Top Things to Do in Milwaukee Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, known for its vibrant cultural scene, beautiful lakefront, and rich brewing history, offers visitors a plethora of activities and attractions. Being local to Chicago, Milwaukee is an easy day trip for us. A day, maybe a day and a half, is really all you need to experience the city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for new adventures, here are the top things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from experience.
Before You Go
Google Map of Milwaukee
As with all of our destinations, we save all of our recommendations in a convenient Google Map, shown below. You can find the complete collection of our Google Maps on our Travel Maps page.
Best Time to Visit Milwaukee Wisconsin
The best time of year to visit Milwaukee is summer. End of May through mid-September will have the best weather. April and October will be mild in temperature, but you may catch yourself in some rain.
How Many Days to Spend in Milwaukee
You really don’t need more than 1 full day to visit Milwaukee. Any extra time, we would recommend using to get in a few more bars, breweries, or restaurants.
Best Places to Stay in Milwaukee
The best places to stay in Milwaukee Wisconsin would be downtown, preferably by the Historic Third Ward. The Hilton Garden Inn, Marriott, and Westin are all in a very good location. We’ve also stayed in the Springhill Suites to the west of the river. All of these hotels are walking distance from many of the major tourist attractions and nightlife.
How to Get Around Milwaukee
We recommend walking around downtown Milwaukee as the easiest method of transportation. Even the Harley Davidson museum isn’t too far of a walk from downtown. If it’s too far or the weather isn’t permitting, there are a decent number of buses, or you can find ample street and parking structure parking for a car.
Top Things to Do in Milwaukee
1. Enjoy the Local Cuisine and Beer with a Food and Beer Tour
No trip to Milwaukee is complete without a proper sampling of beer, cheese curds, and fish fry. There is no better way to do this than with a guided food tour. We highly recommend this one, as it gives you a taste of all three and enough to cover a full meal, plus the history behind Milwaukee’s German roots.
If you’re a beer drinker, you definitely don’t want to miss the Milwaukee Wisconsin beer scene. The city is home to a variety of breweries, from historic giants to innovative craft brewers.
To get the most of the experience, we recommend this thorough and authentic brewery tour of Milwaukee. It takes you to 4 or more of the top breweries, you can taste up to 16 different brews, and gives you the history behind the breweries and some of Milwaukee, too!
Otherwise, here’s a list of breweries we recommend checking out:
- Miller Brewery: one of the oldest and most renowned breweries in the country.
- Lakefront Brewery: known for its fun, engaging tours and excellent brews.
- Good City Brewing: craft brewery and local favorite.
- Third Space Brewing: craft brewery and local favorite.
- Broken Bat Brewing Co
- Perspective Brewing
- MobCraft Beer: get a pretzel here – the savory and sweet are both delicious!
- Indeed Brewing Company
- Wizard Works Brewing Company
- The Copper Turtle Brewery
2. Savor Local Cuisine at the Milwaukee Public Market
In addition to a food tour, the Milwaukee Public Market is a great way to experience Milwaukee cuisine in a great ambiance and setting. The market is renowned for its bratwurst, cheese curds, and frozen custard. You’ll find a variety of culinary delights from fresh seafood to artisanal chocolates. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse food options make it a must-visit destination. For a truly Milwaukee experience, enjoy a craft beer paired with classic Wisconsin dishes at one of the market’s many vendors.
We highly recommend grabbing a bratwurst sample platter or bratwurst dog at The Wurst in the public market. The waitress is super friendly and has great recommendations for where to bar hop to after!
3. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum
Motorcycle enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Harley-Davidson Museum. This museum celebrates the iconic American motorcycle brand, founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Exhibits feature historic motorcycles, memorabilia, and interactive displays that highlight the evolution of Harley-Davidson. The museum also offers a glimpse into the company’s cultural impact over the years, making it a fascinating stop for any visitor.
Don’t forget to post for a picture on a Harley at the end of the tour!
