The 15 best things to do in Madison (2026)

We rank 23 experiences in Madison, United States, on the same 0 to 100 Outty Ranking. The best right now is Downtown Madison E-Bike Guided Tour at 83/100, and 0 experiences here make the 90+ Club. Updated Sep 2026.

Quick picks

The ranked list

  1. Downtown Madison E-Bike Guided Tour

    Explore the heart of Madison on eBike! Whether you’re visiting Madison for the first time or are a local, our tour has something to offer everyone. Led by experienced guides, this tour takes you through the city's vibran. Exceptional at 83/100, 5.0/5 from 174 traveler reviews, 2h from $99, free cancellation.

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  2. Wisconsin's Madtown: A Madison Self-Guided Walking Tour

    Travel between two lake-side terraces and enjoy some of Wisconsin's best cultural sites along the way with this self-guided and self-paced walking tour! • Visit some of Madison historically rich architectural gems such. Solid Choice at 69/100, 4.5/5 from 17 traveler reviews, 1h from $8, free cancellation.

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  3. The Original Madison Ghost Walk - Capitol Square

    Madison's original ghost tour. This haunted history walking tour of Madison’s historic Capitol Square will give you a unique perspective on the history of the city. Your guides are expert storytellers who will let you in. Solid Choice at 66/100, 4.9/5 from 14 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $30, free cancellation.

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  4. Murmurs of Mourning & Murder: Madison Ghost Tour

    Ready to uncover Madison’s spookiest secrets? Join us for a thrilling and fun walking ghost tour through the city’s most haunted historic spots! Led by expert local guides—Madison’s official haunted history gurus—you’ll. Solid Choice at 64/100, 4.4/5 from 42 traveler reviews, 1h from $26, free cancellation.

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  5. Madison Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Sweet Treats, & More

    Experience the sweeter side of Wisconsin's capital on the Madison Sweet Treats Tour, a fun and family-friendly walking adventure through the heart of downtown. Along the way, you'll enjoy a delicious assortment of donuts. Worth a Look at 59/100, 4.9/5 from 8 traveler reviews, 2h from $70, free cancellation.

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  6. Madison, Wisconsin Scavenger Hunt

    Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Aust. Worth a Look at 58/100, 3.9/5 from 12 traveler reviews, 2h from $22, free cancellation.

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  7. Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Madison by Crazy Dash

    With Crazy Dash, you'll use an app to explore Madison in this exciting scavenger hunt! Use an app to find things around the city in any order you want, take photos, and collect points. At the end, take a look at the rank. Worth a Look at 57/100, 5.0/5 from 1 traveler reviews, 2h from $10, free cancellation.

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  8. Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Madison by 3Quest Challenge

    Explore Madison with 3Quest Challenge! Our scavenger takes you around the city to find items and perform tasks for points. You'll use an app on your phone that will allow you to collect points! Check the rankings during. Worth a Look at 57/100, 5.0/5 from 1 traveler reviews, 2h from $10, free cancellation.

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  9. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Madison by Wacky Walks

    Explore Madison with Wacky Walks royal scavenger hunt. In our app-based scavenger hunt, your group will participate in competitions to become the King or Queen of your group throughout the game. The active King or Queen. Worth a Look at 55/100, 2h from $10, free cancellation.

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  10. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Madison WI

    Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of Madison. Throughout this crime-solving audio adventure, visit each of the 10 mapped locat. Worth a Look at 55/100, 2.5h from $15, free cancellation.

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  11. The Hunt, an exciting cat-and-mouse game in Madison

    Are you ready for an adrenaline rush? 'The Hunt' is an absolute sensation in the center of Madison, Wiscoinsin. For those who love strategy and action, this game is the ultimate challenge. Imagine you are immersed in a. Worth a Look at 55/100, 2h from $12, free cancellation.

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  12. Self Guided Podcast Tour: Madisons Isthmus Water, Power and Steel

    Explore the narrow glacial neck of land that squeezed Madison's government, university, and public life between two glacial lakes. This walking tour traces how urban planning, state power, and world-changing lake science. Worth a Look at 54/100, 2.1h from $6, free cancellation.

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  13. Flying Dress Photo Shoot in Madison WI

    You are cordially invited to the most memorable experience of your life… You may not know this but, the most exciting thing that has happened to photography since well…photography, is happening right here in Madison! I. Worth a Look at 54/100, 5.0/5 from 5 traveler reviews, 0.3h from $399, free cancellation.

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  14. Madison City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest

    Explore Madison with Operation City Quest! Our scavenger hunt takes you around the city to find items in any order you want and perform exciting tasks for points. The scavenger hunt is done using an app and you'll be abl. Worth a Look at 54/100, 2h from $10, free cancellation.

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  15. Epic Apocalypse Survival Scavenger Hunt in Madison

    Zombie Scavengers hunt stands out by blending real-world urban exploration with an exciting zombie apocalypse narrative. Its uniqueness lies in the complete player freedom; unlike standard hunts, you get to choose your o. Worth a Look at 53/100, 2h from $20, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

When to go

Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Madison, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the number one thing to do in Madison?

Downtown Madison E-Bike Guided Tour is the top ranked experience in Madison right now, with an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100 from 174 traveler reviews, from $99 per person. It leads a field of 23 experiences we rank in the city.

What are the must-see attractions in Madison?

Madison, WI packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Madison by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book.

How much do things to do in Madison cost?

The 15 best experiences average $50 per person. The cheapest of them is Self Guided Podcast Tour: Madisons Isthmus Water, Power and Steel from $6, and 15 of the 15 offer free cancellation.

What are the best things to do in Madison with kids?

Madison Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Sweet Treats, & More, The Hunt, an exciting cat-and-mouse game in Madison are the highest ranked family-friendly picks. Check the minimum age on each before booking.

When is the best time to visit Madison?

Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Madison, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities.

How is this list ranked?

Every experience is scored 0 to 100 by the Outty Ranking, which blends traveler sentiment, review depth, booking momentum, value against comparable options in Madison, quality signals and cancellation flexibility. The list updates automatically as new reviews and bookings arrive.