Milwaukee is compact, but each part of the center has its own character, and where you sleep shapes how your trip feels. For most visitors the choice comes down to downtown, where the Riverwalk, the theatres and the arena are within walking distance, or the Historic Third Ward, the lively warehouse district just to the south. Walker's Point and the Brewery District suit travelers with a particular interest, motorcycles in one case and beer history in the other.
Downtown and East Wisconsin Avenue: best for first-timers and a classic stay
The heart of the city runs along Wisconsin Avenue from the river toward the lake. From here you can walk to the Riverwalk, City Hall and the Art Museum, and The Hop streetcar stops nearby. Our splurge pick, The Pfister Hotel, has been Milwaukee's grand hotel since 1893, with a Victorian lobby, a 23rd-floor pool and the Blu martini bar with views over the lake. It is the right choice for a special occasion or for anyone who loves historic hotels.
North Water Street and the Riverwalk: best for value and families
A few blocks north of the Third Ward, along the river, the Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown fills a restored 1928 Art Deco office tower. A free hot breakfast, a free evening Kickback with hot food and drinks, a pool and a skywalk connection make it the best value downtown, and the Public Market, City Hall and Fiserv Forum are all within walking distance.
The Historic Third Ward: best for food, nightlife and couples
The old warehouse district holds the Public Market, galleries, boutiques and many of the city's best restaurants, and the Riverwalk links it with downtown. Our pick is the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, with Tre Rivali downstairs, The Outsider rooftop bar upstairs and a pet policy with no fees. The Hop stops in the neighborhood, and the Intermodal Station for Amtrak trains is a short ride away.
Walker's Point: best for riders and the Harley-Davidson Museum
Just south of the Third Ward across the river, Walker's Point is a former industrial neighborhood now known for its restaurants and bars, including Shaker's Cigar Bar, home of the ghost tour. The Iron Horse Hotel fills a 100-year-old warehouse here, with oversized rooms, covered motorcycle parking and gear storage, and the Harley-Davidson Museum is a short walk away. Plan on rideshares or a car for the rest of the city.
The Brewery District: best for beer history, suites and game nights
On the northwest side of downtown, the old Pabst brewery complex has been reborn as a neighborhood. The Brewhouse Inn and Suites occupies the former brewhouse, with six copper kettles still inside and 90 suites with full kitchenettes, which suit families and longer stays. Fiserv Forum is close by, and the Pabst Mansion is a short ride west.
How to choose
On a first visit of two or three days, stay downtown or in the Third Ward, so you can walk to the Riverwalk and the Public Market and take The Hop to the lakefront. If the Harley-Davidson Museum is the reason for your trip, choose Walker's Point. Families on a budget should look first at the Drury Plaza for its included meals, and beer lovers or groups who want a kitchen should try the Brewhouse Inn.
