Discover Madison - Lakes, Capitol & Midwest Charm

Day 1: Capital Grandeur & Culinary Crossroads

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Arrive in Madison and check into your downtown hotel (e.g., Graduate Madison or Hilton Garden Inn Downtown). Budget $400-550 for two nights of accommodation for two people. Begin your exploration at the magnificent Wisconsin State Capitol Building (2 E Main St). Take a self-guided tour or join one of the free guided tours (typically offered hourly, inquire upon arrival; takes ~45-60 minutes). Marvel at the rotunda, legislative chambers, and the stunning dome. The building is located at the heart of Capitol Square.
  • Practical Tip: Guided tours are highly recommended for historical context. Admission is free. Most downtown hotels are within 0.5 - 1 mile walk to the Capitol.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy a casual lunch at The Old Fashioned (27 N Pinckney St), known for its authentic Wisconsin comfort food and extensive beer list. Budget $40-60 for lunch for two. Afterwards, stroll down State Street, a vibrant pedestrian mall connecting the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Browse unique shops, boutiques, and street performers. Stop by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) (227 State St) for a free dose of contemporary art.
  • Practical Tip: MMoCA is free and offers rotating exhibits. Allow 1-1.5 hours. The Old Fashioned is just off Capitol Square; State Street stretches about 1.2 miles. MMoCA is about 0.2 miles from The Old Fashioned.
• Evening For dinner, experience refined American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients at Heritage Tavern (131 E Mifflin St), a short walk from the Capitol. Budget $120-180 for dinner for two, including drinks. Afterwards, consider a leisurely walk around Capitol Square, enjoying the illuminated Capitol building.
  • Practical Tip: Reservations are highly recommended for Heritage Tavern.

Day 2: Lakeside Beauty & Botanical Bliss

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Begin your day with a visit to the exquisite Olbrich Botanical Gardens (3330 Atwood Ave). Explore the stunning outdoor gardens, including the unique Thai Pavilion and Garden, and the vibrant Bolz Conservatory, a tropical paradise (entry to conservatory is $8/person). Allow 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the diverse flora.
  • Practical Tip: Consider taking a ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Olbrich Gardens from downtown (approx. $10-15 one-way, 10-15 min drive) as it’s about 3 miles east of downtown. Total cost for two for conservatory: $16.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM) Head back towards downtown or the near east side for lunch. Grab a delicious sandwich or pastry at Marigold Kitchen (118 S Pinckney St), a popular breakfast/lunch spot known for fresh, local ingredients. Budget $30-45 for two. In the afternoon, embrace Madison’s lake culture. Rent kayaks or paddleboards from Brittingham Boats (701 W Brittingham Pl) on Lake Monona. Enjoy paddling around the serene lake, offering unique views of the city skyline and the Capitol. Rentals typically cost $20-30/hour per vessel. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
  • Practical Tip: Check weather conditions before planning lake activities. Brittingham Boats is about a 1.5-mile walk or short ride-share from downtown. Total cost for rentals for two: $40-60.
• Evening Dine at Sardine (617 Williamson St), offering a chic bistro atmosphere with French-inspired dishes and beautiful views of Lake Monona. It’s a short ride-share from Brittingham Park. Budget $100-150 for dinner for two. After dinner, if time permits and you’re up for it, enjoy the architecture of Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center (1 John Nolen Dr), designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Day 3: Campus Culture & Waterfront Farewell

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Start by walking up Bascom Hill for panoramic views of the campus and Lake Mendota. Continue to the iconic Memorial Union Terrace (800 Langdon St) overlooking Lake Mendota. Grab a cup of coffee or a famous “Brat & Beer” (if early enough!) and relax in the iconic multi-colored chairs.
  • Practical Tip: The walk from Capitol Square to Memorial Union is about 1 mile. Exploring the campus and terrace is free.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:00 PM) Enjoy a quintessential Madison lunch experience right at the Memorial Union Terrace. Grab a bratwurst or burger from the Memorial Union Brat Stand or choose from other casual dining options inside. Budget $25-40 for two. Afterwards, take a final leisurely stroll through some of the campus grounds, perhaps visiting the Chazen Museum of Art (750 University Ave) for a free look at its diverse collections, just a short walk from Memorial Union.
  • Practical Tip: The Chazen Museum is free and easily accessible from the Terrace. Allow 1 hour.
• Evening Depending on your departure schedule, you might have time for one last Madison culinary treat. Grab a gourmet grilled cheese and soup from Fromagination (12 S Carroll St), a specialty cheese shop near the Capitol, perfect for a quick and delicious bite before heading to the airport or your next destination. Budget $30-50 for two. Alternatively, enjoy a final cup of coffee at a local cafe like Colectivo Coffee (on State St) before departing.
  • Practical Tip: Fromagination is also a great place to pick up local cheese souvenirs. This itinerary assumes a total budget for accommodation, food, activities, and local transport around $950-$1150 for two people, fitting within your $1,100 goal with careful choices.

