• 43.06819-89.399861 Madison Welcome Center, 21 N Park St, ☏ +1 608-262-4636. M-F 9AM-4:30PM. 
• 43.07494-89.392762 Downtown Visitor Center, 452 State St, ☏ +1 608-255-1008, [email protected]. January–May 11AM-2PM. 

Madison's weather is typical of the Midwest: warm and humid in summer, often very cold in winter, and temperate spring and fall conditions. Summer heat indices average around 85 °F (29 °C) during the day and 64 °F (18 °C) at night. Heat waves can bring high humidity and heat and send heat indices upwards to 97 °F (36 °C) or higher, and not go below 74 °F (23 °C) at night.

• 43.136365-89.3458861 Dane County Regional Airport (MSN  ^IATA). Northeast of downtown Madison, 15 minutes to the Capitol and the university by car or taxi. There are daily flights to nearby hubs including Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Denver. Nonstop service is also offered to cities like Atlanta, Newark, New York City, and Washington, D.C..  

• I-39/I-90/I-94 runs along the eastern edge of Madison.
  • Just over an hour to get to Milwaukee on I-94.
  • 2 hr 15 min to get to Chicago O'Hare Airport on I-90. Downtown Chicago is 30-45 minutes further, depending on traffic.
  • Four hours on the combined I-90/I-94 will take you to Minneapolis/Saint Paul.

• VanGalder Bus. From Chicago O'Hare Airport to the University of Wisconsin campus; the stop is on Langdon Street just west of Lake Street, across from the Pyle Center. Tickets are $30.50 for a one-way trip and they can be bought from the bus drivers for exact change, or with credit cards, check or cash at the Memorial Union Travel Center. (updated Jul 2019)
• From Milwaukee the Badger Bus; ☏ +1-877-292-8259; runs multiple trips per day between Madison and Milwaukee. Has multiple stops, including downtown, in both cities; makes stops at Mitchell Int'l. Airport in Milwaukee. Will also stop at Johnson Creek on demand (tickets must be purchased in advance online).
• Megabus. Low-cost bus company that offers service to Madison from Chicago (several times daily), Milwaukee (4 times daily), and Minneapolis-Saint Paul (4 times daily). Fares can be as little as $1 each way if ordered far enough in advance. Megabus serves two stops in Madison, one on Langdon Street just west of Lake Street, across from the Pyle Center on the University of Wisconsin campus, and another at the bus shelter at the Dutch Mill Park & Ride, located on the northeast side of the US Route 12/18 and US Route 51 intersection. The stop at the Memorial Union is more centrally located, and a much better stop to get off at if you'll be staying in central Madison without a car. Also, none of the services to Milwaukee nor the daytime services to Minneapolis-Saint Paul stop at Dutch Mill.
• Greyhound. Service from Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chicago.

• Via Columbus, Amtrak travels east to Milwaukee and Chicago and west to Minneapolis on the Empire Builder route. Columbus is a 30-minute drive north of Madison.
• Amtrak also connects to Madison from Chicago via Thruway bus, operated by VanGalder.

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.

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^{[dead link]}. For most lots on the University of Wisconsin campus permits, issued annually only to university employees, are required. There are a few lots that offer public parking. Full details on parking lots, rates and regulations on the UW campus can be found here. The best advice for parking on the UW campus is to read signs at lot entrances and believe what they say (UW parking enforcement is highly vigilant and on duty 24 hours a day). If you are driving from one end of the city to another, the Beltline is a commonly used route.

Football games can pose significant challenges to those traveling in the downtown area by car or bus. If you're traveling on a Sunday in the fall, it is always worth checking if and when the Badgers are playing a home game. Before and after home games, expect most streets near Camp Randall Stadium to be backed up, with traffic moving at a snail's pace. On-street parking in the area will likely be unavailable, and parking lots around campus will likely be filled to capacity unless you arrive early. Use extreme caution at intersections. Expect pedestrians to be drunk both before and after the game: it's not unusual to find people from college students to retirees stumbling to the game as early as 9AM. On the other hand, traffic during a football game is usually very light, and if you need to go somewhere downtown on game day, that's the time to do it.

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.

