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Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin, and regardless of the time of the year, there is always something interesting going on. However, if you are new to the city and visiting for the first time, you want to enjoy the skyline, bay views, and activities that combine American Indian cultures from multiple tribes. The best time of the year to visit is the summer, which is July – early September. At this time, you have ethnic festivals in full swing. Fall and late spring are also good seasons, and have better temperatures than the middle of summer. The winters, which run from November – February, are by far the harshest time of year and feature freezing temperatures, ice, and snow.

Getting around the city of Milwaukee is quite easy, even if you just want to walk to the attractions. Most of the main attractions are only a few blocks from city center, and those on the outskirts are easy to access with public transportation.

Taxis

Taxi services go from the airport to downtown and also on the outskirts of the area. The initial fare is $2.75 USD with $2.50 USD per mile after that.

Streetcar

The Milwaukee Streetcar released portions of its service in 2016, but the full launch does not kick off until 2018. It will connect many attractions to the city center, but fares are yet to be announced.

Bikes

The bike share system through Bublr makes it easy to travel between the major downtown locations. There are 11 docking stations to pick up your ride. A single ride costs $3 USD per 30 minutes and $3 USD for every 30 minutes after that.

Rideshare

Rideshare is available from Uber, but this is best for times you need to leave the city center and visit the outskirts. The fares vary depending on how far you are traveling and the time of day.

Bus

The Milwaukee County Transit System, MCTS, has buses running throughout the city. A single cash ride for adults is $2.25 USD per trip. For seniors aged 65 and above and children between the ages of 6 – 11, the fare is $1.10 USD per trip. If you purchase an M-Card, you get a discounted rate. You can also purchase a 1-day pass for $5USD which gives you unlimited rides.

Things to do and places of interest in Milwaukee

Milwaukee has celebrations all through the year, and the summer season brings along some very vibrant festivals. With so much to do here, you may only have a day or a weekend to explore it all, so we have narrowed down the list to make your trip planning easier.

• Brewery and distillery tours take you to the biggest names in spirits and brews, like the Milwaukee Brewing Company, Lakefront Brewery, Great Lakes Distillery, and the MillerCoors plant.
• Discovery World is where you will find maritime heritage blended with trends from the 21st century. You can play a guitar, pet some sharks at the aquarium, and if you want to see how strong you really are, even lie down on a bed of nails!
• The Milwaukee Art Museum is a must-see, even if you are not a huge fan of the arts. Here you can see the architecture specifically created by Santiago Calatrava, and the building itself is gorgeous. The collection of American and European art is also impressive.
• Marcus Center is where you find yourself after strolling along RiverWalk. Here you can catch the local orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet, and enjoy the opera.
• Check out the hottest motorcycles by visiting the Harley-Davidson Museum, which chronicles the history of the American motorcycle. After touring around, stop at the Motor Bar & Restaurant for foods inspired by the legendary Route-66.
• In the Historic Third Ward, you have a revitalized industrial area that features New York-inspired art galleries, lively bars, and a fun nightlife.
• RiverWalk is 3 miles and goes through downtown. You can stop at the promenade and enjoy the public artwork lining the streets. Then, head over to the Bronze Fonz, which is a life-size sculpture of the iconic “Happy Days” character.

Tips and tricks for visiting Milwaukee

Enjoy the German heritage of the city

Milwaukee has strong German roots, and plenty of delicious eateries that celebrate the past. Most of these establishments have been operating in the city for over 100 years, and have fine German beers to pair with their cuisine.

Old World Wisconsin is a must-see

Get back into the days of the Wild West and see talented actors living out history in Old World Wisconsin, which is the perfect day trip right outside of Milwaukee.

Go on a scavenger hunt

The MKE Scavenger Hunt lets you go through the favorite museums and attractions. Join in and see if you can find all the items on the hunt. It is perfect for couples and families visiting the city.