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Madison (Wisconsin)

Travel Guide North America USA Midwestern United States Wisconsin Madison

Introduction

Sun set at the Lakehouse in Wisconsin

Madison is considered one of the hippest and coolest towns in the midwest. This small town has lot more to offer then great nightlife and sports events. It is also a cultural center with amazing art, restaurants and events. For people more inclined for the outdoors there is great hiking, water sports and hunting nearby. Madison is one of those towns that anyone can find something.

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Weather

Summer is wonderful. Winter is cold and snowy. Fall is nice as it is beginning to get chilly. Spring brings everyone outside as they can finally take off their winter jackets.

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Getting There

By Plane

Madison's airport is very close to town so very easy to get to. It is more expensive to fly to and from there than Milwaukee or Chicago, so also consider bus trips to those cities as possible parts of your travel plans.

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Getting Around

By Car

Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.

For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.

By Bike

Madison is a very bike friendly city (except for the weather). Bike lanes and dedicated bike paths offer routes all over the city.

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Drink

Le Tigre Lounge is a funky bar out by the beltline with tigers of all sizes covering all the walls. They have live jazz sometimes along with the basic entertainment of staring at tigers. There is a no swearing policy, which actually does get people thrown out of the bar sometimes.
State Street Brats is the University's central "college bar." Weekend nights and other days where there is some type of drink deal you can find this place packed with 18-23 year olds (many of the students have good fake ids). It's also a great place to watch Wisconsin badger football and basketball games, but you should get there early as the seating gets snatched up very quickly. They have brats and lots more bar food, but I would say there are better options for eating in the immediate vicinity.

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Learn

University of Wisconsin is considered a great State school and is part of the big ten. When possible you should try to catch a football or basketball game. Remember to wear red and scream "Go Badgers!"

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Keep Connected

Phone

Post

The US Postal Service is very good and well priced mail system. UPS stores can be found dotted throughout the city and will accept packages to be shipped by other carriers as well. Though you may pay a premium there, there is usually little or no line in these stores. This is a good alternative since, depending on time of day and the season, post offices can become fairly crowded. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS and DHL.