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

• 43.07626-89.41 The Memorial Union Terrace, 800 Langdon St, ☏ +1 608-265-3000. A lovely terrace which overlooks beautiful Lake Mendota. Be sure to sample Babcock Ice Cream, made locally at Babcock Dairy Hall, whose profits help fund the UW-Madison dairy program. The Memorial Union also features a wide variety of local and regional beers — perfect for sipping (Union membership or University affiliation required to buy alcoholic beverages, but one-day guest passes can be obtained) while listening to live music, or enjoying the view with friends. Boat rentals are also available for the more active crowd. 
• 43.071667-89.3805562 Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr, ☏ +1 608-261-4000, fax: +1 608-261-4049, [email protected]. Daily 8AM-5PM. From the roof of Monona Terrace, one can see views of downtown Madison, including the Capitol and a panoramic view of Lake Monona. There are weekly events during the summer, including Dane Dances, concerts on the rooftop, and free Tai Chi.  
• State Street. The core of the city is State Street, which extends from the Capitol Building west to the UW campus. This is the center of activity in Madison and is a must-visit. You will find unique shops, restaurants, bars, sidewalk cafes, coffee houses, museums, and an array of street performers. State Street is well-known for its yearly Halloween celebration, called "Freakfest". Maxwell Street Days is held on State Street the third weekend of July each year. (updated Oct 2021)
• Monroe Street. Cute, colorful, and catering to near-west yuppies. Most of the businesses on Monroe are concentrated near Regent Street just past Camp Randall Stadium, and it includes unique curiosities such as a flatbread pizza shop, an oriental rug outlet, a Belgian restaurant, and a store that specializes in home brewing & winery materials. 
• Midvale Neighborhood A handful of closely-connected neighborhoods off of Midvale Blvd on Madison's near- to middle-west side. Beautiful parks and some original Madison architecture. Check out Hilldale mall, which includes many small boutiques and local shops and restaurants. Hilldale is a more low-key alternative to State Street or Monroe Street for dinner out or shopping.
• Willy Street. The center of the free-spirited hippie neighborhoods of Madison's near east side. Williamson Street, affectionately referred to by locals as "Willy Street," is home to several co-ops, dive bars, and head shops. Some of the best restaurants in Madison are located past the Yahara River, where Williamson turns into Winnebago Street and intersects with Atwood. 
• East Johnson Street This up-and-coming neighborhood contains a small selection of cheap, high-quality shops and cafés that will give the average Madison hipster wet dreams. Everything of interest is concentrated between Brearly and Blount streets.
• East Washington Avenue (East Wash). An up-and-coming area, East Washington Avenue, affectionately referred to as East Wash by locals, features several new bars and restaurants. There are numerous new and proposed buildings in the East Wash area, with many planned to feature dining. 

• 43.0594-89.41033 Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 S Randall Ave, ☏ +1 608-266-4732. Daily 9:30AM-5PM. Founded in 1914, this is one of the few free zoos left in the country. The zoo houses over 40 species within its 30-acre (12-hectare) grounds, and additional attractions include a zoo train, carousel and a children's play area complete with tree house. Free admission and parking, donations welcome. (updated Oct 2021)
• 43.0925-89.3354 Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave, ☏ +1 608-246-4550, fax: +1 608-246-4719. These 16 free outdoor gardens have many ponds and greens, as well as the only Thai Pavilion in the continental United States. There is a $6 fee to enter the conservatory, which houses over 650 exotics and tropicals. (updated Apr 2022)
• 43.041425-89.4306535 UW Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Hwy, ☏ +1 608-263-7888. A massive, man-made nature reserve that has been carefully planned out with several different types of forests and plant species. Excellent for bike rides, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and long walks.  

• 43.074444-89.3847226 Wisconsin State Capitol. The State Capitol Building, modeled after the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., was finished in 1912 after the previous Capitol Building burnt down. Its dome is one of the largest in the world in terms of volume. The mural under the dome is actually hanging from the top. Tours leave many times a day, always at the top of the hour at certain hours, and tour the Senate, Assembly, Hearing Room, and Governor's Cabinet Room. There is also an observation deck 90 feet (30 meters) up open Memorial Day to Labor Day.  
• 43.1087-89.36987 Governor's Mansion, ☏ +1 608-246-5501. The mansion of the governor of the state of Wisconsin is located in nearby Maple Bluff, right on Lake Mendota. Tours are offered every Thursday during the summer and several times during the month of December. Free. (updated Nov 2017)

