What to do in Madison, WI

Activities, attractions and tours

Madison showing a city and street scenes
Madison which includes street scenes
Madison featuring a garden, signage and cycling
Madison featuring street scenes
Madison showing a garden and a house

Madison Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Madison has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Madison, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Madison with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Madison

Madison is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Madison, and make it a breeze to explore Madison and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Madison to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Madison, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Madison.

Madison attractions

Madison has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Madison to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Madison.

Looking for things to do in Madison can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Madison or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Madison attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Madison

Number of things to do
11
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
City centre Madison Sightseeing & History with Self-Guided Audio Tour: £8
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Madison

Popular places to visit

Cool street art in Madison, Wisconsin

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
Historic Arched Entry to Camp Randall Stadium

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
This is great focal point for Madison!

Wisconsin State Capitol

5/5(2 reviews)

After visiting Wisconsin State Capitol, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Madison. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its entertainment choices.

Wisconsin State Capitol
Capitol Building

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
Chopped Chicken Salad that was mighty tasty.

East Towne Mall

3.5/5(2 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at East Towne Mall during your trip to Madison. Savour the lively bars and top-notch restaurants while in town.

East Towne Mall
#springfun beautiful 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 featuring street scenes

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
Madison doesn't suck. Awesome evening on 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

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

Explore areas of Madison

Wisconsin State Capitol building, view from Monona Terrace rooftop.; Shutterstock ID 5305432

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
Madison Skyline

Monona

Visitors to Monona enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Aldo Leopold Nature Center is worth a stop.

Monona
Default Image

Campus Area

While visiting Campus Area, you might make a stop by sights like Memorial Union Terrace and Lake Monona Shoreline Run.

Campus Area
USA, Wisconsin. Panoramic view of Fall colors reflected on the still waters of the harbor in Bayfield on Lake Superior.

Marquette

While visiting Marquette, you might make a stop by sights like The Sylvee and Yahara Place Park.

Marquette
I love this sign. Spotted near the UW Madison campus. #iconography #vaf2012 #octopus #sign #retro

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
Found near rocks at the bottom of hill near the restrooms

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

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 kms (2 miles) away from downtown, while Marquette is 3 kms (2 miles) 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.

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