Madison, WI: The Ultimate 5-Day Budget Adventure

Explore Madison's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Madison is a vibrant and lively city in the heart of Wisconsin, and despite its reputation for being expensive, it's possible to visit on a limited budget. A great way to do this is by taking advantage of the numerous free attractions, such as the stunning State Capitol building and the beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens. For budget-friendly accommodation, consider staying in one of the many inexpensive hostels or campgrounds in the surrounding areas.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Getting Acquainted

  • Check into Hotel Ruby Marie, a boutique hotel with Victorian charm
  • Walk State Street, a pedestrian-only strip packed with shops, cafes, and music venues
  • Visit the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, free admission and fascinating art exhibits
  • Grab lunch at Ian's Pizza, famous for their Mac n' Cheese slice
  • Stroll through the gorgeous Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Day 2

Lakeside Fun

  • Rent a paddleboard or kayak from Brittingham Boats
  • Have a picnic at James Madison Park, complete with Lake Mendota views
  • Explore the stunning UW-Madison campus, including the Memorial Union Terrace overlooking the lake
  • Grab dinner at The Old Fashioned, classic Wisconsin fare with a great beer selection
  • Catch a concert at the Orpheum Theater or the Majestic Theatre on State Street
Day 3

Capital City Adventures

  • Take a free tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol building, a stunning architectural marvel
  • Check out the Dane County Farmers' Market, the largest producer-only market in the country, held on the Capitol Square
  • Visit the Wisconsin Historical Museum, showcasing the state's rich history
  • Lunch at Graze, a farm-to-table restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious seasonal menu
  • Indulge in Babcock ice cream, made on campus at UW-Madison
Day 4

Nature Escapades

  • Hike the trails at Devil's Lake State Park, just a short drive from Madison
  • Visit the International Crane Foundation, where you can see all 15 species of cranes in one place
  • Stop at the Mustard Museum in Mount Horeb, a quirky and fun attraction
  • Savor the famous fried cheese curds at Ella's Deli & Ice Cream Parlor
  • Watch the sunset from Picnic Point, a scenic trail on UW-Madison's campus
Day 5

Local Flavors

  • Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Marigold Kitchen, known for their great coffee and homemade pastries
  • Sample some local beer at Ale Asylum, Karben4 Brewing, or New Glarus Brewing Company
  • Take a chocolate-making class at Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier
  • Dine at L'Etoile, a James Beard award-winning restaurant featuring seasonal cuisine from local farms
  • Catch a live jazz performance at the cozy Cafe Coda
  • Enjoy your visit to Madison, full of quirky local charm and endless sights to explore.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Madison, United States by plane is to fly into Dane County Regional Airport. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United offer direct flights to Madison from cities like Chicago, New York, and Atlanta.

Car

The best way to get to Madison, United States by car is to take Interstate 90/94, which connects Madison to cities like Chicago and Minneapolis.

Train

Currently, there is no passenger train that goes directly to Madison, United States.

Boat

Madison is located inland and there are no major ports or waterways that connect to the city. Therefore, travel by boat is not a viable option to get to Madison, United States.

Bus

The best way to get to Madison, United States by bus is through the Greyhound Station in Madison. Greyhound offers regular service from cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis.

Destination

Madison

Looking for a city that's more than just a cheesehead paradise? Look no further than Madison, where the beer flows like water and the lakes are never too frozen for a good paddle.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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Madison, WI: The Ultimate 5-Day Budget Adventure

Madison is a vibrant and lively city in the heart of Wisconsin, and despite its reputation for being expensive, it's possible to visit on a limited budget. A great way to do this is by taking advantage of the numerous free attractions, such as the stunning State Capitol building and the beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens. For budget-friendly accommodation, consider staying in one of the many inexpensive hostels or campgrounds in the surrounding areas.