Milwaukee is one of our favorite topics and cities – that is where we got our start with the creation of Milwaukee Food Tours and Milwaukee City Tours – and now the headquarters of Travel Deliciously! Are you planning a Milwaukee weekend getaway? Here’s our top suggestions on how to see the city:
Getting to Milwaukee
If you are arriving via air, The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has direct flights from all over the US and even some international flights. The airport is located about 12 minutes from downtown Milwaukee and easily accessible by cab, bus, or train.
If you are coming from Chicago or Green Bay, Amtrak has direct trains that travel to the Milwaukee Airport and downtown Milwaukee. The train only takes 90 minutes from Chicago Union Station and approximately 3.5 hours from Green Bay.
Seeing Milwaukee in a Day
If you’re looking for a day trip to Milwaukee, simply book a reservation for our Ultimate Milwaukee Day Trip. With hotel pick-ups in downtown Chicago or a “Meet Me in Milwaukee” price for those already in downtown Milwaukee, you can embark on a full day tour with Travel Deliciously. Highlights include:
- Welcome to Milwaukee stop for beer, cheese, sausage and pretzels
- Photo stop at the Milwaukee Art Museum and North Point Lighthouse
- Lunch and tour at Lakefront Brewery
- Visit the Original Cheesehead Factory & Retail Store to make a take-home item and shop
- Visit the iconic Harley-Davidson Museum with time to delve into the museum explore on your own
- Shop at the Milwaukee Public Market in the Historic Third Ward
- Sample one of the most historic custard stands in Milwaukee
Reserve your spot for the Milwaukee Day Trip.
How to get around downtown Milwaukee
Milwaukee is extremely walkable, plus a three-mile pedestrian path called the Riverwalk runs along the Milwaukee River through the heart of downtown. Some of the best restaurants, pubs, shops, and nightlife are located directly on the RiverWalk.
Public transportation is accessible and affordable in Milwaukee. The bus system covers 90% of the county and includes the major attractions.
The newest addition to the Milwaukee public transportation system is a streetcar, called The Hop. It runs throughout the popular neighborhoods and along the main areas of interest. There are 18 stops and the cars roll around every 10-15 minutes. We even host a Bloody Mary Brunch every Sunday on it!

Where to stay in downtown Milwaukee
The neighborhoods in Milwaukee are very distinct and offer a different variety of activities. Key Milwaukee neighborhoods with hotels and Air BnB’s include Brady Street, Old World 3rd Street, Walker’s Point, Easttown / Downtown and the Historic Third Ward.
If you are interested in arts and fashion, then the Historic Third Ward is the neighborhood for you A revitalized warehouse district, the Third Ward is now home to the world’s largest music festival, more than 20 art galleries and studios, the famous Milwaukee Public Market, and beautiful riverside restaurants. The Historic Third Ward is complete with the Kimpton Journeyman, the first hotel built in the neighborhood in over 100 years with a spectacular view of the city from their rooftop lounge.
