Madison travel guide

About Madison

Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is the second-most populous city in the state, with a population of 269,840 at the 2020 census. The Madison metropolitan area has an estimated 708,000 residents. With a downtown centrally located on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, the city also encompasses Lake Wingra. Founded in 1836, Madison is named after American Founding Father and President James Madison. The city is the county seat of Dane County.

Places to visit in Madison

1. 

   Wisconsin State Capitol

   Landmark

   A granite capitol with a grand dome rising over the isthmus between two lakes. Free tours explore its ornate interiors, and the observation deck opens in season for views across the city.

2. 

   Dane County Farmers' Market

   Market

   A large producer-only market circling Capitol Square on Saturday mornings in season, with produce, Wisconsin cheese, baked goods and flowers. Arrive early and walk the loop with the crowd for a beloved local tradition.

3. Memorial Union Terrace

   Landmark

   A lakeside terrace at the University of Wisconsin with its iconic sunburst chairs overlooking Lake Mendota. Grab ice cream or a drink and enjoy sunsets and live music in summer.

4. State Street

   Neighborhood

   A pedestrian-friendly street linking the Capitol to the university campus, lined with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. The heart of Madison's student and cultural life.

5. 

   Olbrich Botanical Gardens

   Park · 3 mi from centre

   Gardens along the shore of Lake Monona with themed outdoor plantings, a rose garden, an ornate Thai pavilion and a tropical conservatory. A tranquil escape in any season, especially in summer bloom.

6. 

   Henry Vilas Zoo

   Zoo

   A free zoo near Lake Wingra with lions, polar bears, primates and a children's area. Its manageable size makes it easy to visit in a couple of hours.

7. 

   Chazen Museum of Art

   Museum

   A free university art museum on the University of Wisconsin campus with a broad collection spanning ancient objects to contemporary works. It is easy to combine with a walk down State Street to the Capitol.

8. 

   Monona Terrace

   Landmark

   A convention center based on a Frank Lloyd Wright design, perched on the shore of Lake Monona. Its rooftop garden is open to the public and offers lake views.

Where to stay in Madison

Popular hotels in Madison, out of 133 properties you can book.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Madison West/Middleton

• Madison

From $123 per night

Hilton Madison Monona Terrace

• Madison

From $132 per night

Residence Inn Madison East

• Abbotsford

From $68 per night

Courtyard Madison West/Middleton

• Madison

From $118 per night

Best Western West Towne Suites

• Madison

From $84 per night

Best Western Premier Park Hotel

• Madison

From $136 per night

Cambria Hotel Madison East

• Madison

From $87 per night

Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown

• Madison

From $147 per night

Hilton Garden Inn Madison West/Middleton

• Madison

From $120 per night

Hyatt Place Madison Downtown

• Madison

From $131 per night

AC Hotel Madison Downtown

• Madison

From $202 per night

Super 8 by Wyndham Madison South

• Madison

From $64 per night

Best time to visit Madison

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Madison is September, when average daytime highs are around 76°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Madison weather forecast

• Wed 21 Oct 69° 40° 2%
• Thu 22 Oct 69° 50° 0%
• Fri 23 Oct 70° 51° 0%
• Sat 24 Oct 70° 56° 0%
• Sun 25 Oct 62° 50° 4%
• Mon 26 Oct 50° 37° 8%

Know before you go

Currency

United States dollar (USD)

Language

English

Calling code

+1

Driving

On the right

Time zone

America/ChicagoUTC−5

Capital

Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

• Wed 11 NovVeterans Day
• Thu 26 NovThanksgiving Day
• Fri 25 DecChristmas Day
• Fri 1 JanNew Year's Day
• Mon 18 JanMartin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Mon 15 FebPresidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Madison

These are the airports closest to central Madison. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

• MSN Dane County Regional Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre

Getting around Madison

You can get around much of Madison on the Metro bus system ($2 single trip, $5 day ticket). Coverage becomes spotty and travel times extensive as you get further away from the isthmus, so a car is practically a necessity for regular travel outside the city center.

By car

On-street parking in the center of Madison — the isthmus — tends to be scarce (and permits, issued annually, are required), but a number of parking garages are sprinkled throughout the area. Street parking further from the center is plentiful and free. A map of parking garages, rates, and parking regulations in the downtown area can be found at the City of Madison parking page.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link].

By taxi

Uber and Lyft are both available in Madison. There are also several cab companies and when downtown there is never a taxi far from sight. That said, taxis operate on an appointment-only basis, so be sure to call at least 15-20 minutes before you need a ride (allow for more time during busy periods or inclement weather). With most of the cab companies you can also make a reservation for a specific time by calling at least 24 hours in advance - this is highly advisable if you are going to take a cab to the airport.

By bike

Madison has consistently been rated among America's most bicycle-friendly cities, and the city maintains a map of Madison's bike paths.

Madison travel FAQ