What comes to mind when you think of a downtown and what you'll find in Madison are two different things. Downtown Madison stands apart from bustling concrete jungles as a vibrant, walkable, bikeable stretch of city flanked by two glittering lakes and focused around one of the nation's most beautiful Capitol buildings.
There's something new to experience each time you visit. Downtown transforms for festivals and fairs and each season brings with it new events and things to do.
Whether it's your first time or your fiftieth, you can't miss these top 10 things to do. Take your time to take it all in by booking a stay at one of our downtown hotels.>
Jump to find downtown FAQs and our map of recommendations.
Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol
Staggeringly beautiful, larger than life and totally free to visit, the Wisconsin State Capitol building is an architectural feat that is open to all. Visitors are encouraged to walk through and enjoy briefly or stay for a free, guided tour. The grounds around the Capitol (known as the Capitol Square) are a great place to enjoy a picnic, do yoga, read a book or simply take in the surrounding views.
For an even better view, check out the outdoor observation deck during warm-weather months for a 360-degree view of downtown.
Pro tip: The steps of the Capitol are a great place to enjoy a picnic while perusing the Dane County Farmers' Market, the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country.
Eat and shop down State Street
Three things are certain in this world: death, taxes and you should never drive your car on State Street. This pedestrian-friendly mile connecting the Capitol and the UW–Madison campus is iconic. Known for its restaurants, shops, public art and fantastic people-watching, State Street is a great place to get a great taste of Madison culture.
Pro tip: The Pride crosswalk on the top of State Street is an excellent photo opp.
Explore the UW–Madison Campus
Taking a tour around the UW–Madison campus is an incredible experience, even for the most die-hard Gophers or Wolverines fans. For more than 175 years, the university has been a mainstay in Madison's downtown landscape, and it's not just for students. Architectural marvels like the Red Gym, Agricultural Hall, Science Hall and Bascom Hall make you feel like you're walking through a history book.
No visit to campus is complete without a visit to the Memorial Union Terrace. Part of the Wisconsin Union, the Terrace (as it's affectionately referred to) is known for its beautiful views of Lake Mendota and iconic sunburst chairs. It's an easy place to get together with a group to enjoy live music or dinner by the water.
Pro tip: You can't leave campus without getting a scoop (or two) of Babcock Dairy ice cream at the Daily Scoop.
Tour Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace
Frank Lloyd Wright's contribution to the Madison skyline is more than a convention center. Take a guided tour of Monona Terrace to learn about Wright's influence on the capital city and his vision to "marry" the city with the natural beauty of Lake Monona.
Pro tip: Sign up for Wright in Madison to find a complete guide to Wright's works and influence in Madison.
Enjoy time on the lakes
Going from downtown livin' to lakeside lovin' in minutes is the best perk of being on an isthmus (a strip of land between two bodies of water). It's easy to fall in love with lakes Mendota and Monona with public access at spots like The Edgewater, Memorial Union Terrace, James Madison Park and Brittingham Park.
If you want to get on or in the water (and we recommend you do) kayak, canoe, paddleboard and other watercraft rentals are available at Brittingham Boats and Memorial Union Terrace via Outdoor UW.
Pro tip: James Madison Park is known for great views of beautiful sunsets during the summer.
Meander through museums
Want to walk from museum to museum? You're in luck! From the Madison Children’s Museum, to the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, to the Chazen Museum of Art and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, our downtown museums offer something for all ages and tastes. With several offering free or low-cost admission, these are perfect places to spend an afternoon.
Pro tip: The Wisconsin Historical Museum is closed for renovations. The museum will reopen as a completely reimagined space in 2027. Learn more about the project here.
Catch a concert, theater performance or comedy show
Live performances are happening nightly at one or multiple of downtown's live music, theater and comedy venues. Overture Center for the Arts hosts some of the best Broadway has to offer. Across State Street, you'll find legendary comedy acts at the intimate Comedy on State. National touring performers come through the historic Orpheum Theater and some of the most exciting up-and-comers get their start at the Majestic Theater.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for a full lineup of live music.
Pro tip: From one side of the isthmus on the rooftop of Monona Terrace to the other at the Memorial Union Terrace, you can find outdoor live music all throughout downtown during the summer months.
Grab a drink at bars and breweries
But don't grab any old domestic beer or mixed drink. Our downtown bars are renowned for creativity and fresh flavors you can't find anywhere else. Just ask the people at PUNCH, who named Madison one of the five places in the world to drink in 2023. From fresh-brewed beers to cocktails using ingredients bought at the farmers' market that morning, there's always something new to try.
