Straddling the shores of Lake Michigan, Wisconsin’s largest city is growing a reputation as one of the coolest destinations in the United States. Considered a budget-friendly alternative to Chicago by some, Milwaukee is known for its burgeoning brewery scene and fascinating history. If you’re looking for a unique American city to visit this summer, Milwaukee should be on your radar.

As a destination slightly off the beaten path, finding information on where to stay in Milwaukee can be tricky. Neighborhoods often overlap each other, which just adds to the confusion.

That’s where we come in! We’ve chatted with locals, travel experts, and bloggers to figure out the seven best places to stay in Milwaukee. Want to party with locals? We have you covered. After a more laid-back family getaway? Look no further!

So let’s dive right into the seven best places to stay in Cream City.

Quick Tips: Where to Stay in Milwaukee?

• Overall Best Place to Stay in Milwaukee – Historic Third Ward
• Best Place to Stay in Milwaukee For Families – Westown
• Great Neighborhood in Milwaukee for Couples – Harbor View
• Coolest Place to Stay in Milwaukee – Lower East Side
• Where to Stay in Milwaukee on a Budget – Riverwest
• One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Milwaukee – Brewer’s Hill
• Where to Stay in Milwaukee for Nightlife – East Town

Where to Stay in Milwaukee

In a hurry? These are our top overall accommodation picks for Milwaukee!

Milwaukee 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Whether you want nightlife, romantic scenery, or family-friendly picnic spots, there’s something for everyone in Milwaukee! Here’s the lowdown on the top places to stay in the Wisconsin metropolis.

Neighborhood#1 – Historic Third Ward

Overall Best Place to Stay in Milwaukee

• COOLEST thing to do in Historic Third Ward – Marvel at the stunning architecture of Discovery World, and head inside to learn more about the Great Lakes
• BEST place to visit in Historic Third Ward – Sample delicious cuisine and pick up a souvenir or two at Milwaukee Public Market

Historic Third Ward is not only the oldest neighborhood in the city – but also one of the hippest! Recent renovation projects have given the historic center a cool, laid-back atmosphere. For first time visitors, Historic Third Ward lets you soak up the famous Milwaukee vibes that draw visitors from across America.

Discovery World is the perfect example of recent renovation – but make sure you set aside enough time to explore the older parts of the neighborhood. This is where you will find quirky art galleries and modern restaurants offering some of the most innovative cuisine in the Midwest.

• Try out some hiking or hire a boat at Lakeshore State Park
• Visit during Summerfest to catch live performances at the many stages across the neighborhood
• Step back in time at Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse
• Sample some of that famous Cream City beer at Milwaukee Ale House
• Taste the best barbecue in the Midwest at Smoke Shack

Best Budget Hotel in Historic Third Ward

Homewood Suites

This quaint little hotel is right in the heart of the Historic Third Ward. The main theaters are only a short walk away, as is the Institute of Art and Design. Creatives will love this location! Despite the budget-friendly rates, they offer a complimentary breakfast and fitness suite.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Historic Third Ward

Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown is a beautiful hotel situated just outside the Historic Third Ward in Downtown Milwaukee. It features fantastically modern facilities including a shared lounge, chic restaurant, and state-of-the-art fitness center.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Historic Third Ward

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

This sleek four-star hotel is the perfect upgrade in Historic Third Ward. Rooms are spacious and stylish, and the on-site restaurant offers only the finest American cuisine. Take advantage of the central location by using their free hire bikes. Breakfast is included in the price – with a few vegan options available.

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Neighborhood#2 – Westown

Best Place to Stay in Milwaukee For Families

• COOLEST thing to do in Westown – Head to the Milwaukee Public Museum and learn about the history of the city at their interactive exhibits
• BEST place to visit in Westown – Discover Milwaukee’s German heritage at Old World Third Street

Westown is still considered the city center, but its location west of the river gives it a more laidback atmosphere. Paired with the excellent public transport links, this makes it the perfect pick for families heading to the city.

Restaurants in the neighborhood are more family-friendly, with plenty of cuisines on offer to please the whole family. The southern end of Westown is the main business hub in the city, meaning it’s also a popular stopover for corporate travelers. Either way, Westown is a must for those that want to kick back and soak up Milwaukee’s easy-going vibes.

• Enjoy the inner city scenery along the Third Ward Riverwalk
• Catch a basketball game at Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks
• More interested in culture? Miller High Life Theater is a great spot to catch a few shows
• Enjoy a fun meal with the kids at Build-a-Burger – they do breakfast too!
• Try something a bit more multicultural at Benihana

Best Budget Hotel in Westown

DoubleTree by Hilton

DoubleTree is the Hilton’s family-friendly brand, meaning it’s well placed in the heart of Westown! The Milwaukee Public Museum is a short walk from the property, and most of the city center can easily be reached on foot. There are two restaurants and a bar on-site.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Westown

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Milwaukee Downtown

A super swanky and modern hotel by the famous chain of Marriott, SpringHill Suites provides guests with luxurious facilities at reasonable prices. There are several room options available at the hotel, making it perfect for a variety of travelers, including twin rooms for friends, cute doubles for couples, and larger family-sized rooms.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Westown

Hilton Milwaukee City Centre

The Hilton Milwaukee is a four-star hotel that’s a significant upgrade compared to the DoubleTree. Where this hotel truly shines is with its little extras and extravagant interior design. The hotel is connected to the Wisconsin Centre by skywalk. They even have a Starbucks on-site!

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Neighborhood#3 – Harbor View

Great Neighborhood in Milwaukee for Couples

• COOLEST thing to do in Harbor View – Head to the Harley-Davidson Museum and check out the iconic motorcycles for yourself
• BEST place to visit in Harbor View – Unwind and enjoy a casual bike ride through Kaszubes Park

Just south of Historic Third Ward, Harbor View is another laid-back neighborhood in the city center. What sets it apart from other areas is the excellent shopping options on offer. Whether you want grand malls or independent boutiques, Harbor View is the place to shop ’til you drop.

