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Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a city on the rise; so much so that it just joined our Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best big cities in the US, ranking third—just behind San Diego and Chicago. Long considered nearby Chicago's little sibling, Milwaukee has finally come into its own by growing amongst younger people for its affordability over the Second City, allowing people to buy homes and rent better apartments. Not to mention the growing restaurant scene, new infrastructure increasing walkability, and enough city amenities for the Midwest gem to truly feel desirable—it’s 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.
For the culturally inclined tourist, there’s the world class Milwaukee Art Museum and enough Frank Lloyd Wright and Frederick Law Olmsted scattered throughout the city to satisfy architecture buffs. Or catch one of the many festivals; Milwaukee is home to one nearly every weekend. On the horizon for 2024, the museum will feature several new world-class exhibitions, like 17th-Century Dutch and Flemish Prints, Skyscrapers and the Human Experience, and 50 Paintings featuring new work from artists like Cecily Brown. 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: Top Chef Season 21 is coming to Wisconsin just in time for an already expanding dining scene to accelerate. There’s nowhere better to experience quintessential Midwestern charm.
Think lots of green space, walkable neighborhoods, and an easy hop-on, hop-off streetcar system (called The Hop) that’s expanding 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, is undergoing 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 on a travel adventure dedicated to MKE—which just joined our Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best large cities in the US..
The best things to do in Milwaukee
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 artists like Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha, and Sol LeWitt.
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. 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.
The best restaurants
With everything from frozen custard stands to James Beard Award–winning chefs, Milwaukee is a burgeoning food city that’s still not on most people’s radar. 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 produce shines, like ricotta cavatelli with local smoked Jimmy Nardello peppers, and charred beef carpaccio. For a more casual, neighborhood vibe head to The Diplomat, which in 2022 won Dane Baldwin the James Beard Award for best chef in the Midwest.
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. For classics like the legendary Milwaukee Butter Burger, head to 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. For treats and coffee earlier in the day, Likewise is some of the city’s best, making all their pastries in house, like a citrus ginger scone. A New York-style deli in the heart of the midwest, Allie Boy’s iconic bagel sandwiches will get you through a packed day of sightseeing. The team behind brunch favorite Uncle Wolfie’s will soon be opening, more dinner-centric restaurant, The Wolf on Broadway, at the downtown branch of the Kinn Guest House.
If it’s craft cocktails you’re after, 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. For wine, head to Strange Town, an all-vegan natural wine bar. Try their innovative small plates, like the sea vegetable salad or the sweet corn caesar to go alongside your glass of cloudy pet nat. 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 a more craft option, check out Supermoon in Bay View where you’ll find oak aged saisons and unfiltered lagers.
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 aspect. The rooms are sleek and well designed, with high ceilings and large windows for maximum natural light. Be sure to check-out their soon-to-open restaurant, Wolf on Broadway for a globally 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 5-6pm 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. The hotel is undergoing an exciting renovation and expansion that will be complete in spring 2024.
