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State Street & Downtown Madison

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

843 Reviews

#13 of 77 things to do in Madison

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Madison, WI

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Traveler Overview

4.5 843 reviews

Excellent55%
Very good32%
Average10%
Poor2%
Terrible1%

Travelers talk about

“people watching”(71 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

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Madison, WI

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1 - 10 of 814 reviews

Dsrsq

Nashville, Tennessee

769

Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile

Great walking town

My wife & I spent Friday afternoon walking around downtown. We loved walking around the campus of U of Wisconsin & views of the lake at the terrace then walked up State street to the Capitol & walked thru it. Then walked over to the...More

Date of experience: July 2019

Thank Dsrsq

664ts

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

11824

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Just....Ok

A lot of people begging for money. Didn't feel overly safe....even though it was daytime. Disappointed.

Date of experience: July 2019

Thank 664ts

Stephanie S

Dallas, Texas

4615

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Progressive small town vibe

Feels like Austin. This town offers wide bike lanes all over and great food. The state capitol, and the college are her, as well as the Lake.

Date of experience: June 2019

Thank Stephanie S

BruPete

Glen Ellyn, Illinois

14386

Reviewed 4 weeks ago via mobile

People Watching

Always an interesting place for people watching but our visit hit the people watching jackpot, when we stumbled on to the Annual Naked Bike Ride.

Date of experience: June 2019

Thank BruPete

LoveTraveling29

Middleton, Wisconsin

3710

Reviewed June 5, 2019 via mobile

Chain stores pushed out the individual vibe on State

State street was a shoppers paradise of unusual, funky, wonderful finds. . It is now dominated on the University end by boring chain restaurants and stores. Search out the few stores with a sign Dane Buy local and give them a boost.

Date of experience: June 2019

Thank LoveTraveling29

Cherry B

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

154

Reviewed May 9, 2019 via mobile

Saturday Fun

Great day to visit the Capital. Farmers market and free tour made the day very enjoyable. Don’t miss the Saturday Farmers Market

Date of experience: May 2019

Thank Cherry B

Thanks for coming to visit and for sharing your suggestions! The Farmer's Market is quite the event and is a great start to any Saturday downtown. We hope you can find a time to come visit again.

jesiM316

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Reviewed April 22, 2019 via mobile

A little bit of everything

Downtown Madison is beautiful to define the city of Madison. The strip has a variety of food choice, shops, dessert and more! If you are visiting the city and want to walk around this is the place to be.

Date of experience: April 2019

Thank jesiM316

Thanks for the kind words, we do love to think there's a little something for everyone downtown and we're glad you found some things to enjoy! We hope to see you again soon.

NewPlaceFan

Kenosha, Wisconsin

251200

Reviewed April 21, 2019

Lots of people strolling along State Street

We were looking for a nice place to walk even after some stores started closing, and State Street fit the bill nicely. There were lots of people out and about, but not so much as to be over crowded. The UW union is at one...More

Date of experience: April 2019

Thank NewPlaceFan

We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your visit downtown. Come back and visit us again sometime!

broadwaybaby19

113

Reviewed April 13, 2019

Bohemian and fun

We always enjoy walking around State Street. There are fun, eclectic shops, plenty of eateries, dessert stops and just a fun area that's close to campus, but fair enough away.

Date of experience: April 2019

Thank broadwaybaby19

Thanks for the great review, we're glad you found downtown as exciting as we do! We hope you come back to visit us often, we'd love to entertain you some more.

Sinalco

Roedovre, Denmark

303

Reviewed April 13, 2019 via mobile

Lots of cool shops

Cool shops everywhere and a lot of places to eat. Love the Ragshop with a lot of vintage clothings. I didnt get the time to go through all of State St. I will do that next time im in Madison.

Date of experience: April 2019

Thank Sinalco

Thanks for visiting, we're glad you could find some excitement while you were here. Please do come back to visit us and explore more of what downtown has to offer!

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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).