Milwaukee Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit in Milwaukee, including its cultural and natural attractions, best food and drink spots, where to stay, local customs, safety and health tips, how to get around, and nearby destinations to explore.


Introduction to Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a beautiful city located in Southeast Wisconsin, in the Midwest region of the United States. It is known for its brewing heritage, amazing architecture, and diverse cultural attractions. Tourists from all over the world visit Milwaukee to enjoy its natural beauty, delicious food and drinks, and rich history. In this tour guide, we will help you explore the best of Milwaukee’s attractions, including the must-visit places, the best things to do, where to stay, and local customs.

List of Places to Visit in Milwaukee

Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Milwaukee has something to offer for everyone. Below is a list of Milwaukee’s top attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Milwaukee Art Museum
  • Harley-Davidson Museum
  • Milwaukee Public Museum
  • Pabst Mansion
  • Historic Third Ward
  • Milwaukee County Historical Society
  • Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

Natural Attractions of Milwaukee: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lakefront Trail
  • Milwaukee RiverWalk
  • Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
  • Milwaukee County Parks
  • Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
  • Boerner Botanical Gardens

Hiking/Biking Routes of Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a great destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Below are some of the best trails to explore:

  • Oak Leaf Trail
  • Hank Aaron State Trail
  • Milwaukee County Parks
  • Menomonee River Parkway Trail

Best Things to Do in Milwaukee: Activities and Tours

Milwaukee offers many fun things to do, from brewery tours to visiting local markets. Here are some of the best activities and tours to check out:

  • Riverboat Tours
  • Brewery Tours
  • Lakefront Brewery
  • Milwaukee Public Market
  • The Bronze Fonz

Week-Long Itinerary for Milwaukee

If you’re planning a week-long stay in Milwaukee, use this itinerary as a guide:

Day Activity/Place to Visit
Day 1 Milwaukee Art Museum and Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Day 2 Harley-Davidson Museum and Historic Third Ward
Day 3 Milwaukee RiverWalk and Lakefront Brewery Tour
Day 4 Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory and Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Day 5 Pabst Mansion and Milwaukee Public Market
Day 6 Boerner Botanical Gardens and Riverboat Tour
Day 7 Oak Leaf Trail and Menomonee River Parkway Trail

Food and Drink Scene of Milwaukee

Milwaukee is known for its delicious food and drinks. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cheese Curds
  • Friday Fish Fry
  • Bratwurst
  • Butter Burgers

Local Beverages

  • Miller Brewing Company
  • Lakefront Brewery
  • Sprecher Brewery
  • Brenner Brewing

Where to Stay in Milwaukee: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Milwaukee offers many accommodation options for visitors, from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • The Pfister Hotel
  • Ambassador Hotel
  • Hilton Milwaukee City Center
  • The Iron Horse Hotel
  • Cream City Hostel

What to Buy in Milwaukee: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Milwaukee offers many unique souvenirs and local products that make great gifts for yourself or others. Here are some of the best things to buy in Milwaukee:

  • Local Beer
  • Cheese Products
  • Harley-Davidson Gear
  • Milwaukee Art

Local Culture and Customs of Milwaukee

Milwaukee has a rich cultural heritage that visitors should be aware of. Locals are friendly and welcoming, and there are many customs and traditions that visitors should respect, such as:

  • Avoid discussing politics or religion
  • Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars
  • Carry cash for small purchases

Best Time to Visit Milwaukee

The best time to visit Milwaukee is from late spring to early fall, between May and September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are many outdoor events and festivals to enjoy. However, if you’re looking for fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting in the winter months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Milwaukee

When visiting Milwaukee, it’s important to respect the local customs and follow certain rules to ensure a pleasant experience. Here are some do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Try the local beer and food
  • Visit the cultural and natural attractions
  • Dress appropriately for the weather

Don’t:

  • Discuss politics or religion with locals
  • Be disrespectful to the city’s heritage and traditions
  • Leave trash behind in public areas

Safety and Health

Visitors to Milwaukee should take certain safety precautions to ensure a safe and healthy trip. Here are some tips:

Safety in Milwaukee

  • Avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
  • Lock your car doors and keep valuables out of sight
  • Be aware of traffic when biking around the city

Health in Milwaukee

  • Use sunscreen and wear a hat during sunny days
  • Bring any necessary medication with you
  • Drink bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses

Getting to Milwaukee: Transportation Options and Logistics

Milwaukee is easily accessible by several transportation options, including:

Airports Near Milwaukee

  • Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Bus Stations Near Milwaukee

  • Greyhound Bus Lines
  • Coach USA

Other Options

  • Amtrak Train Station
  • Car Rental Services

How to Get Around in Milwaukee

Getting around Milwaukee is easy, thanks to the city’s extensive public transportation system and walkable downtown. Here are some transportation options:

  • Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) buses
  • Milwaukee Streetcar

Where to Go Next from Milwaukee: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Milwaukee is located within driving distance of many other interesting nearby destinations and excursions, such as:

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Madison, Wisconsin
  • Green Bay, Wisconsin
  • Door County, Wisconsin

Conclusion

Milwaukee is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for a mix of culture, history, and outdoor adventure. Our tour guide has highlighted the best places to visit, the top things to do, where to stay, and local customs to be aware of. With this guide, your trip to Milwaukee is sure to be a great experience.

Skyline as seen from Bay View Skyline as seen from Bay View Milwaukee Art Museum Milwaukee Art Museum Milwaukee Intermodal Station Milwaukee Intermodal Station Downtown Milwaukee Downtown Milwaukee Windhover Hall, entrance to Milwaukee Art Museum Windhover Hall, entrance to Milwaukee Art Museum American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers Street in the Third Ward Street in the Third Ward Leon's Custard Drive-In Leon's Custard Drive-In