Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and the largest city of that name in the United States. For a visitor it is a compact city built around water: the downtown sits on an isthmus between two lakes, with the State Capitol at its centre and the university campus at its western end.
For planning where to sleep, the city divides into the downtown isthmus and the surrounding districts to the north, south, west and east. This guide covers the areas worth considering as a base, what each is like, and who each suits, so you can match a location to the kind of trip you are taking.
Best areas to stay in Madison
1. Isthmus (Downtown/Campus)
The downtown isthmus is the natural base for a first visit. It holds the museums, shopping and dining, and it gives you lake views from the centre of the city. Capitol Square is the anchor, with the Overture Center for the Performing Arts a block away and State Street running toward the university.
This area suits first-time visitors, anyone in town for a campus visit, and travellers who want to walk to the sights rather than drive. Accommodation here ranges from larger full-service hotels near the Square to smaller properties close to the university, including one on the near west side of campus in a quiet neighbourhood next to the UW and VA hospitals. Expect city noise around the Square and along the main streets; staying a few blocks off it buys you quiet without losing the walkability.
2. West
The west district offers its own shopping and dining, a mix of retail chains and independent places, interesting attractions and quiet residential neighbourhoods. It is also where you find the largest concentration of suburban-style lodging, much of it in the growing west-side business district and around Greenway Station Shopping Center.
This is a practical choice if you have a car, are travelling with children, or want easy access to the highways. Properties here tend to be larger, with amenities such as indoor pools and complimentary breakfast, and parking is generally free and ample. The trade-off is that you are away from the Capitol and the lakes, so you will drive or take a shuttle for the downtown sights.
3. South Central
South Central is the greenest part of the city, home to vast public natural areas including the UW Arboretum and Olin-Turville Park, along with the Alliant Energy Center and Dane County Coliseum. Lodging in and around this district sits along John Nolen Drive, within walking distance of the exposition centre.
Choose it if you are attending an event at the Alliant Energy Center, want to be close to the arboretum and parkland, or prefer a quieter setting that is still a short drive from downtown. Some properties here run shuttle service to and from the Dane County Airport and offer complimentary parking.
4. East
The east district is similar in character to the west: unique shopping and dining alongside retail chains, interesting attractions and quaint neighbourhoods. It is primarily a residential part of the city rather than a sightseeing hub.
It suits travellers who want a quieter, neighbourhood feel with their own transport, and who are happy to drive in for the downtown museums and lakefront. As on the west side, you will find more space and easier parking than on the isthmus.
5. North
The north district is primarily residential, with minimal shopping areas and large public natural areas. It is the least oriented toward visitors of the districts listed here.
Consider it only if you specifically want to be near the northern green spaces or have a reason to be in that part of the city. You will need a car for almost everything, including reaching the downtown sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Suburban properties on the west side and near the interstate, plus short-term apartment rentals with one to three bedrooms, which can work well for longer stays or groups.
- Mid-range: Smaller hotels close to the university and the Kohl Center, and full-service suburban hotels with pools, complimentary breakfast and free parking.
- Splurge: Larger full-service hotels on or near Capitol Square and the lakefront, and a Victorian bed and breakfast a few blocks up from the Capitol, which is the city's only AAA Four Diamond property.
Best area for a first visit
Stay on the Isthmus, in the downtown and campus area. It puts the Capitol, the museums, the shopping and dining, and the lake views within walking distance, and it keeps you close to the university. Other districts are quieter and easier to park in, but for a first trip the isthmus saves you the daily drive.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car if I stay downtown?
Not for the downtown sights. The Capitol, the Overture Center, the museums, the shopping and dining, and the lakefront are all within the isthmus, and some downtown properties offer free valet parking and shuttle service to the airport and campus.
Which area is best if I am attending an event at the Alliant Energy Center?
South Central. Lodging along John Nolen Drive is within walking distance of the Alliant Energy Exposition Center, and the district also holds the UW Arboretum and Olin-Turville Park.
Where do families tend to stay?
The west side is the most convenient for families. Suburban hotels there offer larger suites, indoor pools and game rooms, complimentary breakfast, and free parking, with shopping at Greenway Station within walking distance of some properties.
Is there anywhere to stay outside the downtown and the suburbs?
Yes. The area also has bed and breakfast and specialty lodging, including a Victorian bed and breakfast a few blocks from the Capitol and short-term apartment rentals with one to three bedrooms.
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