Location: Madison
Top Things to do in Madison
Countries
Top 10 Things to do Good for Couples in Madison, Wisconsin (WI)
The sprawling University of Wisconsin sets the tone for this college town of cafes, bookstores, brewpubs, numerous restaurants (more per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.) and a good share of cultural and historical attractions. Stunning glacial waterways make the City of Lakes one of the more picturesque state capitals in the country. More than 250 parks offer residents and tourists plenty of recreational areas to choose from. If you visit the campus, be sure to try the famous Babcock Ice Cream at Memorial Union or Babcock Hall, before or after a visit to the Elvehjem Museum of Art's collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. And to really get into the college spirit, head over to State Street's eclectic range of ethnic restaurants. Be sure to try the mouth-watering bratwurst sandwich on a homemade bun at State Street Brats, a student favorite. At the end of State Street, the white granite, Roman Renaissance-style Capitol dominates the skyline and offers an observation platform for views of the city and lakes.
Restaurants in Madison
1. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,636 reviews
One of Madison's most popular attractions, this oasis of green includes a sunken garden, perennial garden, rose garden, rock garden, herb garden, wildflower garden and a tropical conservatory.
Reviewed By Valedia - McHenry, United States
Some friends and I try to meet up somewhere every fall. This year I read about and picked this spot as Madison is a halfway point for all. I was absolutely amazed at this gem - free parking, free access to the outdoor areas and only $2.00 to explore the indoor conservatory. The volunteers greeted us when we walked into the conservatory, and one went so far as to walk us around and point out all the different areas so that we wouldn't miss any of it. There is a gift shop that is stocked with seeds, bulbs, cards that can be planted, clothing and much, much more. The conservatory has lush plants, trees, ferns, a koi pond and other water features. After exploring inside we went out and walked all of the different paths and areas that were very well maintained, and a true sensory treat! Photography is a hobby of mine, and I came home with almost 60 pictures and could easily have taken more. We are looking forward to meeting up again in other seasons. If you are in the Madison area, do yourself a favor and take the time to enjoy this wonderful place!
2. Madison Eats Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
Enjoy a culinary experience through Madison, WI’s most unique and diverse foodie neighborhoods. Enjoy generous and delicious samples from favorite locally owned restaurants. Discover historic buildings, one-of-a-kind shops and meet chefs and producers! These tours are a fun and delicious way to discover Wisconsin’s capital city.
3. Hop Head Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Since 2010, we have provided fun, safe & educational tour experiences. Based out of Madison and now expanded to Milwaukee. We are not a party bus or a pub crawl. We visit breweries, brewpubs, distilleries & wineries and related attractions.
4. Brittingham Boats
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Downtown’s premier paddle destination. Seasonal walk-in rentals of Stand Up Paddle Boards, Kayaks, Canoes, Paddleboats and Rowboats. Special events including group paddles and Full Moon Paddles make it a Madison must!
5. Allen Centennial Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
Located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, these public gardens serve as outdoor classrooms in the study and research of plant identification, ecology and site management techniques in horticulture.
6. Madison Food Explorers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Learn about Madison's history and culture on a unique and informative walking food tour with authentic Madisonians. Our Lake to Lake Tour features top Madison attractions like Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace and the State Capitol building, accompanied with food samples that are uniquely Wisconsin - artisan cheeses, brats, locally-brewed beer, and ice cream. You'll leave with a better understanding of Madison's farm-to-table culture. Tours start at 12:30 pm, rain or shine. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Happy Hour Tours with a Scandinavian twist also available on select Thursday evenings. Please see our calendar. Private tours by foot or bus may be arranged.
7. Memorial Union Terrace
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 698 reviews
Reviewed By Rita21_12 - Madison, United States
You have the view of the lake and can spend a relaxing time with friends enjoying the wide choice of foods available and the famous Babcock ice-cream and a nice breeze if the weather is on your side the day you visit
8. Escape This
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
We offer live room escape games that provide a unique & entertaining experience for families, friends and co-workers. Teams of players are "locked" in a themed room with only 60 minutes to use wit, creativity and teamwork to search for clues, solve puzzles and ultimately escape the room. It's smart fun that puts a new twist on team building, birthday parties, date nights and outings with friends.
Reviewed By 472terry - Verona, United States
We have been to a ton of escape rooms all over the country. There are many similarities and many things that make each experience unique. Escape This stands out as one of the best that we have done. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful from the moment we walked in the building. Our game Master was Matthew and he was wonderful at letting us dictate any help we wanted from him. On hindsight, we wished that we had asked for a little help earlier. This is a challenging room with a ton of puzzles to solve. Great room for a bigger group because there is a lot to accomplish. We did not escape and still had many steps to do. That was disappointing but we did feel successful with the things we did solve. I especially like the balance between relevant things in the room and distractions. The story made sense and the tasks were completely tied to the story. This is a top notch experience that I would highly recommend.
9. Capital City Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 99 reviews
Explore the city of Madison through food that proves we are more than just beer, cheese, and brats (although we are experts at those too). Perfect for all types, our walking food tours appeal to your taste buds and your mind. Enjoy the afternoon or evening sampling local favorites and delving into the history and culture of the beautiful city we call home! Check our our website for all current tour availabilities, prices, and details.
10. Chazen Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 312 reviews
This art museum's impressive collection includes prints, photographs, paintings and sculptures from prehistoric times to modern day. Special exhibitions showcasing local artists take place throughout the year. The Chazen remains free, but you must book an appointment in advance to visit during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic:
Reviewed By BAR1025 - Mount Horeb, United States
They have a new cafe with wifi, treats, espresso, and gifts. It's a gift shop with benefits! I already bought a book and a few mochas. Really nice addition to a great museum!
