Updated for 2026.
Downtown Madison is a great place to explore. From shopping to dining to entertainment, there’s so much to discover and enjoy. Best of all, you can do it all on foot! So lace up your walking shoes and get ready for some fun. Downtown Madison awaits!
Don’t forget, all of the great attractions below are within minutes walking distance from The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club. We invite you to be our guest and see what this city has to offer right at our doorstep.
This is only just the start of what you'll find in downtown Madison. What will you discover?
Entertainment
Overture Center for the Arts (2 min. walk)
A state-of-the-art performing arts center and gallery in Madison’s thriving cultural arts district.
Orpheum Theater (3 min. walk)
One of the most iconic sights on State Street is also one of the city’s best live performance and musical theaters.
Majestic Theatre (7 min. walk)
A historic live music venue and Madison’s oldest theater has been wowing crowds since 1906.
Comedy Club on State (2 min. walk)
From open-mike night amateurs to nationally known comedians, Comedy Club on State is the place to go for a laugh.
Located just off the Capitol Square, the Bartell holds performances of plays, musicals, and more from various community arts groups.
The Sylvee (19 min. walk, 5 min. Drive – shuttle often available)
The newest and largest venue is located off East Washington Avenue, a reasonable walk and short drive from downtown Madison. This venue hosts regional and national acts with large audiences.
Museums
The Madison Children's Museum (3 min. walk)
A true family treasure, The Madison Children’s Museum is ranked the 5th-Best Children’s Museum in the Nation by Parents Magazine.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum (3 min. walk)
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum has been sharing stories of Wisconsin’s military veterans for over 100 years.
Wisconsin Historical Museum (2 min. walk)
The new museum facility is currently under construction. In the meantime, visit the Wisconsin Historical Society on the Library Mall near the UW Campus.
Operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, the Wisconsin Historical Museum hosts several exhibits featuring the stories of native people, immigrants, and the lively politics of Wisconsin.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (3 min walk)
Located near the Overture Center on State Street, this modern art museum features permanent and traveling collections. Admission is free.
Sports Venues
Camp Randall Stadium (31 min. walk - shuttle often available)
Camp Randall Stadium has been the home of Wisconsin Badgers football since 1895. Go Badgers!
Kohl Center (14 min. walk - shuttle often available)
Kohl Center is an arena and athletic center at UW-Madison that hosts men’s basketball and ice hockey teams and women’s basketball.
Breese Stevens Field (19 min. walk, 4 min. drive - shuttle often available)
Breese Stevens Field is the historic venue of Madison Forward FC. In addition to hosting sporting events, it also serves as a venue for outdoor concerts, festivals, and fairs.
Shopping
Dane County Farmers' Market (3 min. walk)
Right on Capitol Square, the Dane County Farmers’ Market is the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country.
The Soap Opera (3 min. walk)
In business for over 50 years on State Street, The Soap Opera features locally-made and house-made bath and beauty products.
Little Luxuries (3 min. walk)
If you’re looking for a gift that is uniquely Madison, check out Little Luxuries, a specialty gift and accessory store on State Street.
Fromagination (5 min. walk)
Visit Fromagination for Wisconsin’s best artisan cheese.
Located on State Street, Anthology is a quirky, colorful, cozy stationery store with cards, craft supplies, posters, and more from original artists from Madison and around the state.
This vintage and surplus store has three floors of clothing, accessories, and goods that can suit any individual’s unique style.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Monona Terrace (11 min. walk)
Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, there may be no better place for breathtaking views of Lake Monona than Monona Terrace.
Memorial Union Terrace (15 min. walk)
Arguably Madison’s favorite summer hangout, Memorial Union Terrace is a great place to pull up a chair and soak up the sun.
James Madison Park (9 min. walk)
Enjoy 12 acres of waterfront bliss at James Madison Park.
Restaurants
The Old Fashioned (4 min. walk)
A true Madison classic, step into The Old Fashioned and enjoy the Friday fish fry and its namesake cocktail.
The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company (8 min. walk)
The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company is the place to get award-winning ales and lagers in a great pub atmosphere.
Graze (6 min. walk)
If you’re looking for great Capitol views and farm-to-table eats, Graze is the place for you.
Heritage Tavern (5 min. walk)
Heritage Tavern serves upscale farm-to-table cuisine with class and style.
Located on the Capitol Square, Cooper’s is a cozy brew pup featuring local beers and spirits and an elevated “bar food” menu.
Ian’s Pizza (2-4 min. walk)
Macaroni and cheese on a pizza? Located on the top of State Street, Ian’s is known for its classic and creative pizzas by the slice.
Lucille (8 min. walk)
Lucille is a restaurant located just off the Capitol Square known for its wood-fired pizzas.
A destination for high-quality, tavern-style food with a good rotating tap list.
Coffee and Cocktails
An independent coffee shop with an artsy vibe. It is the closest coffee shop to the hotel aside from our own Starbucks just off the lobby.
A popular, longstanding Madison coffee chain. The West Washington Avenue cafe is spacious and ideal for working or simply hanging out.
A local Madison chain with a traditional menu and unique signature offerings.
Young Blood Beer Company (8 min. walk)
A Madison brewery specializing in unique craft brews with the most interesting names.
A classic cocktail lounge within a historic brick building on the Capitol Square.
Paul’s Club (3 min. walk)
Enjoy your favorite craft beers or cocktails beneath the canopy of a tree inside this popular State Street tavern.
Ready To Explore Downtown Madison?
Join us in the center of it all! There’s no better place to stay downtown than The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club. Open our front doors, and you’re within walking distance to the best of the city. We’d love for you to be our guest and discover downtown Madison.