What to do in Madison, WI

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Madison Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Madison has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, 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 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.

Activities and Tours

Madison is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore 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 experience 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, 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.

Madison Attractions

Expedia 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 to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Madison.

Looking for things to do 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 or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Madison attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Recommended things to do in Madison

Number of things to do
9
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
City centre Madison Sightseeing & History with Self-Guided Audio Tour: CA $15
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Madison

Discover the most popular places to visit in Madison

Cool street art in Madison, Wisconsin

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
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
Capitol Building

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
This is great focal point for Madison!

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 entertainment choices.

Wisconsin State Capitol
Chopped Chicken Salad that was mighty tasty.

East Towne Mall

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at East Towne Mall during your stay in Madison. Savor the top-notch restaurants and lively bars while in town.

East Towne Mall
#springfun beautiful 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 which includes signage, a garden and cycling

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
Walks with my nieces!

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

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

Situated on Lake Monona's southeastern shore, this Madison suburb boasts the historic Indian Mounds Park, a site on the National Register of Historic Places.

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

Marquette

5/5(1 area review)

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

Marquette
Default Image

Campus Area

If you're spending some time in Campus Area, Memorial Union Terrace and Lake Monona Shoreline Run are top sights worth seeing.

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

Regent

4/5(1 area review)

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
Madison Skyline

Tenney-Lapham

While visiting Tenney-Lapham, you might make a stop by sights like Breese Stevens Field and Lake Mendota.

Tenney-Lapham

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Madison

Aerial view of the Madison Suburb of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Sun Prairie

Beautilful Sunset over the Horizon, Pheasant Branch Conservatory

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 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 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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