Milwaukee is such a lovely city and so underrated!!! Here's my master list for things to do in the area!
Map
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
I LOVE this park!! There's so many hidden trails and pathways to get lost on, you're right by the river, but also there's so much green space! I also love how theres a beer garden in the summers and a farmer's market as well!!
Estabrook Park
This trail is in Grant Park and feels straight out of a fairytale. There's bridges (per the name), pathways, stone steps, and its so much fun to wander through. This trail will lead to you an area with a long stretch of beach on Lake Michigan, so pea...
Seven Bridges Trail
Bradford is super fun, but Atwater Beach is so beautiful, often less crowded, and I generally like to come here for a more relaxed beach day!
Atwater Park
Such an amazing botanical garden with three different domes! Two of the domes stay the same, the tropical and desert domes. The third dome is a floral themed space that rotates out! There are many events held here, even a winter farmers market!
Mitchell Park Domes Horticulture Conservatory
One of the most stunning viewpoints of Lake Michigan in the area! Also has so many different trails and is a lovely way to spend time outside! There is rocky beaches down by the water that are amazing for a picnic, to watch the sunset, or to beach co...
Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve
I LOVE this park! It has a nice loop trail, basketball courts, playground, and a baseball field! But the best part of all, it overlooks the city and has such a nice viewpoint. The huge greenspace is always filled with picnic blankets of people enjoyi...
Kilbourn Reservoir Park
Restaurants
THE MOST AMAZING vegan food!!! Twisted Plants is the restaurant I reccomend the most to people when they ask where to eat in Milwaukee. It is really so good.
Twisted Plants
I LOVE Comet for brunch or dinner!! They have such good food and drinks, plus a ton of amazing pies!! I also appreciate how they have options for vegetarians, vegans, those who are gluten free, and those with no dietary restrictions at all! Makes it ...
Comet Cafe
Such amazing italian food on Brady Street. This is my go to spot when I want to go somewhere a bit nicer to eat. I'm a huge fan of the vibe, the drinks, and the ravioli!!
Dorsia
My go to Indian takeout place!!! They are SO GOOD and always hit the spot!! Highly recommend giving them a try!!
Cafe India Bar & Grill (Bay View)
This is my go to Chinese takeout place!!! They have the most amazing spring rolls and are so reasonably priced.
Lucky Liu's
I'm vegan and this restaurant is so amazing to try plant based food that is a little more upscale. The vibe and ambiance of the place is adorable and so chic, and they get so creative with seasonal dishes and drinks!
Strange Town
Ians is a CLASSIC!! They have such fun themed pizzas and so many good regular old pizzas as well. You have to come here after a night out and you have to get the mac n cheese pizza. I don't make the rules.
Ian's Pizza Milwaukee | East Side
Other Food & Drinks
No trip to Milwaukee is complete without stopping by the public market. The best place to bring people from out of town too, with all of the vendors, booths, and restaurants inside, there will truly be something for everyone!
Milwaukee Public Market
Cannot say enough good things about this coffee shop. Hands down my favorite. It is so cute, brightens your day immediately, and is a small local owned business. Plus everything they make is amazing!
The Daily Bird
You can't pick a bad Colectivo Coffee location, and there's so many to choose from! Such an amazing place with the greatest vibe!
Colectivo Humboldt Blvd.
Lakefront Brewery has some of my favorite drinks ever, and they have an amazing beer hall! They also offer tours which is really cool! The setting is also amazing, it is right on the river, and you can sit outside as well, there is lots of space!
Lakefront Brewery
The most fun bar/dance club ever!! It is decorated so well, the vibes are amazing, the music is always top notch. They also do themed music nights that are super fun to look out for!
Mad Planet
Arts & Entertainment
A Milwaukee recommendation list wouldn't be complete without a mention of the Milwaukee Art Museum. It is stunning from the outside with the design of the building over Lake Michigan, but also has an amazing collection of pieces. I go multiple times ...
Milwaukee Art Museum
To see a movie or show, my favorite theatre is the Oriental! It is so well preserved and full of beautiful historical charm and details. I've never watched a movie in such a beautiful room before!
The Oriental Theatre | Milwaukee Film Historic Cinemas
One of the best music venues in Milwaukee, they have several rooms of different sizes, so there's a wide variety of popularity with the artists that come and perform! Tickets are reasonable and it is always a good time!
The Rave / Eagles Club
Another one of my favorite live music venues in Milwaukee! I have seen so many shows here and they are always amazing! It is also located right in the heart of downtown right next to lots of bars and things to do, so after the show, there's plenty of...
Turner Hall Ballroom
Local Favorites
I've been coming here for years to get my hair done! I also get the occasional massage! They have amazing staff and customer service, it is truly always a lovely experience.