Your local guide

A day, a weekend, your Madison.

Flexible suggestions; confirm opening days and admission before traveling.

Start with Capitol and downtown.

Capitol Square and nearby streets sit between Lakes Mendota and Monona. Select a local restaurant from the directory, compare street addresses, and leave time to explore nearby public spaces. Check hours before traveling; these are suggested stops, not a verified walking route.

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Look behind the street names.

Madison is in Dane County, Wisconsin. Capitol Square and nearby streets sit between Lakes Mendota and Monona. Willy Street and the surrounding near-east-side neighborhood have their own local business mix. Use the linked history sources to go beyond the brief timeline, then choose a local shop or restaurant for the rest of the visit.

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Make room for culture.

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art offers a starting point for a cultural visit. Check opening times directly, and use the forecast and regional air report before adding outdoor plans. Keep distances, heat and parking in mind.

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Hours and availability change, so check with each place before you go.

Choose a local meal

Start the day at one of these local restaurants.

Restaurant

RED

Restaurant · 316 W Washington Ave #100

RED is a restaurant located in Madison, Wisconsin, at 316 W. Washington Ave, Suite 100. The restaurant offers a menu that spans continents and goes beyond sushi, with a focus on using the highest quality ingredients…

Restaurant

Heritage Tavern

Restaurant · 131 E Mifflin St

Heritage Tavern is a farm-to-table restaurant located in the heart of downtown Madison, offering an exquisite dining experience. The restaurant is owned by Dan Fox, Executive Chef, who has a passion for cooking and a…

Add a cultural stop

Pair your meal with a museum or cultural visit. Check the map before choosing a route; these stops are not necessarily walkable from each other.

Museum and cultural place

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum and cultural place · 227 State Street

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is a cultural institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. It exhibits, collects, and preserves modern and contemporary art to provide transformative experiences that educate,…

Leave time for a local shop

Save a shop for a second stop or another afternoon.

Local shop

Pinkus McBride Market & Deli

Local shop · 301 N Hamilton St

Pinkus McBride Market & Deli is a convenience store on North Hamilton Street.

Local shop

Stop & shop

Local shop · 501 State St

Stop & shop is a convenience store on State Street.

Local shop

Frances Street Market

Local shop · 438 N Frances St

Frances Street Market is a convenience store on North Frances Street.

Use the hearts to save your stops. Open saved places → · Compare locations on the map → · Find an event for your visit →

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