where is the best area to stay in milwaukee, wisconsin?

Where is the best area to stay in Milwaukee?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

Milwaukee is a thriving city on the shores of Lake Michigan. It has fantastic lakeside beaches which are hugely popular in the summer, and are perfect for sunbathing or playing a volleyball game or two! If you’re looking for an exhilarating day on the water, head to Mckinley Marina where you can rent jet skis and spend the day out on the lake. This city is famous for its beer, and there are plenty of breweries around where you can take a tour and have a taste. For the ultimate sporting experience, plan your trip around catching a Brewers game in their hometown.

If you want to be near all the action, have access to the best nightlife, restaurants, and accommodation, then downtown is by far the best area to stay in Milwaukee! Here you will be close to historical sites such as the central library, the Milwaukee Public Museum, and the Harley-Davidson Museum. There are plenty of theatres where you can catch a show or concert, and for some of the city’s best home-brewed beer, head to Lakefront Brewery for a tour. One of the greatest things about downtown is the Hop Streetcar system, which connects all of downtown’s most popular neighborhoodsOn the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Milwaukee, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you are interested in where to stay in Milwaukee, you may also be interested in where to stay in Madison or in where to stay in Chicago

Downtown Milwaukee Neighborhoods

East Town

East Town is located between the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan. This is a great place to stay for families due to its lakefront location. Staying here, you will be close to some of the city’s best attractions and family-friendly museums.

If you’re looking for a place in the city that gives you access to the water then this is also a great area to be in! East Town offers river tours and rentals, as well as beautiful river walks for those who don’t want to be in the water.

However, this isn’t only a great neighborhood for families, East Town has a great selection of bars and restaurants to enjoy the evening in. It is also host to many of the city’s festivals and events such as Bastille Days and the Lakefront Festival of Art, so during these days expect lively crowds and a buzzing atmosphere!

Westown

Making up half of Milwaukee’s downtown area, Westown is located west of the Milwaukee River. If you’re a sports fan then this is the best place to stay! It is home to several sporting venues and teams, including the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Fiserv Forum Arena.

The popular Deer District around Fiserv Forum is home to many trendy bars and restaurants, making this neighborhood a great place to enjoy Milwaukee nightlife. Old World Third Street, a historical area known for its thriving nightlife, is also just a short walk away from the stadiums and is a perfect place to catch a drink after watching a sports game.

Those who appreciate the arts and theater will also enjoy staying in this neighborhood, where they can catch a show from the Riverside Theater, Turner Hall Ballroom, and Miller High Life Theatre.

Menomonee River Valley

The Menomonee River Valley is the best area to stay if you want to be within thriving downtown but still have access to wide-open spaces. This used to be an industrial district that has been revitalized with green areas, sustainable attractions, and buildings.

This lovely neighborhood is a fantastic place to stay for people with children, as there is the beautiful 24-acre Three Bridges Park, Miller Park, and child-friendly Harley-Davidson Museum. For outdoor lovers, you can fish or kayak on the Menomonee River Valley, or bike along the Hank Aaron State Trail.

This is the best area to be in if you are a Brewers Fan as it has the American Family Field which is home to the Milwaukee Brewers, so you can catch a game on their home turf! Other big attractions in the area are Third Space Brewing, an award-winning Brewery, and the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino.

Historic Third Ward

The Historic Third Ward is one of downtown’s trendiest districts and is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for some five-star shopping. This area is the fashion and arts center in Milwaukee and you will find street after street of boutique shops, galleries, and big-name brands such as Anthropologie and West Elm.

There are plenty of options for dining, with plenty of locally-owned restaurants on the street, or in Public Market, voted one of America’s top public markets. This place isn’t short of pubs and bars, so if you are looking for an after-hours scene, this is a great neighborhood to stay in.

During the summer, Historic Third Ward is the place to be if you are into festivals. The Henry Maier Festival Park is host to festival after festival (among which stands out the Summerfest) along the lakefront and turns this neighborhood into a thriving hub of attraction.

Other Areas to Stay in Milwaukee

Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa City is only 15-minutes west of downtown Milwaukee, but has more of a quaint, small-town feel to it. Known to the locals as “Tosa” this is a great place to stay for families or couples who want a more laid-back place to stay. If you’re traveling by car this is a good base, as there are several parking lots dotted throughout the city.

This is an amazing shopping destination, with many big brands only exclusively available here, plus it has a great boutique shopping scene too! During the summer and fall, the Tosa Farmers Market is a must-visit, where you can do some artisanal shopping for handcrafted soaps and clothes, and buy some of the freshest produce in the county. You won’t find any shortage of places to eat here, from farm-to-table cuisine to family restaurants. There are also many great bars and beer gardens in the area for those who want to go out in the evening.

Hotels in Wauwatosa

Glendale

Nestled just minutes away from downtown Milwaukee and a mere mile from the picturesque Lake Michigan, Glendale presents an ideal location to stay near the heart of the action. This charming city boasts a delightful blend of urban convenience and a cozy small-town ambiance. As home to the oldest Craft Brewery in Milwaukee, Sprecher Brewing, Glendale takes pride in its title as the “Root Beer Capital of the Universe!” The Annual Root Beer Bash, featuring The World’s Largest Root Beer Float Festival, promises a unique and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

With a plethora of attractions and activities, Glendale offers something for everyone. From acclaimed dining and world-class shopping to outdoor adventures and festive celebrations, the family-friendly community welcomes all to explore its treasures. For an unforgettable and accessible stay close to Milwaukee, Glendale stands as a true gem, beckoning travelers to immerse themselves in its welcoming spirit and endless opportunities.

Hotels in Glendale