We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

State Street & Downtown Madison

Name: State Street & Downtown Madison
Address: Wisconsin
Rating: 4.5

826 Reviews

#13 of 70 things to do in Madison

Shopping, Sights & Landmarks, More

Madison, WI

Review Highlights

“Saturday afternoon in Madison”

Great day in Madison to stroll from the Capital to the University of WI-Madison. Some of the... read more

Reviewed today

Wtravelers2120

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

“Unique ”

State Street is great for shopping, eating, bar hopping and people watching. The Wisconsin State... read more

Reviewed 2 days ago

John C

via mobile

Read all 826 reviews

114

All photos (114)

Full view

Certificate of Excellence

Traveler Overview

4.5 826 reviews

Excellent55%
Very good32%
Average10%
Poor2%
Terrible1%

Travelers talk about

“people watching”(69 reviews)

“great street”(26 reviews)

“ethnic restaurants”(23 reviews)

About

This seven-block bustling thoroughfare, which runs between Capitol Square and the University of Wisconsin, buzzes with activity day and night. Offering lake access, amazing views, several museums and theaters, more than 140 restaurants including a...more

Contact

Madison, WI

Website

Improve This Listing

Recommended experiences in and around Madison

Crazy Dash Walking Adventure - Madison, WI

from $10.00

More Info

Holly Jolly Hunt - Madison, WI

from $20.00

More Info

America the Beautiful - National Parks...

1 Review

from $80.00

More Info

Self-Guided Wisconsin Canoe Expedition: 92...

from $262.50

More Info

1 - 10 of 799 reviews

Wtravelers2120

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

15446

Reviewed today

Saturday afternoon in Madison

Great day in Madison to stroll from the Capital to the University of WI-Madison. Some of the stores are the same but the atmosphere is great. The Bookstore is always a great stop for your Badger gear. It is a great way to people watch....More

Date of experience: January 2019

Thank Wtravelers2120

John C

34543

Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile

Unique

State Street is great for shopping, eating, bar hopping and people watching. The Wisconsin State Capitol is at one end and the University of Wisconsin at the other. I particularly like the vibe from the small local places.

Date of experience: January 2019

Thank John C

EnidBetty

Largo, Florida

13650

Reviewed 1 week ago

Too much of the same merchandise

I have walked down State Street in the past. It seems like now there are too many stores which are trying to sell the same merchandise. More of a variety would serve the public better.

Date of experience: December 2018

Thank EnidBetty

BAR1025

Mount Horeb, Wisconsin

802

Reviewed 1 week ago

Amazing

I love to walk up to State St. for all kinds of reasons. Shopping is great. Food is so Tasty and there are lots of different kinds. Such a pretty place in downtown Madison.

Date of experience: January 2019

Thank BAR1025

Thank you for sharing your experience! With more than 80 retail shops and 140 restaurants there are definitely a lot of great options to pick from.

Steven A

Hinsdale, Illinois

19029

Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile

Fun to just walk.....soak up the ambience

We love strolling the streets..... interesting shops. Not too bad with homeless in winter. The collection of storefronts are varied, fun to browse and pop in..... get a drink or cup of coffee Miss Steep & Brew .....

Date of experience: December 2018

Thank Steven A

We're happy that you enjoy visiting so much! Thank you for helping spread the word, we hope you'll visit us again soon.

0221Serendipity

Madison, Wisconsin

755386

Reviewed November 6, 2018

The Heart of Madison

State Street and downtown Madison is the heart of the University of Wisconsin campus and the city. During the summer its the best place to stroll and open air shop. In the fall there's the annual Halloween party where the street is closed off for...More

Date of experience: September 2018

Thank 0221Serendipity

Thank you for the great review! We agree the summer here is particularly beautiful but there's something interesting going on at all times of the year.

shadias2018

Reviewed November 4, 2018

nice stores

I was surprised the downtown area of the states capital was that small. It was about 2 blocks long. Had a nice variety of stores though. Went for freakfest. Decent

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank shadias2018

Thank you for the great review. State St. is about 6 blocks but we pack a lot of excitement into them!

RockfordPoetLaureate

Rockford, Illinois

3614

Reviewed October 29, 2018 via mobile

Busy, Healthy, Lots to Do

Downtown Madison, this particular area, is always busy, healthy for the person who's seeking to get some exercise, and see what is going on. I recommend stopping there, just for the experience. Check it out!

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank RockfordPoetLaureate

Thanks for encouraging others to come visit, we appreciate you spreading the word and we're glad you enjoyed your time with us.

chibex32

Chicago, Illinois

18140

Reviewed October 27, 2018 via mobile

Great way

A perfect way to spend a fall afternoon. Cute shopping, coffee, bars, restaurants. A must do when in Madison. Just know you will find some chain places like the Gap and Under Armour and not all boutiques.

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank chibex32

Thank you for the great feedback, we're glad you enjoyed your visit. And while we do have some chains, more than 80% of our businesses are locally owned so there are still lots of unique places to visit.

Kelly V

Reviewed October 23, 2018 via mobile

Must do in Madison

State street and the square is such a great place to walk through during the evening if you’ve never been to Madison! Lots of local bars, coffee shops with later hours, book stores, and various places to grab food! Cute and clean town.

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank Kelly V

We're glad you enjoyed your visit and all of the great views and shops Downtown Madison has to offer!

View more reviews

Previous Next

1 2 3 4 5 6 …80

Nearby

See all 64 nearby hotels See all 1,108 nearby restaurants See all 203 nearby attractions

Questions & Answers

Ask a question

Linda G

Hi what is the walking time from Capital to the Union Terrace on Lake. Thanks

June 1, 2017|

AnswerShow all 3 answers

About 15 to 20 minutes. Worth it. May find places to check in between? We liked eating outside at the terrace there.

Lukas M

walking animals?

March 15, 2015|

Answer

yes, a lot of them do, except the fish, snakes, and other legless varieties. if you're asking if you see people walking animals (dogs, etc.) on state street, then yes, but on leashes (the animals that is).

Travel Forum Posts

tripfun5

st. louis

Madison Hotel Advice (5 Replies)

What are some good, reasonably priced hotels in Madison? We are staying for one night only and don't want to spend a lot but want a good location - maybe by State Street?

May 16, 2006|

Response fromPPowner|

I live in Madison, so I don't really stay at any of the hotels. But, I can tell you what there is to chose from. By State Street and the north side of the Square, you would have the Madison Concourse Hotel, which has a nice restaurant . Inn On the Park is on the south side of the square and is the only hotel on the Square The InnTowner would be closer to the other end of State Street. The Edgewater is on Lake Mendota and 4 blocks off the Square and has very elegant dining. There is a fairly...More

Related to items you viewed