4. Dive into the History of the Pabst Brewery & Family
On the subject of beer, a tour of the historic Pabst Brewery is a great way to delve deeper into Milwaukee’s brewing heritage. The Historic Pabst Brewery offers daily tours that walks you through the history of the brewery, plus the option to enjoy brews at the end.
In addition to the actual historic brewery, you can also visit the Pabst Mansion. This grand Flemish Renaissance Revival-style home was built in the 1890s for Captain Frederick Pabst, the founder of the Pabst Brewing Company. The mansion boasts exquisite architectural details, including rich woodwork, intricate stained glass windows, and luxurious furnishings. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the Pabst family’s history and the mansion’s significance in Milwaukee’s past. The mansion also hosts special events and exhibits throughout the year, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of one of the city’s most influential families.
5. Stroll Through the Historic Third Ward and Riverwalk
The Historic Third Ward, one of Milwaukee’s most vibrant neighborhoods, is a must-see. This revitalized warehouse district is now home to trendy boutiques, art galleries, and a wide array of dining options. As you walk through the cobblestone streets, you’ll experience the unique blend of historic charm and modern flair that defines Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Hop on the riverwalk for a few blocks as well to enjoy the views from the path!
6. Enjoy the Lakefront: Veterans Park, Bradford Beach, to North Point Lighthouse
Milwaukee’s location along Lake Michigan offers stunning waterfront views, and Veterans Park is the perfect place to enjoy them. This expansive park features walking and biking paths, a lagoon for paddle boating, and plenty of green space for picnicking. If you take the biking trails north, you’ll pass through Bradford beach and Lake Park. Stop by the North Point Lighthouse while there!
Weather dependent, it’s worth a stop at Bradford Beach on Lake Michigan. One of the great perks of the city of Milwaukee is it’s convenient location on Lake Michigan. Like we mentioned above, the lakefront is great to satisfy your outdoor adventures – Bradford Beach is perfect for a game of volleyball, a stroll, or an afternoon in the sun.
7. Appreciate the Art of Black Cat Alley
The hidden gem of Milwaukee Wisconsins is Black Cat Alley – a tucked away alley dedicated to wall art. Grab a coffee on a morning stroll and walk through the neighborhood and this alley. It takes 15 minutes and is something you don’t want to miss!
8. Check out Milwaukee’s Museum Scene
If you’re a museum person, or find yourself needing to fill a rainy day, there are three major museums worth visiting in downtown Milwaukee (apart from the Harley Davidson museum):
- The Milwaukee Art Museum: With its iconic Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion, the museum houses over 25,000 works of art. From classic to contemporary pieces, the museum’s diverse collection will captivate any art enthusiast. Don’t miss the chance to see the “wings” of the museum open and close—a breathtaking architectural marvel.
- Milwaukee Public Museum: This natural and human history museum features engaging exhibits, including a walk-through replica of Milwaukee’s streets in the early 20th century and the immersive “Streets of Old Milwaukee.” The museum’s vast collections provide an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.
- Discovery World: For a family-friendly adventure, visit this science and technology center located on the lakefront. With interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and hands-on labs, Discovery World offers fun and educational experiences for kids and adults alike. Highlights include the Reiman Aquarium and the TechnoJungle, making it a top destination in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
9. Attend a Festival
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is known as the “City of Festivals,” and for good reason. Throughout the year, the city hosts a variety of cultural and music festivals. Summerfest, one of the world’s largest music festivals, draws huge crowds with its impressive lineup of artists. Other notable events include the Milwaukee Film Festival, German Fest, and the Wisconsin State Fair. These festivals offer a great way to experience the lively spirit of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
10. Experience the Nightlife (or Daylife) on Brady Street
Brady Street, one of Milwaukee’s most eclectic neighborhoods, comes alive at night with its array of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. From cozy pubs to lively nightclubs, there’s something for everyone on Brady Street. This bustling area captures the energetic and diverse spirit of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, making it a great place to end your day.
If you’re not into nightlife, Brady Street is still a great place to be for food. We loved our meal at La Masa Empanada Bar so much, it needed a spot in the blog. The whole street is full of restaurants, stores, cafes and more to explore during the day.
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