Things to do in Milwaukee

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Milwaukee Art Museum featuring art and modern architecture
Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee featuring a park
Milwaukee Art Museum showing a river or creek and a sunset
Basilica of Saint Josaphat

Milwaukee Attractions

Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has served as the cultural and economic hub of Wisconsin since the mid-1800s. Today, the city is best known for its European-style architecture and legendary beer history—there’s a reason it’s nicknamed “Brew City”!—as well as for being the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. The city’s recent construction boom has given way to incredible additions like the Milwaukee Riverwalk, the glass skywalk system, and expansions to theaters, museums, and arenas. Whether you want to explore the collection at the postmodern art museum, take in a baseball game at Miller Park, or get your drink on with a brewery tour, there are countless things to do in Wisconsin’s largest city.


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What to do in Milwaukee

Free Things to Do in Milwaukee

There's no need to endlessly reach for your wallet in Milwaukee. The following won't cost a penny.

Haggerty Museum of Art - Take the whole family and set off on an intriguing adventure through history with one another.

Frontier Airlines Center - If you want to get cultured, plan a visit and witness the artistic creativity on display.

Lakefront Park - Find time to play and add some excitement to your time here.

Milwaukee School of Engineering - Take in the design and originality of this fantastic example of modern architecture.

Milwaukee City Hall - If you'd like to explore the history of the area through its landmarks, mark this one down on your travel itinerary.

National Soldiers Home Historic District - This is a bustling location where you can absorb the atmosphere and feel the rhythm of local life.

US Bank Center - Flick through your guidebook and discover why this place is worth a spot on your to-do list.

Old St. Mary's Church - Get in touch with your spiritual side or simply lose yourself in the peaceful atmosphere at this religious site.

Bradford Beach - Play some games with the youngsters or simply sit back and enjoy the warm sun at this attractive coastal spot.

Cathedral Square - Whether you know your bamboo from begonias, you'll no doubt find beauty in this glorious display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Milwaukee

Referred to by locals as the “Big City of Little Neighborhoods,” Milwaukee celebrates its many diverse districts. From the Historic Third Ward, a former warehouse area with a vibrant modern arts scene, to Brady Street, an eclectic avenue so popular it’s considered its very own neighborhood, this Wisconsin metropolis is home to plenty of walkable districts bursting with places to eat, drink, shop, and explore.

Bay View

Once a working-class residential neighborhood, Bay View has recently welcomed an influx of hip clothing stores, quaint cafes, and vibrant music venues. It also boasts one of the city’s best bar scenes, with numerous hotspots that have made the list of America’s 100 Best Beer Bars.

Brady Street

A street so dynamic it’s considered it’s own neighborhood, Brady Street gave rise to the hippie scene in the ‘60s and continues to be a colorful area full of unique shopping, ethnic eateries, and spirited nightlife. Oscar Wilde once said that “if what you want isn’t on Brady Street, you probably don’t need it”—a motto that still rings true today.

East Side

Find a melting pot of cultures in the East Side, which boasts a range of attractions including the historic Oriental Theatre, the Black Cat Mural Alley, and the 5 museums that make up Milwaukee’s Museum Mile. There are also plenty of public green spaces for you to enjoy amazing views of glassy Lake Michigan.

East Town

More or less the heart of downtown, East Town is filled with a mix of popular attractions, restaurants, hotels, and shopping, as well as the city’s most iconic structure—the Milwaukee Art Museum. Take in a stage show, snap a photo with the Bronze Fonz statue, or attend a festival at Cathedral Square Park.

Historic Third Ward

Once an old warehouse district, the revitalized Third Ward is Milwaukee’s fashion and arts district, home to the city’s widest array of restaurants, theaters, galleries, boutiques, and brewpubs. Admire the well-preserved 19th-century architecture as you leisurely stroll through the charming streetlamp-lit lanes.

Walker’s Point

If you’re looking to eat, Walker’s Point is the place to do it. This foodie paradise has everything from rustic pubs and farm-to-table bistros to lively Asian and Mexican eateries. It’s here you’ll also find cheerful ice cream shops and the city’s only urban creamery sharing the streets with LGBT-friendly bars and clubs.