• 43.075-89.38678 Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W Mifflin St, ☏ +1 608-267-1799. Chronicles the sacrifices made by Wisconsin Veterans from the American Civil War to the present day. The 20th Century gallery of the museum includes full-size replicas of a World War I Sopwith Camel biplane and a P-51 Mustang, as well as an authentic Huey Helicopter.  
• 43.07458-89.389149 Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State St, ☏ +1 608-257-0158. A unique three-story collection of works created by artists based in Madison and beyond, containing many interactive exhibits and free tours which you can listen to on your cell phone. The fourth floor houses an upscale restaurant and bar, and offers a magnificent view of State Street. Free.  
• 43.0739-89.399610 Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Ave, ☏ +1 608-263-2246. A classic art exhibit inside the University of Wisconsin's art school, containing several different sections ranging from ancient sculptures to modern-day photography. The exhibits are changed regularly, and the museum is quiet and uncrowded. Free.  
• 43.0703-89.40611 UW-Madison Geology Museum, 1215 West Dayton Street, ☏ +1 608-262 2399. M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM, Sa 9AM-1PM. A geology and paleontology museum exhibiting ancient past through rocks, fossils, and meteorites. Free.  
• 43.0736-89.405412 L. R. Ingersoll Physics Museum, 1215 West Dayton Street, ☏ +1 608-262-4526, [email protected]. M-F 8AM-4PM, closed on public and school holidays. Hands-on physics museum with exhibits demonstrating basic physical concepts, from mechanics to atomics, some historical instruments on display. Closest parking lot is Lot 20. Free.  
• 43.0769-89.384413 Madison Children's Museum, 100 N Hamilton St, ☏ +1 608-256-6445. A children's museum next to the State Capitol. The whimsical and mind-bending interactive exhibits will delight both adults and children alike. $12. (updated Oct 2021)
• 43.058611-89.44166714 Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House. One of eight buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright to be listed as a world-heritage site. (updated Jul 2019)

• Food carts, Library Mall (at the end of State St, away from the Capitol). Look out for food carts, some of Madison's best sources for a quick bite, clustered at the end of State Street near Memorial Library and on/near Capitol Square.
• 43.06788-89.408461 Nam's Noodles, 1336 Regent St, ☏ +1 608-287-0475. Excellent Chinese food close to the university. Their "Nam's Fried Rice" is outstanding. Sit-down or take-out, no delivery. 
• 43.07293-89.395672 Ian's Pizza, 319 N Frances St, ☏ +1 608-257-0597. And 115 State St. Campus favorite with a gourmet twist. Excellent New York-sized pizza by the slice, featuring old standards like pepperoni and new variations like mac and cheese (don't knock it until you've tried it — it's the top seller!), Black Bean Feta Avocado and Steak 'n' Fries. Daily and monthly specials served by the most charming staff in town. 
• 43.0747-89.396493 Mediterranean Cafe, 625 State St, ☏ +1 608-251-8510. This narrow room is a Madison gem and a favorite with the university crowd. Great Middle Eastern food, such as shawerma (similar to gyros) and felafel (fried chickpeas). Almost always busy, but it moves fast. 
• Paul's Pel'meni, 414 W Gilman St, ☏ +1 608-467-3234. Delicious traditional Russian dumplings just off of State Street, within walking distance of UW-Madison campus and the Capitol. Filled with beef, or potato, or get a mix. Try it with "The Works" (curry powder, chili sauce, butter, sour cream, cilantro) for a fun twist. (updated Dec 2023)

• 43.06746-89.413024 Mickies Dairy Bar, 1511 Monroe St, ☏ +1 608-256-9476. A classic diner close to the University, and right across from the football stadium. It has among the best shakes in town. If you think you can eat a lot, try the scrambler. It is cash only and is always packed full of people on game day. 
• 43.0679-89.410245 Greenbush Bakery, 1402 Regent St, ☏ +1 608-257-1151. Excellent doughnuts, which just happen to be kosher. Must try the cream filled doughnuts, and the apple fritters are literally big enough to feed the whole family. 
• 43.08006-89.369486 Madison Sourdough Bread Company, 916 Williamson St, ☏ +1 608-442-8009. M-Sa 6:30AM-5PM, Su 8AM-5PM. Breakfast and lunch are served until 2:30PM daily. Excellent, fresh sourdough bread can be found here. Try their baguette - artisanal bread at its best. It can be found at some local grocery stores, including Willy Street Co-op. 
• 43.06782-89.401887 Greenbush Bar, 914 Regent St, ☏ +1 608-257-2874. In a town of many great pizza places, this is one of the best thin-crispy-crust pizzas you'll find. It's in the basement of the Italian Workman's Club building in what was Greenbush, Madison's long-gone Italian district. 
• 43.07494-89.39078 Himal Chuli, 318 State St (on State St 300 block), ☏ +1 608-251-9225. Excellent Nepalese food, cozy atmosphere. Some of the most delicious food in Madison and you always feel good after you have eaten here because it is healthy as well. Try the momochas or anything else. 
• 43.07561-89.466649 Glass Nickel Pizza, 5003 University Ave, ☏ +1 608-333-4845. On the corner of Whitney Way and University Ave. A large menu to choose from including: pizza, salads, pasta, and numerous appetizers. The fetalicious is a Madison favorite. 
• 43.09226-89.3555110 The Green Owl Cafe, 1970 Atwood Ave, ☏ +1 608-285-5290. M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-3PM. Vegetarian cuisine created by chef/proprietor Jennie Capellaro. $5-12. 
• 43.07984-89.3687211 Umami Ramen & Dumpling Bar (Umami), 923 Williamson St (btw Paterson & Brearly), ☏ +1 608-819-6319. M-Th 5PM-10PM, F Sa 5PM-11PM, Su 5-9PM. Authentic Japanese ramen and Chinese dumplings, including pork buns and other Asian comfort foods. Vegetarian friendly. $7-15. 

