Downtown Madison Travel Guide
Madison
Visit Downtown Madison
Popular places to visit
Capitol Square
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.
Wisconsin State Capitol
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 acclaimed theatre scene.
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.
Memorial Union Terrace
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.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
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.
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.
Things to do
Murmurs of Mourning & Murder: Madison Ghost Tour
Murmurs of Mourning & Murder: Madison Ghost Tour
Murmurs of Mourning & Murder: Madison Ghost Tour
Murmurs of Mourning & Murder: Madison Ghost Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Madison
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
Governor’s club worth it - privacy
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites By Hilton Madison Downtown
Excellent location, amenities and breakfast
Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
Great location and quiet. Easy access to all there is to offer in downtown Madison. Would stay here again.
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
The Edgewater
Beautiful, luxury hotel right on the lake with breathtaking views and a world class spa. The rooms are large and loaded with luxurious touches.
Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026
Hyatt Place Madison Downtown
My granddaughter and I spent a weekend, for a gymnastic meet, and this hotel exceeded my expectations. It was quite family friendly, but quiet, and the amenities are excellent. The gym is larger than most hotel gyms, the lobby area was always in use, with people playing games or having drinks. The ...
Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026
Best Western Premier Park Hotel
Didn't use any extra services. Will add that the hotel mixed up our reservation, but provided a free breakfast meal to make up for it. That was appreciated.
Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Madison
Campus Area
While visiting Campus Area, you might make a stop by sights like Chazen Museum of Art and Memorial Union Terrace.
Monona Bay
While there might not be top attractions in Monona Bay, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kohl Center and Chazen Museum of Art.
Greenbush
While Greenbush may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Wisconsin Field House and Kohl Center.
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.
Tenney-Lapham
While visiting Tenney-Lapham, you might make a stop by sights like Breese Stevens Field and Lake Mendota.
Vilas
While visiting Vilas, you might make a stop by sights like Henry Vilas Zoo and Vilas Park.
