Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Every trip to Milwaukee should start in the Historic Third Ward. Explore our locally owned restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries, and boutiques all in a historic warehouse setting. The neighborhood is home to the award-winning Third Ward Riverwalk, the nationally acclaimed Milwaukee Public Market, and the world's largest music festival, Summerfest. Located just south of downtown Milwaukee.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Historic Third Ward
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Best nearby
Restaurants
835 within 3 miles
Attractions
336 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,308 reviews
Excellent
771
Very good
401
Average
115
Poor
17
Terrible
4
Kkoleary
Scottsdale, AZ783 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Full of restaurants and bars not much else. The St Paul Fish Restaurant is worth a visit for a quick bite … good food and service but too noisy to sit and chat. I would not go out of my way to visit 3the Third Ward or the Public market unless I specifically wanted to eat there.
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirstin D.
Port Huron, MI470 contributions
Nov 2019
I love stopping by the Third Ward. My friend had a condo there foorbyesrs before moving out into the country. He introduced me to the great restaurants and to sushi, but I found the gorgeous florist, coffee shops, theatres, and Broadway Paper and stationery on my own. It is always fun and interesting. Depending on the time of the eeek occasionally the parking is a bit tight, but sometimes it is as easy as pie.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Kristin! Thank you so much for your kind words and for exploring the Ward. We're thrilled you have made it one of your favorite places. See you again soon.
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne M
Thousand Oaks, CA54 contributions
Apr 2022
We went on a Monday and it was pretty crowded I can't imagine a busy day. There is a cookie place with yummy vegan choc. chip cookies. Head upstairs with food for a bit more space.
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RonL40
Utica, NY3,633 contributions
Oct 2022
First time in Milwaukee, we visited the spectacular art museum and then walked to the Third Ward. Great place for people watching, the river walk, the public market, great restaurants and for us, a beautiful place to hunt books at Downtown Books. Excellent rethinking of what a historic neighborhood can be while retaining its character. If you're looking for a great rooftop bar, try the Benelux Cafe!
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly Cathcart
Valparaiso, IN1,191 contributions
Jan 2023
This is a great neighborhood. There are lots of food and shopping. The mix of shops is resale to boutique paper shops. There are a few well priced parking lots. The Public Market is right here as well, a great place to grab a bite and people watch.
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom T
Milwaukee, WI362 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Best walking area of Milwaukee, great restaurants and bars, Charlie’s is great. Can’t beat the Milwaukee public market in this area. ..indeed plenty of something to see or do for everyone.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Tom! Thanks so much for exploring the Ward! See you again, soon!
Written January 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary Ann P
Fox Lake, Illinois12 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Third Ward is a fun experience if you can stand crowded space. The Market has too many sellers to even try mentioning. There is a little bit of everything for sale from bloody marys to jewelry.
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CRoss121
New York City, NY41 contributions
Aug 2020
Great collection of shops and restaurants. There is an Anthropologie and a Restoration Hardware outlet as well as some cute funky local boutiques and shops. There is a great Art Gallery (go!) and numerous restaurants. Spend an afternoon/evening and meander. You won’t be bored!
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! Can't wait to see you around the Ward again soon.
Written October 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul U
Chicago, Illinois, United States3 contributions
Feb 2020
Great spots to eat and shop - No chains and variety. Fish at St. Paul's is worth the wait. Anything in the Public Market is good. Local spots from pasta to bbq are all excellent.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Paul! Thanks so much for exploring the Ward. And you're right - the Hop is a great way to get here!
Written March 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James L
Bangor, WI156 contributions
Oct 2021
Public market was good. Was told there were many little boutique shops, but honestly was not impressed with those. Many restaurants and looking at the old archit. buildings was more of what made Third Ward interesting.
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is an upscale, trendy section of downtown Milwaukee, so this is a bustling area. I find Milwaukee a very safe and easy city to navigate. There are several hotels in the area, I believe.
Written September 28, 2019
Is there ample parking? We will be there on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday. Are the stores and restaurants open on Sunday?
Written June 9, 2015
Nanci, there are many parking options in the third ward, from street parking as you drive in on Broadway. Or there is a parking ramp near MIAD over by 1st and Erie street. I am sure many things open on Sundays. I also think parking garages downtown would be a good option, you can take the street car in or just walk. Over all Milwaukee has a lot of great parking options. Enjoy MKE
Written February 2, 2019
Is the Third Street Market always happening or is it like a Farmers Market on certain days. We will have a few (3) hours to see the city ( 4 hour layover) and were not sure what to see while we are there. Any suggestions? We were considering going for a cab ride to eat and then returning to the airport, but most of the restruants are in the downtown area near the Art Museum and the Third Ward Market area. Is three hours a reasonable amount of time to do this?
Written May 30, 2015
I never thought of leaving the airport during a layover, how cool! The market is a must see even if crowded! Could quick brows the Third Ward, spent a few hours there today!
Written May 26, 2019
How would a 5 year old do 9n thus tour?
Written January 27, 2015
I was there over the Labor Day weekend and they had a huge Arts and Crafts show, and live music. Their were quite a few family's there but the weather was perfect, what time of year are you going?
Written January 28, 2015
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