Madison Travel Guide

Tourist 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 centre 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 Centre. 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 programme. For information about bike paths, visit the City of Madison’s website. Alternatively, use the Metro Transit bus service. Driving in the city centre 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 which includes flowers, a house and a park

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

Visitors to Monona enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Aldo Leopold Nature Center is worth a stop.

Monona
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Marquette

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

Marquette
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Regent

When in Regent, you can plan a visit to Camp Randall Stadium and Wisconsin Field House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Regent
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Tenney-Lapham

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

Tenney-Lapham
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Greenbush

While Greenbush may 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
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! (3,208 reviews)
"It is my second time at this hotel and I love it. Rooms are pretty clean and the location is perfect"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

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 AU$123 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$123
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
"Friendly staffs clean room"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Madison West/Middleton WI West
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Madison American Center

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Madison American Center

3 out of 5
5217 E Terrace Dr, Madison, WI
The price is AU$134 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$134
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Madison. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,341 reviews)
"Good value for the price point. Very clean! Pool & whirlpool, fitness room. Nice lobby. Updated flooring. Breakfast big but we needed more fruits and any gluten free options."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Madison American Center
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 Mint House

The Dylin by Mint House

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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (101 reviews)
"Was better than expected! Room was very spacious and clean! Loved the amenities!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

The Dylin by Mint House
Pool with Slide. Great for Business Travelers!

Pool with Slide. Great for Business Travelers!

Fitchburg
Stay at this apartment in Madison. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Camp Randall Stadium and Alliant Energy Center ...
Pool with Slide. Great for Business Travelers!
ONE OF A KIND vacation rental with a view

ONE OF A KIND vacation rental with a view

Madison
Stay at this vacation home in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a sauna. Popular attractions Alliant Energy Center and Camp Randall Stadium are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (143 reviews)
"The house was charming and clean, with a seamless check-in process. No complaints!"

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

ONE OF A KIND vacation rental with a view
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

Activities

Reviews of Madison

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Once in downtown, everyone was so friendly and accommodating.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Small town feeling, beautiful in the summer