What to See in Milwaukee

Even if you don’t go inside, the sculptural, postmodern architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum is a sight to behold. The museum graces the front of the city’s eastern skyline and also offers spectacular views of sparkling Lake Michigan. For history buffs, a tour through downtown reveals breathtaking architecture such as the Flemish Renaissance Revival-style City Hall, the 19th-century Romanesque Pfister Hotel, and the palatial Milwaukee Public Library. If old-world architecture isn’t your thing, take in a Broadway-caliber stage show at the state-of-the-art Marcus Center. In the warmer months, grab a seat at the outdoor theater for a performance overlooking the Milwaukee River.

Sightseeing in Milwaukee

A visit to Brew City wouldn’t be complete without a stop at a brewery (or 3 or 4). The headquarters of the Miller Brewing Company offers a look at their storied history with a behind-the-scenes tour complete with samples and time to relax in the beer garden. If you’re hoping to learn about lesser-known beer-makers, a guided tour can lead you to small-batch brewers you may not have known about otherwise. And you can always pay a visit to the Pabst Mansion, the late 19th-century home of the namesake brewing family, which now serves as a museum and monument to America’s Gilded Age.

Of course, there are also things to do in Milwaukee that aren’t related to beer. Scope out displays of classic motorcycles at the famous Harley-Davidson Museum, travel back in time at the Milwaukee Public Museum, or make friends with the 2,000 mammals, reptiles, and birds at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the daily life of the city, make like a local and travel between downtown’s shopping centers, eateries, and attractions via the glass Milwaukee Skywalk. Root for the home team at a Brewers baseball game at Miller Park stadium, or head out for a day trip by train to bustling Chicago.

Things to Do in Milwaukee with Kids

There's fun for the entire family wherever you roam in Milwaukee. Here are some family friendly experiences you can do together that are bound to make your vacation unforgettable:


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Milwaukee

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Milwaukee

Milwaukee

Downtown Milwaukee

Central business district with cultural, financial, and historical landmarks, Downtown Milwaukee offers shopping at The Shops of Grand Avenue, art galleries in the Historic Third Ward, high-end dining, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the Milwaukee Public Market and Riverwalk, or hop on the free streetcar system.

Downtown Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Zoo which includes dangerous animals and zoo animals as well as a small group of people

Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Milwaukee County Zoo and Mayfair Mall while you're in town.

Wauwatosa
Milwaukee Art Museum

East Town

4.5/5(1,037 area reviews)

East Town is highly notable for its fantastic nightlife, and you might want to visit top sights like Lake Michigan and Veteran's Park. See more of Milwaukee by jumping on the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop.

East Town
Historic Third Ward

Historic Third Ward

4.5/5(32 area reviews)

Experience a historic warehouse district with a mix of specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Visit the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and enjoy year-round gourmet options at the Milwaukee Public Market, easily accessible via The Hop.

Historic Third Ward
Milwaukee Public Library showing interior views

Westown

4.5/5(514 area reviews)

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like Miller High Life Theatre and Milwaukee Public Museum.

Westown
#localsecrets
Did you know Milwaukee has a secret waterfall?

Glendale

Glendale is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Bayshore Town Center or Milwaukee River Bike Trail.

Glendale

 

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Popular day trips from Milwaukee

Frequently asked questions

Is Milwaukee worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Milwaukee is explore Milwaukee County Zoo. Tick this top attraction off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's distilleries and craft breweries and dining.
How do I spend a day in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee County Zoo and Discovery World are two awesome places to begin your adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Milwaukee while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee County Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Milwaukee and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Milwaukee?
Three days will give you enough time to check out the leading city sights, including Milwaukee Art Museum, Riverside Theater and Pabst Theater. The average stay in Milwaukee is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your adventure, Oak Creek isn't far away.
Is Milwaukee a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Milwaukee is a good destination to discover on foot. Wander between Milwaukee Art Museum and Riverside Theater. Then take a stroll through Downtown Milwaukee, located 0.4 miles from the center, and East Town, which is roughly 0.3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Milwaukee with kids?
Planning what to do in Milwaukee with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Milwaukee for adults?
Sprecher Brewery and Miller Brewing Company are just a couple of the things to do in Milwaukee. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Milwaukee?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Milwaukee is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Atwater Park & Beach is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.