Things to Do in Milwaukee

Santiago Calatrava’s wings set the tone for a world-class collection and lakeside views. Thursday pay-what-you-wish nights and the revived MAM After Dark series make it lively. Frequently highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler for must-see Milwaukee art.

In Bronzeville, this museum founded by lynching survivor Dr. James Cameron traces 400+ years of history and resilience. Reopened with community support in 2022 and running robust programming in 2025. Recognized by state and national travel editors for impact.

An employee-led classic where the tour is funny and the beer hall hums. The Friday fish fry with live polka gets love from Milwaukee Magazine and local media. Come hungry, stay for curds, and toast the riverfront patio when weather cooperates.

Since 1938, this velvet-walled temple of no-menu cocktails has defined Milwaukee’s bar craft. Recent national nods include USA Today’s best bars and features by Bon Appétit and Punch. Tell the bartender your mood and let the matching begin.

A Bay View landmark since 1956, honored as a James Beard America’s Classics winner. Order the burek early and savor slow-cooked Serbian staples. Recently singled out by national editors as a top U.S. restaurant while remaining family-run and intimate.

A 1927 movie palace with 70mm capability, a restored 1925 Wurlitzer organ, and year-round indie programming. Home base for the Milwaukee Film Festival and a darling of preservation groups. Grab a show and wander nearby murals afterwards.

A community nature hub on the Milwaukee River offering trails, exhibits, and accessible programs. Lauded locally for equipment lending and environmental education that connects neighborhoods to wild spaces minutes from downtown.

A community-powered marketplace housing mostly Black-owned small businesses—food, wellness, retail, and arts. Night markets and showcases in 2025 keep the atrium lively. Frequently praised by local press for entrepreneurship and neighborhood pride.

An evolving outdoor gallery behind the Oriental Theatre with rotating murals by local and visiting artists. New works and After Dark events in 2025 keep it fresh. Frequently featured by city arts outlets as a photogenic, community-led project.

Downtown distillery home with a rooftop bar, seasonal events, and cocktails rooted in Wisconsin flavors. Follow their 2025 rooftop jazz nights and new releases. Covered by local food writers as a catalyst in the city’s craft spirits scene.

Third Ward landmark with independent vendors, cooking classes, and seasonal concerts under the freeway. A frequent pick in national and local guides, it’s ideal for grazing Wisconsin cheeses, fresh seafood, and specialty finds in one stop.

A Gilded Age showpiece of Milwaukee’s brewing legacy with specialty tours and 2025 exterior restoration underway while open. Often cited by Condé Nast Traveler and others as a must-see for architecture and city history.