one of my favorite music venues!
Milwaukee
Wisconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee, is only 1.5 hours away from Madison! Watch the Buck’s play, attend a Brewer’s game, see a show at Summerfest, or stop in at Trixie Mattel’s gay bar, This Is It! Milwaukee is such a fun city, especially in the warmer months. Don’t miss a visit here if you get the opportunity.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, Madison is such a cool city. I love this college town and always have such a fun time whenever I visit. While the college atmosphere is important to this community, Madison is an amazing city with so much to offer, for everyone. I recommend a visit!
Camera used to document my travels: Canon EOS 5D Mark III & IV 35mm lens and iPhone
