Aleen's Guidebook
Sightseeing
James Madison Park
614 E Gorham StCapitol Square -South
223 W Main StThe observation deck is amazing--hours vary!
A 10 minute walk. It's so fun for kids 1-12 years old. Great views from the the roof!
66 locals recommend
Madison Children's Museum
100 N Hamilton StA 10 minute walk. It's so fun for kids 1-12 years old. Great views from the the roof!
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
227 State StThis is quintessential Madison. Meet some friends for beer and brats on the terrace!
25 locals recommend
University of Wisconsin - Memorial Union
800 Langdon StThis is quintessential Madison. Meet some friends for beer and brats on the terrace!
Food scene
The Caribou Tavern
703 E Johnson StA Madison icon. Burgers and beer and locals. A 3 minute walk.
Amazing mixed drinks and fun stylish atmosphere. Go solo or meet your friends.
30 locals recommend
The Robin Room
821 East Johnson StreetAmazing mixed drinks and fun stylish atmosphere. Go solo or meet your friends.
This is the place that made me love coffee. They also have incredible crepes and pastries. Pick up on the way to the Capitol!
14 locals recommend
Bradbury's Coffee
127 N Hamilton StThis is the place that made me love coffee. They also have incredible crepes and pastries. Pick up on the way to the Capitol!
Little Tibet Madison
827 East Johnson StreetMomos! Get all the momos! And everything else.
Johnson Public House
908 E Johnson StChill spot to hang with friends or work. Coffee is superb.
They will elevate your standard for good pizza. Just around the corner by Festival Foods.
55 locals recommend
Salvatore's Tomato Pies
912 E Johnson StThey will elevate your standard for good pizza. Just around the corner by Festival Foods.
The Coopers Tavern
20 W Mifflin StCasual mid-range with excellent food. We like to meet friends and eat at the bar.
46 locals recommend
Sardine
617 Williamson StCasual mid-range with excellent food. We like to meet friends and eat at the bar.
Dreamy, magical atmosphere and incredible food options that are great for sharing. We love to go for happy hour and sit in the oyster shell.
30 locals recommend
Tempest Oyster Bar
120 E Wilson StDreamy, magical atmosphere and incredible food options that are great for sharing. We love to go for happy hour and sit in the oyster shell.
Chen’s Dumpling House
505 State StreetLove their noodle soup and dumplings. Great for takeout.
Banzo
2105 Sherman AveGreat takeout!
Great local pizza, delivery can be a bit slow but worth it!
41 locals recommend
Glass Nickel Pizza Co. - Madison East
2916 Atwood AveGreat local pizza, delivery can be a bit slow but worth it!
East Johnson Family Restaurant
824 East Johnson StreetFantastic modern diner, 7 minute walk
Fun Things to Do
These are a few of our favorite things to do around here!
Check out the Breese Stevens website for pro soccer and ultimate games, concerts, food festivals, and many other events. A 15 minute walk.
15 locals recommend
Breese Stevens Field
917 E Mifflin StCheck out the Breese Stevens website for pro soccer and ultimate games, concerts, food festivals, and many other events. A 15 minute walk.
Another huge lakeside park about 1.5 miles away. Bridges, ice skating, beaches, playgrounds. Boat locks.
11 locals recommend
Tenney Park
402 N Thornton AveAnother huge lakeside park about 1.5 miles away. Bridges, ice skating, beaches, playgrounds. Boat locks.
Great hike with fabulous views! Bikes aren't allowed on the path. We also like to hike the less traveled Frautchi Point which is connected.
55 locals recommend
Picnic Point
2000 University Bay DrGreat hike with fabulous views! Bikes aren't allowed on the path. We also like to hike the less traveled Frautchi Point which is connected.
We spend many hours a week here. Great space for children, too, and work spaces.
8 locals recommend
Madison Public Library
201 W Mifflin StWe spend many hours a week here. Great space for children, too, and work spaces.
Neighborhoods
The link between the capitol and the university. Shops, bars, restaurants, museums. 15 minute walk.
111 locals recommend
State Street
State StreetThe link between the capitol and the university. Shops, bars, restaurants, museums. 15 minute walk.
City advice
Getting around
Bikes and Buses are the Best
Electric bike rental station, BCycle, is a block down the street in the park from April-Nov. Download the app and buy a day pass. Buses are frequent and leave from across the street. I believe the fare is $2. Parking around the Isthmus in Madison can be tough, and enforcers are merciless.