This experience is not just for those who imbibe. The mocktail and NA drinking culture in Madison is strong and does not skimp on quality.
Pro tip: Sign up for Madison On Tap for your ultimate guide to craft beverages in the capital city.
Eat at local restaurants
Whether you're looking for fine dining, street food or low-key fare, downtown Madison has something delicious to offer you. Several of Madison's James Beard winners and nominees are cooking up great things downtown, including Francesco Mangano at Osteria Papavero, Tory Miller at L'Etoile and Dan Fox at Heritage Tavern. But that's not all. Find a full list on our downtown restaurants page.
Pro tip: Wondering where to begin on your culinary journey? Sign up for the Madison's Iconic Eats Experience, a free self-guided tour through Madison's food scene and earn prizes for visiting local restaurants.
Explore the city on bike
It would be a shame to visit a platinum-rated biking city without taking a spin on two wheels. Rent an e-bike from Madison BCycle stations across downtown and head out for a ride on the 200+ miles of trails throughout the city or use it to get around for shopping, dining and other fun.
Pro tip: Sign up for Madison By Bike for an easy guide to biking in Madison, exclusive discounts and prizes.
Downtown Madison FAQs
Where can I park in downtown Madison?
The easiest places to park in downtown Madison are at public parking garages. The City of Madison operates a selection of easy-to-use parking garages, including the following list.
For parking near the Capitol building:
- Capitol Square North Garage, 218 E. Mifflin St.
- State Street Capitol Garage, 200 N. Carroll St.
- Overture Center Garage, 318 W. Mifflin St.
- Wilson Street Garage, 20 E. Wilson St.
For parking near State Street:
- State Street Capitol Garage, 200 N. Carroll St.
- State Street Campus Garage, 430 N. Frances St.
- Overture Center Garage, 318 W. Mifflin St.
For parking near the UW–Madison campus:
- State Street Campus Garage, 430 N. Frances St.
Privately-operated garages, street parking and lots are also available. See Downtown Madison Inc.'s website for more parking resources, including real-time parking availability.
Can I get downtown without a car?
Yes! Downtown Madison is accessible via Madison's public transit system. You can reach downtown on the new Bus Rapid Transit route. Downtown stops include all locations from East Campus to Baldwin. Standard bus routes B, C, D, E, F, R, O and J provide service to downtown stops. Find the most up-to-date information on bus routes here.
You can also get to downtown Madison on bike! Bring your own wheels or rent a bike from the easy-to-use electric bike rental program BCycle, available spring–fall (exact dates are dependent on weather). BCycle stations are available downtown around the Capitol Square, State Street and the UW–Madison campus. The BCycle app has a live map that shows bike rental locations and availability.
Where can I find visitor information, maps or guides?
Visitor information, maps and guides can be found at Destination Madison's downtown office, 22 E. Mifflin St., Suite 200, Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or daily at the Downtown Madison Visitor Center at 452 State St.
Have a question? Email info@destinationmadison.com to reach our team of travel pros.
What's happening today in downtown Madison?
You can find the latest and greatest updates on what's happening every day by checking out our downtown events calendar.
What are some fun facts about downtown Madison?
Impress your friends and family by firing off these downtown Madison fun facts:
- Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, filmed on the steps of the Capitol building.
- Back to School, starring Rodney Dangerfield filmed around downtown and the UW–Madison campus.
- The 21st season of Top Chef was filmed partially in Madison, including on the rooftop of Graze during a challenge that included the Dane County Farmers' Market. (Please note, the rooftop is not open to the public.)
- Folk legend Bob Dylan spent several weeks over multiple trips in Madison while being an up-and-coming musician. Much of that time was spent downtown and on the UW–Madison campus. After his career took off, he went on to play 12 shows in Madison over the course of his career, one of the first being at The Orpheum. He was awarded a key to the city by Mayor Paul Soglin.
- The cover art of Joni Mitchell's album Hejira was shot on a frozen Lake Mendota near The Edgewater, where the legendary artist stayed during her visit. Recreate the moment by renting ice skates from Outdoor UW.
- If you stand at just the right spot on the Capitol Observation Deck, you can find the only spot in Madison where you can see both lakes Monona and Mendota at once.
- One lap around the Capitol Square is approximately half a mile. It's a great place to get your steps in!
- King Street is the oldest street in Madison and is where many of the city's first businesses were located, earning the area the nickname "First Settlement District."
- One of the best views of the Capitol can be found in the women's bathroom at Eno Vino Downtown.
