Things to do in Madison

Activities, attractions and tours

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
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

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What to do in Madison

Popular places to visit

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison

5/5(2 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe around University of Wisconsin-Madison, a top university in Madison. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Capitol Square

Capitol Square

5/5(2 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Madison when you stop by Capitol Square. Visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Capitol Square
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center

Learn about the events happening in Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center during your trip to Madison. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Henry Vilas Zoo

Henry Vilas Zoo

Why not visit the native and exotic animals who call Henry Vilas Zoo home during your travels in Madison? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Henry Vilas Zoo
Madison which includes flowers, a house and a park

State Street Shopping

During your visit to Madison, you can do some window-shopping at State Street Shopping. Savour the area's restaurants and bars.

State Street Shopping
Lake Mendota

Lake Mendota

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Mendota during your travels in Madison. Discover the area's sunsets and shops.

Lake Mendota
Memorial Union Terrace

Memorial Union Terrace

5/5(1 review)

You can enjoy the entertainment at Memorial Union Terrace during your travels to Madison. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Memorial Union Terrace

Camp Randall Stadium

Catch an event at Camp Randall Stadium during your trip to Madison. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Camp Randall Stadium

Alliant Energy Center

Catch an event at Alliant Energy Center during your trip to Madison. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Alliant Energy Center

Areas of 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

Marquette might not have many top sights, but Breese Stevens Field and Barrymore Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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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Bay Creek

Bay Creek might not have many top sights, but Henry Vilas Zoo and Dane County Farmers Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Bay Creek
Middleton

Middleton

Frequently asked questions

Is Madison worth visiting?
Known for its dining and culture, discovering fun things to do in Madison is easy. Remember to add Orpheum Theatre to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Madison?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Willow Beach and James Madison Beach. Then, check out other parts of Madison for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Madison?
Don't go home without visiting Orpheum Theatre, rated the top tourist attraction in Madison.
Is three days enough to stay in Madison?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Orpheum Theatre, Chazen Museum of Art and Willow Beach with a three-day break in Madison. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so linger longer and head to Middleton.
Is Madison a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Madison. Several sights, including Orpheum Theatre and Chazen Museum of Art, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Madison's best neighbourhoods, Regent is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Marquette is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Madison with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Madison with kids.

What to do in Madison for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Madison, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Wisconsin State Capitol or National Mustard Museum.
Are there free things to do in Madison?
In Madison, Chazen Museum of Art is a popular spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Madison.