Day 1: Capitol Grandeur & Lakefront Leisure

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Arrive in Madison and check into your accommodation (ideally near downtown for easy access). Start your “Lakes & Local Flavors” adventure with a leisurely walk around the iconic Capitol Square (approx. 1-mile loop). Grab a delicious coffee and pastry at Colectivo Coffee on Capitol Square (25 S Pinckney St) to fuel your exploration. Cost: ~$15 for two.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy lunch at Graze (1 S Pinckney St), offering farm-to-table dishes with excellent views of the Capitol. Cost: ~$50-60 for two. From 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, take a free guided tour of the magnificent Wisconsin State Capitol Building, admiring its architecture and panoramic city views from the observation deck. Afterwards, walk to Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center (1 John Nolen Dr), a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building. Explore its beautiful rooftop gardens for stunning vistas of Lake Monona and the city skyline. Distance from Capitol: ~0.5 miles (10-15 min walk). Cost: Free to explore public areas.
• Evening For dinner at 6:30 PM, experience classic Wisconsin supper club charm at The Old Fashioned (674 State St). Known for its namesake cocktails and hearty, locally-sourced comfort food, reservations are recommended. Cost: ~$100-130 for two with drinks. Conclude your evening with a romantic post-dinner stroll along the Lake Monona waterfront path near Monona Terrace, enjoying the city lights reflecting on the water.

Day 2: Biking, Blooms & Brews

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Short Stack Eatery (301 W Johnson St), famous for its creative pancakes and breakfast burritos. Cost: ~$40 for two. From 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, embark on a lakeside cycling adventure. Rent bikes from Machinery Row Bicycles (601 Williamson St) or Budget Bicycle Center (multiple locations) and cycle a section of the scenic Lake Monona Loop (a 13-mile trail) or the Capital City State Trail, enjoying breathtaking lake views and fresh air. Allow 2-3 hours. Bike rental cost: ~$25-40 per person for half-day.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Head to the vibrant Williamson Street (Willy Street) neighborhood for a casual lunch. Try Lazy Jane’s Cafe & Bakery (135 E Wilson St) for delicious sandwiches and baked goods. Cost: ~$30-40 for two. From 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM, immerse yourselves in the beauty of Olbrich Botanical Gardens (3330 Atwood Ave). Wander through the diverse outdoor gardens and visit the serene Bolz Conservatory (tropical plants). Distance from Willy Street: ~2-3 miles (10-15 min drive/bus). Allow 1.5-2 hours. Gardens are free, Conservatory admission: ~$8 per person.
• Evening Stay in the lively Willy Street neighborhood for dinner at 6:30 PM. Forequarter (704 Williamson St) offers refined American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients; reservations are recommended. Cost: ~$100-130 for two with drinks. Cap off your day at Gib’s Bar (1380 Williamson St), a cozy neighborhood spot known for its excellent craft beer selection. Cost: ~$20-30 for two drinks.

Day 3: Farmers Market Feasts & University Delights

• Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM) (If Saturday) Experience the Dane County Farmers’ Market around Capitol Square from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. As the nation’s largest producer-only farmers’ market, it’s a feast for the senses. Sample local cheeses, fresh produce, and baked goods. Cost: Free to enter, expect to spend $20-40 on samples/purchases. Enjoy a delicious brunch at Marigold Kitchen (118 S Pinckney St), just off the square, known for its creative and seasonal dishes. Cost: ~$40-50 for two. (If not Saturday, consider a walk through the UW-Madison Lakeshore Path and brunch at Marigold Kitchen instead).
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Walk to State Street (adjacent to Capitol Square) for a casual lunch from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM. Grab a unique gourmet slice at Ian’s Pizza on State St (319 N Frances St). Cost: ~$25-30 for two. From 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, explore the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Visit the Chazen Museum of Art (750 University Ave) for its diverse collections (allow 1-2 hours, free admission). Conclude your campus tour by relaxing at the iconic Memorial Union Terrace (800 Langdon St) on Lake Mendota. Grab a local craft beer (like a Spotted Cow) and soak in the vibrant atmosphere and lake views. Cost: ~$15-20 for two beers.
• Evening For a memorable fine dining experience at 6:30 PM, head to Everly (2701 Monroe St). This restaurant is celebrated for its modern American cuisine in a stylish setting; reservations are highly recommended. Cost: ~$120-160 for two with drinks. Afterwards, enjoy a serene sunset stroll along the Lakeshore Path near the UW campus for stunning evening views of Lake Mendota.

Day 4: Arboretum Oasis & Departure Delights

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Savor a delicious brunch at Bassett Street Brunch Club (444 W Johnson St), offering classic diner fare with a modern twist. Cost: ~$40-50 for two. From 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, escape to nature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum (1207 Seminole Hwy). Explore this living laboratory with its diverse ecosystems, walking trails, and beautiful natural landscapes. It’s a perfect spot for a tranquil hike and wildlife observation. Distance from downtown: ~3-4 miles (10-15 min drive/bus). Allow 2-3 hours. Cost: Free.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM) Enjoy a final Madison lunch from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM at the classic Mickie’s Dairy Bar (1511 Monroe St), famous for its diner food and legendary milkshakes. Cost: ~$30-40 for two. From 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping on State Street or the charming Monroe Street, browsing unique boutiques. Don’t forget to pick up some local Wisconsin cheese at Fromagination (12 S Carroll St) to take a piece of Madison’s local flavors home with you. Expect to spend ~$50 on souvenirs/cheese.
• Evening Depending on your departure time, enjoy a final coffee or treat at a local cafe. Depart from Madison, carrying wonderful memories of its lakes and local flavors.