After long being considered Chicago's little sibling, Milwaukee has finally come into its own as a travel worthy destination in its own right. In 2024, it made our Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best big cities in the US, ranking third—just behind San Diego and Chicago. Some of the best things to do in Milwaukee also make up the many reasons to visit: A growing restaurant scene, plenty of culture from museums and festivals, overall walkability, and enough city amenities for the Midwest gem to truly feel desirable. This is officially no longer just a small town, and with so many local colleges and a venerated art museum, there is strong curiosity and willingness to embrace the new and cater to the city’s growing younger population that has been steadily growing for the past decade.

For the culturally inclined tourist, there’s the world class Milwaukee Art Museum and architecture buffs will enjoy the Frank Lloyd Wright and Frederick Law Olmsted scattered throughout the city including, Burham Block and Lake Park. Or catch one of the many festivals; Milwaukee is home to one nearly every weekend, the film festival is one of our favorites. Over the past decade, the city has transformed into a culinary paradise as well—if you thought Milwaukee was just beer, brats, and Bucks games, think again: 2024’s Top Chef Season 21 Wisconsin accelerated the already expanding dining scene and a wave of culinary tourism. There’s nowhere better to experience quintessential Midwestern charm.

The day-to-day experience is filled with green space, walkable neighborhoods, and an easy hop-on, hop-off streetcar system (called The Hop) that has expanded to include stops along the picturesque Lake Michigan lakefront, making it easier to get to than ever before. Further to the city’s walkability, the Riverwalk, a 3.7 mile path through the heart of the city and along the Milwaukee River, recently completed an expansion to make it more friendly to aquatic life and ADA accessible. And if you still find yourself lost, effervescently friendly residents will always point you in the right direction. Here are the best things to do in Milwaukee.

The best things to do in Milwaukee in 2025

The Milwaukee Art Museum sits on an escarpment on Lake Michigan, inside a building that’s itself something to marvel at; its airy, light-filled rotunda entrance looks out onto the water for a prime view. Expect rotating exhibitions from artists from around the world and a permanent collection with works from iconic American artists like Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha, and Sol LeWitt. Throughout 2025, the museum will host exhibitions from artists like Robert Longo, Derrick Adams, and the Canadian multidisciplinary artist Erin Shirreff. The spring’s Milwaukee Film Festival recently appointed a new director and just celebrated its 15th anniversary. Expect to find indie films made by Wisconsinites and international directors. The organization holds screenings and talks all year long if you happen to be there outside the official week long window.

If you’re looking to spend some time outside, the city is home to many architectural gems, like Frank Lloyd Wright’s The Burnham Block, an exacting and inspired early 20th-century solution to affordable housing that the architect designed. If you’re in town on Saturday, book a tour or if you’re interested you can even spend the night in one. For a more naturally inspired perspective head to Fredrick Law Olmsted’s Lake Park for a stroll and a picnic. In July and August, they host outdoor concerts twice weekly. Another element of the city that comes alive in the summer is the coastline, as Milwaukee is right on the shore of Lake Michigan. One of the best places to take it is Bradford Beach where the vantage can feel almost ocean-like. For sports enthusiasts, it’s well equipped with volleyball courts and has a sand soccer league. Enjoy tropically inspired cocktails from the beach bar, The Dock, while you watch or take in a sunset.

For a further architecture and food crawl, The Pabst Mansion, the one time home of the founders of the Pabst Brewing company, is a meticulously preserved, 1890s Gilded Age estate smack in the middle of the Midwest. Not too far on the Marquette University campus you’ll find the Joan of Arc Chapel. The tiny church was imported from France in an effort to restore it after it had been damaged in WWI; it claims to hold the stone where Joan prayed, features spectacular stained-glass windows. Hungry? Stroll 20 minutes to one of the city’s several food halls: 3rd St Market is more new-school vendors like Paper Plane Pizza and Dairyland, while The Public Market has a classic feel and is where you’ll be able to pick-up a few souvenirs too, like blends from local favorite Spice House.

or those in town for longer than a weekend, the city has many great day or overnight trips nearby for more of that quintessential Midwestern sensibility and scenery. To explore a state park and take in some more of that picturesque Lake Michigan coastline, head to Sheboygan. Just an hour south of downtown Milwaukee, it’s home to Kohler-Andrae State Park, famous for its sand dunes and water sports in the summer and cross country skiing in winter. It also happens to be home to an iconic bratwurst at Miesfeld’s, an institution that has been around since 1941. Just a little further inland, there is the quaint town of Lake Geneva. It was once a popular destination for vacationing Chicagoans and has many walking trails, lush gardens, and historic homes like Black Point Estate that can be toured in the warmer months. For a taste of the region’s Scandinavian heritage, head to Racine. It’s home to the iconic O&H Danish Bakery and the notorious kringle, but also 70 historic buildings, including the beginning of the 200 mile Frank Lloyd Wright trail.

