Milwaukee Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Milwaukee Art Museum
Wisconsin’s major city is acclaimed for its rich history of brewing beer, a modern lakefront skyline and an eclectic festival scene.

Milwaukee exudes a laid-back Midwestern vibe. The city of almost 600,000 residents has a reputation as the “City of Festivals”, and Milwaukeeans know how to enjoy themselves.

Lake Michigan’s shoreline dominates the downtown area, framed by a skyline of modern steel and glass. The city also boasts preserved turn-of-the-century districts in East Town and the Historic Third Ward, which is dotted with theaters, galleries and restaurants.

Milwaukee has a colorful history with a strong German influence, and it’s still regarded as America’s “Brew City.” Get acquainted with Milwaukee’s beer heritage with a tour of the world-famous Miller Coors Brewery. Learn more about the city’s history at the Milwaukee Public Museum in downtown.

For more cultural pursuits, art lovers should make Milwaukee ArtMuseum (MAM) the first port of call. It features an impressive contemporary design and more than 30,000 works of art dating back to the 15th century. Visit the popular Charles Allis Art Museum in the city’s East Side neighborhood to browse elaborate antique furnishings and decorative art.

The best vantage point for photos of the city’s skyline is from Festival Park or along the Bay View promenade overlooking Lake Michigan. From here, it’s an easy walk to nearby Discovery World, which caters to children with hands-on science exhibits. Hire a car and venture further afield to visit the wildlife at Milwaukee County Zoo.

Milwaukee experiences cold winters, but there are plenty of indoor attractions to escape the chill. Spend a day browsing books at the Milwaukee Public Library, or visit indoor gardens at the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory. Visit the city in summer, and you can enjoy a wealth of open-air events and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene on the lakefront. Go to the Water Street or Bay View districts to mingle in stylish waterfront bars and cafés until the early hours.

Where to stay in Milwaukee

Milwaukee

Downtown Milwaukee

Lake Michigan and Pabst Theater are a few top attractions in Downtown Milwaukee. Hop around the city on the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries.

Downtown Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Zoo featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals as well as a family

Wauwatosa

Travellers come to Wauwatosa for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Milwaukee County Zoo and Mayfair Mall while you're in town.

Wauwatosa
Milwaukee Art Museum

East Town

4/5(3 area reviews)

Lake Michigan and Veterans Park are top sights in East Town, and you should be sure to explore the fantastic nightlife. Hop aboard the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

East Town
Milwaukee Public Library showing interior views

Westown

4/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Milwaukee Public Museum.

Westown
Historic Third Ward

Historic Third Ward

Unique features of Historic Third Ward include the bars and shopping. Make a stop by Lake Michigan or Milwaukee Public Market while you're exploring the area.

Historic Third Ward
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Fifth Ward

Fifth Ward is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Milwaukee Brewing Co. or Clock Shadow Creamery.

Fifth Ward
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
4 out of 5
509 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
The price is AU$209 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$209
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this historic hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"The front desk staff were attentive and nice. The room was mostly clean but did have some dusty spots. Very spacious and very comfortable otherwise."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Hilton Milwaukee City Center
The Pfister Hotel
The Pfister Hotel
4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
The price is AU$322 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$322
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,252 reviews)
"Lovely hotel with pleasant and helpful staff. We really enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

The Pfister Hotel
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
4 out of 5
139 E Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI
The price is AU$234 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
AU$234
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,435 reviews)
"I travel to Milwaukee at least four times a year. The hotel I had always stayed at is undergoing an unfortunate renovation, so I have been trying new hotels in an effort to find my new go-to. So far, the Saint Kate is my top choice. The staff were incredibly nice and accommodating. They actually ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
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.
Kasa Westown Milwaukee
Kasa Westown Milwaukee
4 out of 5
840 West Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Best Place at the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (42 reviews)
"I've used this property for my stays about 5 seperate times. and loved the setup of the place. it was a perfect fit for me with the studio apartment. it was a short drive(20mins) to pretty much everything i would need. grocery, pharmacy, dining, leisure. it genuinely is a perfect location to experience ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jan. 2024

Kasa Westown Milwaukee
The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza Hotel
3 out of 5
1007 N Cass Street, Milwaukee, WI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (952 reviews)
"Our home away from home!! We love this place and will always be back!!!"

Reviewed on 11 Feb. 2024

The Plaza Hotel
Amazing Five Bedroom Milwaukee Vacation Home!!
Amazing Five Bedroom Milwaukee Vacation Home!!
Sussex
Stay at this vacation home in Sussex. Enjoy private pools, WiFi, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions Sussex Bowl ...
10/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Perfect getaway / 1st class hospitality
"We rented this Milwaukee area home for a short "spring break" staycation. It fit 3 families w/ kids comfortably. The indoor pool and arcade kept the kids busy and the sleeping accommodations were perfect. The home even had comfortable beds (which is rare). Communicating with the host, Tom, was a ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Amazing Five Bedroom Milwaukee Vacation Home!!
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 Milwaukee

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 71.42857142857143%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 28.571428571428573%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Oct 2019

Really nice place to visit a, have been there before and has improved significantly

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
3 Sep 2019

Milwaulkee has a lot of interesting history, and while there are attempts to update the downtown area, like the HOP and the market, the many empty shops and mostly office buildings make it a bit dull. You probably need a car to visit the outskirts

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Jun 2019

Loved it particularly all the beautiful flowers and art in public spaces

Cities near Milwaukee