Eat, Drink, Travel local in MADISON, WI
A trip to Madison means living life like a local. Here, you can discover countless dive bars, local breweries, unique restaurants and rare shops all within blocks — and that’s just the inside. Outside, there are 5 lakes to kayak, 270 parks & beaches to bum around, and 6,000 acres of greenery to uncover. In the capital city, it’s easy to dig into whatever ya dig. It’s what makes us, unmistakably Madison.
A PERFECT MADISON DAY
Start your day here

9 AM
Bike the Lake Monona Loop. (BCycle e-bike rentals aplenty along the path.)
45 – 60 min bike ride
Bike elevator? Don't mind if we do

Local secret
Take the bike elevator (located off the Lake Monona Bike Loop at Monona Terrace) to get directly to the farmers’ market from Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Next up: 2 min bike ride
Find goodies at the farmers' market

10:30 AM
Stop by the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the U.S. for fresh, squeaky cheese curds and local delights to fuel your next adventure.
Next up: 5 min walk
Capitol chill time

11 AM
Grab a coffee and stroll inside the State Capitol Building and/or relax on the Capitol Lawn.
20 min stroll
State Street strolling

Noon
Shop local and eat local as you make your way down State Street to Library Mall.
Next up: 3 min walk
Artsy exploration

2 PM
Explore the expansive (like 23,000+ works in the collection expansive!) Chazen Museum of Art. PS — It’s free.
Next up: 5 min walk
Lively vibes and a view at the Terrace

4 PM
Cold and refreshing — try some famous Babcock ice cream or craft beer at the lakeside Memorial Union Terrace.
Next up: 1 min walk
Unmistakably Madison Moment

4:15 PM
Take (or maybe even dip your toes) in the glittering waters of Lake Mendota, as you reconnect with those who matter most.
Next up: 20 min walk
From eatery to streatery (street + eatery)

5:30 PM
Enjoy dinner at one of the 120+ restaurants downtown on State Street, the UW Campus, and near the Capitol. Or, head down Willy St. (Williamson Street) for even more local food and drink.
Next up: 5 – 25 min walk
Check out Madison's Newest Spot: Capitol East

6:30 PM
Realize that Madison breaks the Midwest mold and that innovation and counterculture don’t only live on the coasts. Within a few blocks in Madison's newest scene along East Washington Ave., you'll find The Sylvee, a Google Campus, an Art+Literature Lab and even an art bar!
Next up: 5 min walk
Always time for craft cocktails

7 PM
Craft cocktails taste better when they're made of only-in-Madison small-batch liquor from Old Sugar Distillery or State Line Distillery — just two of many in the area.
Next up: 5 – 15 min walk
Catch a vibe

8 PM
Vibe like a local at a show at The Sylvee.
Next up: 20 min walk / 4 min drive
Not ready to go home yet?

11 PM
End the evening your way. Head to the bars on the Capitol Square and State Street for craft beer, dancing (wrong moves only?!) or even a quiet rooftop bar.













Your Vibe, Your Stay
Wake up to the view of a glittering lake or sip drinks at your rooftop hotel bar. Wherever you stay in Madison, you'll find a spot to fit your vibe.
Indulge in the Local Food Scene
From craft breweries to sushi, finding a foodie spot in Madison is easy. Savor local fare in the city with the most eateries per capita out of any city in the U.S.
EVENTS
From the farmers' market to your favorite beer festivals, these are what make moments — big and small — into lasting memories.
View Annual EventsWorld's Largest Brat Fest
Midwest Fire Fest
Sugar Maple Music Festival
Coffee Break Festival
Orton Park Festival
Taste of Madison
New Glarus Oktoberfest
It’s not goodbye yet, is it?
We don't believe in mediocre moments here in the capital city. The Memorial Union Terrace is the quintessential Madison spot — craft beer by the pitcher, live music and sunset views on Lake Mendota. That's why it's one of the Top 5 Most Instagrammable places here.

