About Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it had a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, making it the 31st-most populous city in the United States and the fifth-most populous city in the Midwest. The Milwaukee metropolitan area has over 1.57 million residents and ranks as the 40th-largest metropolitan area in the nation. The city is the county seat of Milwaukee County.
Places to visit in Milwaukee
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Milwaukee Art Museum
Museum · 3 mi from centreA lakefront art museum with a striking winged pavilion by Santiago Calatrava that opens and closes daily. Inside, collections range from European masters to American folk art.
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Harley-Davidson Museum
Museum · 2 mi from centreA museum showcasing the history of the iconic Milwaukee motorcycle brand, with hundreds of bikes, engines and exhibits on design, engineering and riding culture. Riders and non-riders alike enjoy the visit.
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Historic Third Ward
NeighborhoodA former warehouse district turned into a lively area of boutiques, galleries, restaurants and theaters along the river. It is pleasant to explore on foot.
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Milwaukee Public Market
Market · 2 mi from centreAn indoor market in the Third Ward with food vendors, specialty shops and local goods. Stop by for seafood, cheese, chocolates or a casual meal.
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Milwaukee RiverWalk
ParkA walkway along the Milwaukee River through downtown and the Third Ward, lined with restaurants, art and the Bronze Fonz statue. A great way to explore the city on foot.
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Mitchell Park Domes
Park · 2 mi from centreThree glass domes housing desert, tropical and seasonal floral displays, offering a warm escape in any season. A distinctive landmark on the city's south side.
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Milwaukee County Zoo
ZooA large zoo on the city's west side with animals from around the world arranged by continent, including big cats, primates, bears and an aquarium and reptile building. Allow several hours.
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Discovery World
MuseumA science and technology museum on the lakefront with freshwater and saltwater aquariums and interactive exhibits on innovation and the Great Lakes. A family favorite next to the art museum.
Things to do in Milwaukee by type
4 tours, tickets and experiences across 1 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
- 1-3 hours 2
- 3-6 hours 1
- Private 1
Top experiences in Milwaukee
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 4 available.
See all things to do in Milwaukee
Where to stay in Milwaukee
Popular hotels in Milwaukee, out of 176 properties you can book.
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
From $116 per night
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Milwaukee Airport
From $88 per night
Avid Hotel Milwaukee West - Waukesha
From $106 per night
Doubletree Hotel Milwaukee City Center
From $129 per night
The Iron Horse
From $140 per night
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Milwaukee West Allis
From $77 per night
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
From $163 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown, WI
From $143 per night
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield
From $79 per night
The Pfister
From $205 per night
Ambassador Milwaukee Trademark Collection
From $88 per night
Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport
From $90 per night
Best time to visit Milwaukee
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Milwaukee is September, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 5 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.
Milwaukee weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 68° 40° 1%
- Thu 22 Oct 69° 54° 1%
- Fri 23 Oct 70° 54° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 69° 56° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 70° 57° 3%
- Mon 26 Oct 57° 41° 7%
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
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents 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 Milwaukee
These are the airports closest to central Milwaukee. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ZML Milwaukee Intermodal Station2 mi (3 km) from the city centre
- MWC Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport6 mi (10 km) from the city centre
- MKE Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport8 mi (12 km) from the city centre
Getting around Milwaukee
Getting around in Milwaukee is easy. Block numbers are consistent across the city, including most of the suburbs, starting roughly where the Milwaukee and Menominee rivers meet. All numbered streets run north-south, increasing in number as you head west from 1st Street. Most named streets go east-west, with the notable exception of streets east of 1st St. Standard blocks are 1/8th of a mile long north to south, and 1/16th of a mile east to west.
Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS)
Milwaukee's bus system, MCTS, has an extensive coverage area (85% of Milwaukee County) and core routes with very frequent service. Outlying suburbs have shorter hours, slower and less-frequent service. Express buses called "UBuses" offer service to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. MCTS also serves Mitchell International Airport with both a local bus and a new, more express route; see Get In for details. Most routes run from about 5AM until at least midnight.
The Hop streetcar
The Hop is a streetcar operating in downtown from the Amtrak station to Burns Commons. It opened in 2018. Free.
By bicycle
Milwaukee was awarded bronze status from the League of American Bicyclists in 2004 and 2009. Bike maps are available from the Milwaukee County website or from the city or for sale at local shops. Weather permitting, Milwaukee is a very pleasant place to bicycle. There are several separated bike lanes and network of leisurely trails called the Oak Leaf Trail.
Milwaukee travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Milwaukee?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Milwaukee is September, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Milwaukee?
July is usually the warmest month in Milwaukee, with average highs of 80°F (27°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 16°F (-9°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 125 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Milwaukee?
Milwaukee Intermodal Station (ZML) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (3 km) from the centre of Milwaukee. Other nearby airports include Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport (MWC, 6 mi) and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE, 8 mi).
What time zone is Milwaukee in?
Milwaukee uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Milwaukee?
Getting around in Milwaukee is easy. Block numbers are consistent across the city, including most of the suburbs, starting roughly where the Milwaukee and Menominee rivers meet. All numbered streets run north-south, increasing in number as you head west from 1st Street.
What are the best places to visit in Milwaukee?
Top sights in Milwaukee include Milwaukee Art Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, Historic Third Ward and Milwaukee Public Market. A lakefront art museum with a striking winged pavilion by Santiago Calatrava that opens and closes daily. Inside, collections range from European masters to American folk art.
What are the top things to do in Milwaukee?
Popular experiences you can book in Milwaukee include NBA Game: Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum - Ticket. Destina Holidays offers 4 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Milwaukee?
The most popular types of experiences in Milwaukee are shows, sports and special events (2), gastronomy & nightlife (1), city tours (1) and art & culture (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Milwaukee?
Popular areas for hotels in Milwaukee include Milwaukee Area, Pewaukee and Suburbs. Well-reviewed options include Hyatt Regency Milwaukee and Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Milwaukee Airport.
How many hotels can I book in Milwaukee?
Destina Holidays currently lists 176 properties in and around Milwaukee, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
