Things to do in Madison

Activities, attractions and tours

A busy urban street with historic buildings, a prominent clock tower, and a hill in the background.
A street lined with historic buildings, including a restaurant named 'The Hammond Family Restaurant'.
A sign for the Nature Center, Trail 1, and Observation Tower.
A street lined with historic buildings, parked cars, and a tree in the foreground.
A large yellow building with white columns and a garden in front.

Things to do

Downtown Madison Sightseeing & History with Self-Guided Audio Tour

Downtown Madison Sightseeing & History with Self-Guided Audio Tour

RM41
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Downtown Madison Sightseeing & History with Self-Guided Audio Tour
Madison Must-See and Must-Eat Locations with Self-Guided Audio Tour

Madison Must-See and Must-Eat Locations with Self-Guided Audio Tour

RM41
per traveller
80% of travellers recommend
Madison Must-See and Must-Eat Locations with Self-Guided Audio Tour
Madison: Haunts and Terrors Walking Tour

Murmurs of Mourning & Murder: Madison Ghost Tour

RM97
per adult
Murmurs of Mourning & Murder: Madison Ghost Tour
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What to do in Madison

Stay near popular Madison attractions

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Camp Randall Stadium

9.0/10 (1,067 reviews)
Camp Randall Stadium, the historic home of Wisconsin Badgers football since 1895, is the Big Ten's oldest stadium. Experience the electrifying "Jump Around" tradition as fans leap between the third and fourth quarters.
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Where to stay in Madison

Find the best Madison areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A large domed building surrounded by modern cityscape and a body of water.

Downtown Madison

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Madison. A stop by Overture Center for the Arts or Orpheum Theater might round out your trip.

A cityscape at dusk with a prominent dome-shaped building, a waterfront, and a circular structure with multiple towers.

Capitol

If you're spending some time in Capitol, Wisconsin State Capitol and Overture Center for the Arts are top sights worth seeing.

Campus Area

While visiting Campus Area, you might make a stop by sights like Memorial Union Terrace and Kohl Center.

Vilas

While visiting Vilas, you might make a stop by sights like Henry Vilas Zoo and Vilas Park.

Schenk Atwood

While visiting Schenk Atwood, you might make a stop by sights like Barrymore Theatre and Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

A city skyline with a prominent white dome building, reflecting in a calm body of water.

Sun Prairie

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 holidaying 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.