You're Going to Love Madison
Wisconsin's capital is an intellectual center, a thriving foodie destination, and simply an appealing, relaxed, and enjoyable place to spend some time.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Madison
1. It's Food Heaven
Madison has become on of the finest gastronomic destinations in the lower 48, offering great farmers markets, microbreweries like Karben4, and superb restaurants like Harvest or L'Etoile.
2. The Gorgeous Lakefront Location
Madison is squeezed in between two beautiful lakes, where you can rent kayaks or canoes, take control of a sailing boat, or fish for northern pike or walleye until the sun sets.
3. There Are Some Excellent Museums
Madison isn't short on museums and galleries either. Standouts include the Chazen Museum of Art, with its Dutch Masters, and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.
4. Tour the Wisconsin State Capitol
Wisconsin has a fascinating history, and you can find out all about it by taking tours of the elegant State Capitol building, with its iconic domed roof.
5. An Year-Round Festival Program
Madison hosts an endless parade of festivals, from the culinary delights of Taste of Madison to the WI Film Festival and the Atwood Music Festival.
When to Visit Madison
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Summer is the best time to visit Madison. It's festival season, the lakes are at their most inviting, and the town just feels laid-back and ready to welcome visitors.
How to Get to Madison
Plane
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) has connections to plenty of US cities. From there you can take Bus 20 into town for $2. Taxis will cost around $30.
Train
Amtrak's Empire Builder service stops at Columbus, just a few miles north of Madison.
Car
If you are coming from Chicago or Milwaukee, take I-90 to Madison. Those driving from the east or west can take I-80, then change in Chicago.
Bus
Bus services into Madison are provided by Greyhound, Megabus, Badger Bus, Van Galder, and Lamers.
Airlines serving Madison
Where to stay in popular areas of Madison
Most booked hotels in Madison
How to Get Around Madison
Public Transportation
Madison's bus network covers the whole city pretty well, and with single tickets costing $2, it's a cheap way to get around.
Taxi
When you take taxis in Madison, expect to pay a meter drop of $4, followed by around $3 per mile.
Car
Local car rental outlets include Enterprise and Budget, and rates can be as low as $10 per day.
Car rental agencies in Madison
The Cost of Living in Madison
Shopping Streets
Madison has a few excellent family malls, including Hilldale and East Towne Mall, and you'll find plenty of independent stores around Capitol Square.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets include Festival Foods and Trader Joe's, and you can expect to spend around $1.60 on 12 eggs, so it's a cheap place to shop.
Where to Eat in Madison
There are numerous elite restaurants in town, but highlights include the Old Fashioned, a down-to-earth tavern and restaurant; L'Etoile, a gourmet modern American eatery; and Harvest Restaurant, which specializes in using Wisconsin's fresh produce. Meals prices vary, but a good meal will cost around $25 per head.