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

Enjoy the collegiate vibe around University of Wisconsin-Madison, a top college 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

You can find out about the history of Madison with a visit to 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 at 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 see the exotic and native animals who call Henry Vilas Zoo home during your vacation in Madison? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Henry Vilas Zoo
Madison featuring a house, flowers and a park

State Street Shopping

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

State Street Shopping
Lake Mendota

Lake Mendota

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

You can enjoy the entertainment at Memorial Union Terrace during your travels to Madison. Check out 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 featuring a house, flowers 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

Regent might not have many top sights, but Camp Randall Stadium and Wisconsin Field House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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 might 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
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 Theater 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 Theater, rated the top tourist attraction in Madison.
Is three days enough to stay in Madison?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Orpheum Theater, Chazen Museum of Art and Willow Beach with a three-day break in Madison. On average, most travelers 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 Theater and Chazen Museum of Art, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Madison's best neighborhoods, Regent is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Marquette is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Madison with kids?
Whether you're vacationing 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 neighborhoods 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.