• 43.07516-89.3822512 L'Etoile, 1 S Pinckney St, ☏ +1 608-251-0500. Open M-Th at 6PM, F at 5:30PM, Sa at 5PM. Nationally-acclaimed restaurant focusing on locally grown ingredients, often found at the Farmer's Market. While pricey, it is worth it. Make reservations in advance. 
• 43.07612-89.3836313 Harvest Restaurant, 21 N Pinckney St, ☏ +1 608-255-6075. M-Th 5:30PM-close, F Sa 5PM-close. Next door to L'Etoile, it is nearly as good and more likely to offer a reservation on the same day. (updated Sep 2021)
• 43.0725-89.3846214 Tornado Club Steak House, 116 S Hamilton St, ☏ +1 608-256-3570. American-style steak house that also serves excellent cocktails. Not cheap, but offers late-night dining. 
• 43.07534-89.3930515 Samba Brazilian Grill, 240 W Gilman St, ☏ +1 608-257-1111. Just off of State Street, Samba delivers table-side meat service, in the churrascaria fashion, and a massive gourmet salad bar. Rather pricey for Madison, but it is all-you-can eat. Pace yourself and practice self-control! $40. 
• 43.06829-89.3949616 Harvey House, 644 W. Washington Ave, ☏ +1 608-250-9578. Tu-Th 5-9PM, F Sa 4:30-9:30PM. Dinner and cocktails in this remodeled train depot and train car surely will not disappoint. The menu is comprised of modern takes on Wisconsin supper clubs with a 1920s-1940s aesthetic throughout the restaurant. It is highly recommended to get reservations more than a couple weeks in advance as reservations fill up quickly. (updated Apr 2022)

Madison is well known for upholding the Wisconsin "supper club" tradition, offering a variety of German-inspired establishments that serve top-notch American food during the day, convert into bars late at night, and give you an absolutely unrivaled selection of beer regardless of whether it's 10AM or 1AM.

• 43.07625-89.38371 The Old Fashioned, 23 N Pinckney St, ☏ +1 608-310-4545. Right on the Square, with a great view of the Capitol, it serves supper club fare with a slightly upscale bent in a warm, lively atmosphere. From deep-fried cheese curds to artisanal cheese plates, from pickled eggs to Nueske's bacon and natural-casing bratwurst, this is the perfect place to go before a performance nearby. Busy, but well worth it. The Old Fashioned also has one of the largest beer menus you will ever see. Do not miss the fried cheese curds - they are widely regarded as the best in town. They also have a great Saturday brunch. 
• 43.07624-89.376562 The Essen Haus, 514 E Wilson St, ☏ +1 608-255-4674. Great beer, great atmosphere — and the perfect example of the thriving German culture in Madison. With live Oompah music nightly, you'll be drinking all of your beer from a boot from now on! 
• Great Dane Brew Pub (3 locations). A very large selection of hand-crafted microbrews and excellent food, including fresh-baked pretzels and several vegetarian selections; each location has similar menus with subtle tweaks and different atmospheres. 
  • 43.07475-89.380213 Great Dane Brew Pub, 123 E Doty St (Downtown). (updated Apr 2022)
  • 43.07113-89.452284 Great Dane Brew Pub, 357 Price Pl (next to Hilldale Mall on the near-west side). (updated Apr 2022)
  • 43.01786-89.423335 Great Dane Brew Pub, 2980 Cahill Main (near the intersection of Fish Hatchery and County PD in Fitchburg). (updated Apr 2022)
• 43.07283-89.395666 Dotty Dumpling's Dowry, 317 N Frances St, ☏ +1 608-285-5290. M-W 11AM-11PM, Th-Sa 11AM-1AM, Su noon-10PM. If you're looking for a good burger in Madison, this is the place to be. Dotty's serves one of the best burgers in Madison, if not the very best. $8-15. 
• 43.06064-89.43897 Village Bar, 3801 Mineral Point Rd. Across the street from the Glenway Golf Course. This friendly neighborhood bar dates back over 65 years when Westmorland was a village outside the City of Madison. The fried summer sausage sandwiches are great. 
• 43.08329-89.36418 The Weary Traveler, 1201 Williamson St, ☏ +1 608-442-6207. A decent local bar/restaurant consistently packed with friendly locals from the Willy St Neighborhood. The service can be a bit slow, but the food is great. Don't forget to try their specialty: the Bad Breath Burger. 
• 43.11141-89.363279 The Esquire Club, 1025 N Sherman Ave, ☏ +1 608-249-0193. Another fabulous all-you-can-eat Friday fish fry place with a great Wisconsin supper-club atmosphere. Very busy on Friday nights, so you may want to make a reservation and/or plan to hang out in the bar for a while. 
• 43.07532-89.3904410 The Plaza Tavern, 319 North Henry Street, ☏ +1 608-255-6592. M-Th 11AM-2AM, F Sa 11AM-2:30AM; grill 11AM-10:45PM. The Plaza Tavern has been a part of downtown life in Madison since Prohibition, and is well-known for its sumptuous "Plazaburger." You can't go wrong visiting the Plaza Tavern for good food and sports watching. (updated May 2016)

