Find cheap flights to Madison from $81

Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, sits around the shores of beautiful Lake Mendota and Lake Monona and there are 2 others within city limits, earning Madison the nickname ‘the city of 4 lakes’. Madison is known for its foodie culture and laid-back vibe, making it a great destination for a relaxing getaway. The busiest season for tourists is summer, when you’ll enjoy high temperatures of 81 – 84 degrees Fahrenheit and plenty of fun things to do. Book flights and rooms in advance for your summer vacation, because it will be busy. If you visit during the winter, you can enjoy a different sort of vacation. With temperatures ranging from 28 – 34 degrees Fahrenheit, and plenty of snow, you can go sledding, alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating. Airfares and accommodation are easy to book during the winter, so it might be the best time to visit Madison WI. During the fall, Madison’s daily high temperatures range widely and by November, it can be downright cold, with highs of only 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you visit during spring, the rapidly warming temperatures and an exciting line-up of events like Madison on Tap, the Wisconsin Film Festival and the World’s Largest Brat Fest make it a popular time to visit.

Madison is a biker’s dream, and easy to get around on foot as well. With four lakes within city limits, and many miles of walking and biking trails, a car is not necessary unless you plan to venture outside of the city. If your feet get weary, you can use the reliable bus system.

Buses

The Madison Metro bus network covers the city efficiently, and a single-ride fare is $2.00 USD, or you may buy a day pass for $5.00 USD and enjoy unlimited rides.

Taxis

Taxis are available and you can expect to pay a meter drop of $4.00 USD, followed by around $3.00 USD per mile. If you use Uber or Lyft, you can generally get a better rate, except perhaps during rush hour.

Cycling

The opportunity to get around on two wheels is not to be missed, as long as the weather is cooperative. You can rent a bike from several local companies, or use the cities bike-share program, Madison Bcycle. Simply buy a membership and unlock a bike at over 35 stations throughout downtown Madison. You may enjoy as many 30-minute rides during the period of your membership as you like. A one day membership costs $6.00 USD.

Things to do and places of interest in Madison WI

Madison offers a variety of attractions for tourists including events like Rhythm and Booms, a music and fireworks festival that features air force jet fly-pasts, the Taste of Madison, a delight for foodies, and more. Here are a few suggestions for your itinerary, when you travel to Madison WI.

• Wander down State Street, a pedestrian (and bus) only venue running between the University of Wisconsin campus and Capitol Square. The street is lined with a funky mix of food carts, restaurants, bohemian shops, bars, and other places worth popping into.
• Check out the 1907-dated Capitol building and its spectacular 284-foot high dome. Inside you’ll find murals and marble work in German, French, and Italian styles, and a huge colorful skylight. You can take a free tour, or just wander around.
• Down on Madison’s scenic waterfront you can visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. They are noted for a spectacular rose collection as well as the glass enclosed Bolz Conservatory.
• Henry Vilas Zoo is a great place to take the kids. They will love exploring the 28-acre park, featuring a wide variety of animals from around the world including bears, apes, and lions.
• The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is well worth seeing, with works by American masters such as Philip Guston, Joan Brown, and Ed Paschke. The museum’s temporary exhibitions are exceptional, with cutting edge multimedia installations.
• Eat your way around the city during the Taste of Madison, which takes place each Labor Day weekend. Over 80 restaurants participate, and there are 3 entertainment stages and 26 beverage stands in Capitol Square drawing huge crowds of hungry folk.

Tips and tricks for visiting Madison WI

Madison can experience very heavy snowfall during the winter, so remember to pack appropriate clothing including boots, warm outerwear, gloves, and hats for a winter visit. If you aren’t accustomed to driving in snow, leave it to the locals and call for a taxi!

Foodies who want a taste of chef Tory Miller’s expertise, (he beat Bobby Flay, after all!) have 4 restaurants in Madison from which to choose – L’Etoile, Graze, Sujeo, and Estrellón are all under his direction.