The best restaurants

With everything from frozen custard stands to James Beard Award–winning chefs, Milwaukee is a burgeoning food city that is finally getting its due thanks to a profile raise by 2024’s Top Chef Wisconsin. On the finer end of the spectrum, try Birch, owned by husband and wife team Kyle and Meghan Knall; expect to find elevated seasonal plates where Wisconsin ingredients shine, like marinated beets with grilled onion, pistachio and goat cheese, as well ember roasted locally caught Walleye. In the fall they open a new concept, Cassis, which is more of a classic French bistro. Another new opening to look forward to is Purslane, from James Beard-nominated chef Mary Kastman who will be cooking a Mediterranean influenced menu. The city has welcomed other new additions to the city in the past few years like Lupi & Iris, Ester Ev, and Dan Dan.

On the more casual end of the spectrum, head to The Diplomat, where you’ll find comforting classics with a Midwestern twist and it also happens to be helmed by a Beard winning chef. For something totally different, stop by Three Brothers for some of the best Serbian food in the country; it’s been family owned and operated since the 1950’s, and with its lace-curtained windows has all the comfort of your grandmother’s kitchen. Or try Mekong Cafe for Vietnamese that will rival any you’ll find in New York or Houston. For earlier in the day and a hearty brunch Uncle Wolfie’s is the best bet or for a more grab and go option Allie Boy’s does great bagel sandwiches and deli classics.

It’s also a city filled with iconic dishes, like the Butter Burger, head to find a legendary one at Solly’s, another Beard winner that has a whole menu dedicated to them. Whether it’s hot outside or not, frozen custard is a must—head to either Kopp’s or Leon’s where you can indulge the richer, creamier version of ice cream in a cone, shake, malt, float, or sundae. Since you are in the Midwest, the home of the supper club, an all American tavern that’s a hallmark of the region, pleasantly frozen in the 1950s to 70s. Locals will say the best ones are out of Milwaukee’s limits, but find great examples at The Packing House and Five O’Clock Steakhouse. If you’re there on a Friday, opt for the Fish Fry, that’s a holdover from the prohibition and more Catholic era, but a locally treasured experience.

No trip to Milwaukee would be complete without a beer; for the old-school experience head to either Old German Beer Hall or Von Trier, where you’ll be momentarily transported to Germany with the hoisting of your stein. For cocktails, visit Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge or At Random, where owner John Dye has renovated, but also preserved the original ethos of two historic bars that have been around since the 1930s and 60s. Both are menu-less, where the idea is that you approach the bar and talk to the bartender who will make something tailored to your tastes. Try an ice cream based cocktail, classic in the region, like a minty Grasshopper or chocolatey Brandy Alexander.

Where to stay

The Kinn Guest House has two locations, one downtown and the other in Bay View, the hotel has a unique approach to providing a home-like feel. The elevator on each floor opens to a state of the art kitchen, lounge area and workspace, emphasizing the community aspects. The rooms are sleek and well designed, with high ceilings and large windows for maximum natural light. Be sure to check-out their restaurant Wolf on Broadway for an Indonesian-inspired Midwestern twist on American classics.

Another downtown option, The Saint Kate is an arts hotel with robust programming, with rotating exhibitions, live music, and artists in residence. Its 219 rooms are clean and modern with touches that nod to the creative vibe, like ukuleles, record players, and festive patterned wallpaper or art from local artists. Take advantage of one of the four bars and restaurants on site, like Proof Pizza for Neapolitan style pies or Aria for elevated crowd pleasing favorites like hanger steaks and sweet potato perogies.

The Kimpton Journeyman is another option. Located in the city’s historic Third Ward, the stylish lobby is welcoming with a fireplace and leather couches as you wait for check-in. All of its rooms feature Frette linens, Atelier Bloem toiletries, and plush bathrobes. Be sure to take advantage of their amenities, like bike rental, a 24-hour fitness center and social hour between 5 to 6 p.m. nightly where you can sample local craft brews, snacks and glasses of wine in the Lobby Living Room. If it’s nice out, check-out the rooftop bar, The Outsider, that’s popular with locals and tourists alike.

If you’re looking for an iconic classic experience stay at The Pfister Hotel. The grand and opulent property was built in 1893 and as soon as you step foot inside, you’re transported to the Golden Age. It features updated rooms complete with either Lake Michigan or Milwaukee skyline views. The pool, reserved for hotel guests, sits on the 23rd floor and is a downtown oasis. The weekend afternoon tea or cocktails in the Lobby Lounge are a real treat and great way to take in the grandeur of the hotel. It’s recently undergone renovations to guest rooms updating their bathrooms, furniture and amenities. Additional renovations to the lobby and restaurant will be finished in early 2025.

Housed in the original Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery, Brewhouse Inn And Suites, is a 90 room hotel located right downtown and is a great starting point to explore the city on foot. The rooms are spacious, with high ceilings, come equipped with kitchenettes and often terraces. There’s a 24-hour fitness center and guest laundry which comes in handy for longer stays. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and the beer garden at the onsite restaurant On Tap which specializes in comfort classics like, wings, pizza, and five different burgers as well as over 40 beers on tap.