• Ancora Coffee Roaster. Four locations around town that feature excellent coffee. Try the fabulous white coffee. 
• EVP Coffee. Four locations around Madison. 
• Victor Allen's Coffee. Several locations around town; another popular local coffee roaster. 
• Steep & Brew Coffee. State St. Two Madison locations, including one on State Street. Excellent selection of delicious coffees and teas. 
• 43.07489-89.3872211 Michelangelo's Coffee House, 114 State St, ☏ +1 608-251-5299. Every day 7AM-11PM. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee and other drinks make up the menu at this comfy downtown meeting and reading spot. 

• 43.07311-89.384541 Best Western Premier Park Hotel, 22 S Carroll St, ☏ +1 608-285-8000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. The only hotel on Capitol Square. Pool, free valet parking, free wi-fi, free airport and campus shuttle. 
• 43.07243-89.427732 Best Western InnTowner and the Highland Club. Located on the near west side of the UW campus in a quiet neighborhood, next to the UW/VA Hospitals and just a short drive from State Street. Free wireless high-speed Internet and shuttle. Its concierge-level floor, the Highland Club won Best Western's "Best of the Best" design award for its renovation. 
• 43.07574-89.386643 Concourse Hotel, 1 W Dayton St, toll-free: +1-800-356-8293. Larger, nicer hotel one block from the Capitol Square and one block from the Overture Center for the Performing Arts. 
• 43.07553-89.395564 Graduate Madison, 601 Langdon St, ☏ +1 608-257-4391, [email protected]. 
• 43.07169-89.394555 Doubletree Madison, 525 W Johnson St, ☏ +1 608-251-5511. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Formerly the Howard Johnson, this smaller hotel is very close to the University (one block from the Kohl Center) and not too far from the Capitol. Free wireless Internet access. 
• 43.07931-89.389846 Edgewater Hotel, 1001 Wisconsin Pl, ☏ +1 608-535-8200. Luxury hotel on Lake Mendota at the beginning of Langdon Street, this hotel is about eight blocks from the university. Be sure to sit out on the pier during the summer. 
• 43.07283-89.380627 Hilton Madison, 9 E Wilson St, ☏ +1 608-255-5100. Complementing Madison's historic charm, this 14-story, 236-room hotel is named the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center headquarters. Two blocks from the State Capitol on the shores of Lake Monona, the hotel has some of the city's best views. Indoors, an elegant parlor and lobby set the tone for a first-class stay. Take advantage of a state-of-the-art fitness center and indoor pool overlooking the lake. Or retreat to the 14th-private Executive Club Floor for panoramic cityscapes. 
• 43.04746-89.373388 Sheraton Madison, 706 John Nolen Dr, ☏ +1 608-251-2300. On John Nolen Drive and within walking distance of the Alliant Energy Exposition Center, with 237 rooms and suites. Shuttle service is available to and from the Dane County Airport. Ample complimentary parking for guests. The Heartland Grill and Prairie Cafe serve throughout the day, with Harvest Lounge open every evening.