Milwaukee Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Milwaukee Art Museum showing modern architecture and art
Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Basilica of Saint Josaphat

Wisconsin’s major city is acclaimed for its rich history of brewing beer, a modern lakefront skyline and an eclectic festival scene.

Milwaukee exudes a laid-back Midwestern vibe. The city of almost 600,000 residents has a reputation as the “City of Festivals”, and Milwaukeeans know how to enjoy themselves.

Lake Michigan’s shoreline dominates the downtown area, framed by a skyline of modern steel and glass. The city also boasts preserved turn-of-the-century districts in East Town and the Historic Third Ward, which is dotted with theatres, galleries and restaurants.

Milwaukee has a colourful history with a strong German influence, and it’s still regarded as America’s “Brew City.” Get acquainted with Milwaukee’s beer heritage with a tour of the world-famous Miller Coors Brewery. Learn more about the city’s history at the Milwaukee Public Museum in downtown.

For more cultural pursuits, art lovers should make Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) the first port of call. It features an impressive contemporary design and more than 30,000 works of art dating back to the 15th century. Visit the popular Charles Allis Art Museum in the city’s East Side neighbourhood to browse elaborate antique furnishings and decorative art.

The best vantage point for photos of the city’s skyline is from Festival Park or along the Bay View promenade overlooking Lake Michigan. From here, it’s an easy walk to nearby Discovery World, which caters to children with hands-on science exhibits. Hire a car and venture further afield to visit the wildlife at Milwaukee County Zoo.

Milwaukee experiences cold winters, but there are plenty of indoor attractions to escape the chill. Spend a day browsing books at the Milwaukee Public Library, or visit indoor gardens at the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory. Visit the city in summer, and you can enjoy a wealth of open-air events and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene on the lakefront. Go to the Water Street or Bay View districts to mingle in stylish waterfront bars and cafés until the early hours.

Where to stay in Milwaukee

Milwaukee

Downtown Milwaukee

Lake Michigan and Pabst Theater are a few top attractions in Downtown Milwaukee. Hop around the city on the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries.

Downtown Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Zoo featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals as well as a family

Wauwatosa

Travellers come to Wauwatosa for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Milwaukee County Zoo and Mayfair Mall while you're in town.

Wauwatosa
Milwaukee Art Museum

East Town

3/5(1 area review)

Lake Michigan and Veteran's Park are top sights in East Town, and you should be sure to explore the fantastic nightlife. Hop aboard the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

East Town
Historic Third Ward

Historic Third Ward

Unique features of Historic Third Ward include the bars and shopping. Make a stop by Lake Michigan or Milwaukee Public Market while you're exploring the area.

Historic Third Ward
Milwaukee Public Library showing interior views

Westown

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like Miller High Life Theatre and Milwaukee Public Museum.

Westown
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Glendale

Glendale is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Bayshore Town Center and Milwaukee River Bike Trail while you're in town.

Glendale
The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel

4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿6,010 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
฿6,010
฿7,086 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,683 reviews)
"Nice and cosy"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

The Pfister Hotel
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

4.5 out of 5
1611 West Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI
The price is ฿5,404 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿5,404
฿6,372 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,333 reviews)
"Great hotel, rooms are clean and comfy. Would have preferred proper mug/cups for coffee and not cardboard. The choice of restaurants/cafe were poor for the sizeof hotel.Large market place, food court only open certain mornings for breakfast. Cafe only open till 2pm every day but closed some days. ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa

Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa

3.5 out of 5
10499 W Innovation Dr, Milwaukee, WI
The price is ฿3,012 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿3,012
฿3,491 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a free local area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,516 reviews)
"Was an ok hotel for the price. Only had a flat sheet draped over the mattress for a sheet but ok"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel

3 out of 5
1007 N Cass Street, Milwaukee, WI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,112 reviews)
"Very beautiful hotel. Rooms were well cared for. Location was excellent"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

The Plaza Hotel
Kasa Westown Milwaukee

Kasa Westown Milwaukee

4 out of 5
840 West Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Fiserv Forum and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (88 reviews)
"Great correspondence and support. Clean and great facility, centrally located"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Kasa Westown Milwaukee
KLVG - Malt House

KLVG - Malt House

4 out of 5
1009 West Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Fiserv Forum and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
"Everything was good and convenience. Walking around comfortable. Quite area. Love this place."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

KLVG - Malt House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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