Things To Do
in Milwaukee
Milwaukee, located in the state of Wisconsin along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, is known for its rich beer heritage, which is celebrated in its numerous breweries and the famous Miller Brewing Company. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, exemplified by the Milwaukee Art Museum with its striking architecture and expansive collection.
Milwaukee also enjoys a diverse cultural life, with a strong emphasis on festivals, including the massive Summerfest music festival, showcasing its lively community spirit and diverse population.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $35
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum to admire its stunning architecture and impressive collection. Grab a brunch at a local café nearby to fuel up for the day.
Stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, where you can enjoy beautiful views and unique sculptures. Drop by the Historic Third Ward for shopping and galleries.
Enjoy dinner at a famous Milwaukee brewery and try some local craft beers. Catch a live music performance at a venue downtown for a fun night out.
Begin your morning with a walk or bike ride along the breathtaking Lake Michigan shoreline. Stop by Bradford Beach for some sun and relaxation.
Visit the Discovery World interactive science and technology museum to engage with fun exhibits. Enjoy a lakeside lunch at one of the many eateries in the area.
Conclude your day by watching the sunset over the lake from a park. Have dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant to enjoy the fresh catch of the day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural scene with numerous festivals and events.
- Affordable cost of living compared to other major cities.
- Beautiful lakefront and access to outdoor recreational activities.
- Strong craft brewery and food scene.
- Diverse neighborhoods with unique character.
- Cold winters with significant snowfall.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Higher crime rates in certain neighborhoods.
- Job opportunities can be competitive in some sectors.
- Urban sprawl leading to longer commutes for some residents.
Best Activities in Milwaukee
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful natural scenery and unique rock formations along the hiking trails at Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park.
Enjoy a scenic bike ride through parks, forests, and urban areas on the Oak Leaf Trail, which spans over 125 miles in the Milwaukee area.
Relax and enjoy locally brewed craft beer with outdoor seating, live music, and views of the Milwaukee River at Lakefront Brewery Beer Garden.
Tours
Uncover the best of Milwaukee with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Milwaukee
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, especially from the outdoor area near the museum's iconic wings.
Ideal for capturing the beauty of Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline, especially during sunset.
Features a blend of historic architecture, riverfront views, and picturesque streets, perfect for urban photography.
Provides panoramic views of the city and the harbor, offering an excellent vantage point for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local dish, bratwurst is a savory sausage made from finely ground pork, seasoned with a blend of spices, and often served with sauerkraut and mustard. Visit Usinger's Famous Sausage or Mader's Restaurant for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
Milwaukee's Friday Fish Fry is a beloved tradition featuring breaded perch or cod served with coleslaw, rye bread, and a side of potato pancakes or fries. Engage the local atmosphere at Lakefront Brewery or Kegel's Inn for this classic dish.
Indulge in Milwaukee's rich and creamy frozen custard, available in various flavors with a multitude of toppings at Kopp's Frozen Custard or Leon's Frozen Custard.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Milwaukee better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the Historic Third Ward, this bustling market offers a wide array of local produce, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals from various vendors. A perfect place to savor Milwaukee's culinary diversity.
Open during the summer months, this vibrant market features farm-fresh produce, homemade snacks, and local specialties, alongside food trucks offering an assortment of international and local street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Milwaukee, it's important to be mindful of personal space and not stand too close to others, especially when in line or in crowded public places.
It's customary to greet people with a smile and a polite 'hello' or 'good morning' when entering shops or interacting with locals in Milwaukee.
Respect for local customs and traditions, such as taking shoes off when entering someone's home, is appreciated in Milwaukee and demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Milwaukee with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Milwaukee
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Milwaukee, United States. It is customary to tip service industry workers such as waitstaff, bartenders, and taxi drivers. The standard tip is usually 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Milwaukee is predominantly cashless, with credit and debit cards widely accepted. Contactless payment methods, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also becoming increasingly popular. Additionally, digital payment apps like Venmo and PayPal are commonly used for peer-to-peer transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Milwaukee.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in Milwaukee is a lovely time to visit, with temperatures gradually warming up and nature coming to life. Visitors can enjoy blooming flowers, budding trees, and various outdoor events and festivals.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Milwaukee, characterized by warm weather, numerous outdoor activities, and lively festivals. Visitors can explore the city's parks, beaches, and waterfront, and partake in cultural events and concerts.
Fall in Milwaukee is known for its vibrant foliage, cooler temperatures, and harvest festivals. Visitors can experience the beauty of nature as the leaves change color, and enjoy seasonal activities such as apple picking and pumpkin patches.
Winter in Milwaukee brings cold temperatures and snow, offering a different kind of beauty and charm. Visitors can enjoy winter sports, holiday markets, and indoor cultural attractions like museums and theaters.
Milwaukee at Night
Hiking in Milwaukee
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offering diverse trails through rolling hills, glacial formations, and scenic woodlands, this state forest provides an excellent backdrop for hiking enthusiasts.
A historic park located on the shores of Lake Michigan, featuring a network of trails that take you through wooded areas and offer stunning lake views.
This beautiful garden combines art and nature, offering trails that wind through a landscaped area filled with sculptures, ponds, and trees.
Situated along the Milwaukee River, this park provides trails for hiking and walking, along with access to river views and picnic areas.
An urban state forest that features various hiking trails through woodlands, wetlands, and open fields, providing a unique hiking experience close to the city.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Milwaukee through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Milwaukee by plane.
Located in Chicago, Illinois, approximately 60 miles south of Milwaukee, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
Situated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this is the primary airport serving the Milwaukee area and provides both domestic and limited international flights.
Located about 70 miles south of Milwaukee, Midway serves as a secondary airport for Chicago, focusing mainly on domestic flights with some international options.
Approximately 330 miles northwest of Milwaukee, MSP serves the Twin Cities and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Located approximately 250 miles east of Milwaukee, DTW is a major international airport that provides access to numerous destinations worldwide.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 46.1% of the population identifies as White.
Approximately 39.2% of the population identifies as Black or African American.
Approximately 18.1% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
Approximately 4.7% of the population identifies as Asian.
Includes individuals identifying as Native American, Pacific Islander, and those identifying with two or more races, constituting about 1.9% of the population.
The Soul of Milwaukee
Discover the essence of Milwaukee through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Home to the Milwaukee Brewers, Major League Baseball team that plays at American Family Field.
Milwaukee Bucks, the NBA team, known for their success and passionate fan base.
Milwaukee has a history with professional football, hosting the Green Bay Packers' training camp and former NFL teams.
Milwaukee Admirals, the AHL team, has a strong following in the area.
Growing popularity with teams like Forward Madison FC in the USL League One.
Various local events and marathons attract a large number of participants and spectators annually.
Numerous golf courses available, hosting local and regional tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Milwaukee.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Milwaukee's dining scene is progressively accommodating to vegetarian and vegan diets, with many restaurants offering innovative plant-based dishes. Places like Comet Cafe and Beerline Cafe are known for their diverse vegetarian and vegan menus.
Individuals with gluten sensitivities will find a variety of gluten-free options at eateries across Milwaukee. Honeypie and Wolf Peach are among the establishments known for their delicious gluten-free offerings.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Milwaukee with these cultural adventures.
