Madison, WI

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

Situated on Lake Monona's southeastern shore, this Madison suburb boasts the historic Indian Mounds Park, a site on the National Register of Historic Places.

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

Marquette

4.5/5(45 area reviews)

While Marquette isn't home to many top sights, Breese Stevens Field and Barrymore Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

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

Regent

4.5/5(20 area reviews)

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
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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 Kohl Center and Henry Vilas Zoo.

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

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

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
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! (2,911 reviews)
"The area around the hotel"

Reviewed on 2025/7/30

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
Baymont by Wyndham Madison West/Middleton WI West

Baymont by Wyndham Madison West/Middleton WI West

2.5 out of 5
8102 Excelsior Dr, Madison, WI
The price is NT$2,032 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$2,032
NT$2,347 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Madison. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,036 reviews)
Passing through
"Bed was a little soft for me, but was comfortable. Breakfast was good. Downside to the stay was staff member when checking in. When asked if the hot tub was operational he wasn’t sure. Fortunately it was."

Reviewed on 2025/7/30

Baymont by Wyndham Madison West/Middleton WI West
AmericInn by Wyndham Madison West

AmericInn by Wyndham Madison West

3 out of 5
516 Grand Canyon Dr, Madison, WI
The price is NT$2,420 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$2,420
NT$2,795 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Madison. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,162 reviews)
"All was good."

Reviewed on 2025/7/31

AmericInn by Wyndham Madison West
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

The Dylin

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 Camp Randall Stadium and Alliant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (80 reviews)
"Nice, clean, well-equipped and well-decorated rooms."

Reviewed on 2025/7/27

The Dylin
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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