Aside from retail therapy, the gorgeous scenery of the region will also soothe your soul. The stunning harbor area has excellent views of both nature and the city, making it a photographer’s dream. If you really want to splash out, you can hire a boat here to explore the lakefront area.

• Hire a boat at Horny Goat Marina and explore the stunning waterfront
• Walk down National Avenue to check out the local boutiques
• Need a laugh? Look no further than ComedySportz Milwaukee
• Lost Valley Cider Co is a hip bar offering cider by the glass, plus a few tasty cocktails
• Enjoy date night at Movida on 2nd, a local tapas bar

Best Budget Hotel in Harbor View

Historic Charm

There aren’t any budget hotels in Harbor View, but this cute little apartment is a great alternative! The Eisner Museum and Skylight Theatre are both only a short walk away. The interiors are modern, with everything you need for a short stay.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Harbor View

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot Milwaukee

Set just outside of Harbor View in a fantastic location just a short walk from Miller Park, lies the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Milwaukee West. The 3-star hotel is a great place to stay if you want modern and clean facilities without breaking the bank in Harbor View.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Harbor View

The Iron Horse Hotel

This four-star hotel maintains a rustic charm that isn’t matched anywhere else in the city! The contemporary furnishings are designed to hark back to the early 1900s era. Rooms also come with stunning views of the city center. This is our top pick for a romantic getaway in Milwaukee.

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Neighborhood#4 – Lower East Side

Coolest Place to Stay in Milwaukee

• COOLEST thing to do in Lower East Side – Hire a boat at Milwaukee Yacht Club, or book a few lessons
• BEST place to visit in Lower East Side – Relax at McKinley Beach, the most popular beach in the city center

Milwaukee’s Lower East Side sits on the boundary with Downtown and perfectly blends the hip atmosphere of the East Side with the laid back vibes of the outer city! The bars and restaurants here are a bit more relaxed, offering some great cuisine. This is also home to some of the best breweries in the city.

Lower East Side is also home to McKinley Park. You can enjoy an inner-city beach, admire the gorgeous scenery, and hire water sports and yachting equipment from within the city’s most popular park. The Lower East Side is a must-visit, whether you choose to stay here or elsewhere.

• Admire creative work from local artists at Charles Allis Art Museum
• Head towards Upper East Side, where you’ll find Lake Park Golf Course
• Looking for a more laid back beach? Bradford Beach is popular with families
• Enjoy a stroll along the east bank of the River Walk
• The Lower East Side is the best place in town for great coffee; grab a brew at Colectivo Coffee

Best Budget Hotel in Lower East Side

Knickerbocker on the Lake

With an outdoor deck overlooking the Lake, this is the perfect hotel to kick back with a few beers and soak up the atmosphere. There is a salon and spa on-site offering massages, haircuts, and nail treatments. Many rooms also come with stunning views of the Lake.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Lower East Side

The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel is an elegant 3-star hotel in a prime location to explore Milwaukee with it being situated in the heart of the Lower East Side and just a short walk from the Milwaukee Art Museum and Lake Michigan. The Plaza Hotel also has some fantastic shared facilities, including a swanky spa and delicious restaurant area.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Lower East Side

Saint Kate, The Arts Hotel

This hotel is actually in East Town, but it’s only a few minutes away from the Lower East Side. If you’re looking to splurge, this contemporary gem is well worth the money. The River Walk runs right outside the front door. There are four restaurants and two bars on-site.

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Neighborhood#5 – Riverwest

Where to Stay in Milwaukee on a Budget

• COOLEST thing to do in Riverwest – Sample some excellent beer at local microbreweries like Company Brewing
• BEST place to visit in Riverwest – Grab some great Instagram shots at Gordon Park

Head slightly further up the Milwaukee River, and you will find Riverwest! This neighborhood is a little more residential, making it the ideal spot for mingling with locals. It’s also home to the only hostel in Milwaukee – and some of the cheapest apartments in the city.

Like the Lower and Upper East Side, Riverwest is home to some great microbreweries. With lower tourist numbers, these breweries also have a more intimate vibe.

• The River Walk runs right through this neighborhood – follow it to the city center!
• Check out the locally-owned art galleries and theaters in the area, like The Ski Club and Florentine Opera Company
• Dine at the all-American Riverwest Filling Station restaurant
• Sample more great beers at Black Husky Brewing

Best Budget Hotel in Riverwest

Riverfront Two Bedroom Apartment

There aren’t any hotels in Riverwest – but there are some excellent apartments for those on a budget! This two-bedroom apartment can sleep up to six, making it a popular pick for families seeking a budget getaway. There are plenty of local art galleries only a short walk away from the apartment.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Riverwest

Holiday Inn Milwaukee Riverfront

Holiday Inn Milwaukee Riverfront offers a great selection of deluxe rooms along with some excellent shared facilities, including a cozy lounge area, a heated indoor pool, and a restaurant.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Riverwest

Neighborhood#6 – Brewer’s Hill

One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Milwaukee

• COOLEST thing to do in Brewer’s Hill – Take a tour around Lakefront Brewery – the most famous brewery in the city
• BEST place to visit in Brewer’s Hill – Take a walk down the River Walk for access to the city center

Sandwiched between Westown and Riverwest, Brewer’s Hill is a must-visit for anyone interested in the city’s brewing history! Aside from the nationally famous Lakefront Brewery, there’s still a strong microbrewery tradition in the area.

Beer aside, Brewer’s Hill is a unique neighborhood that showcases the multicultural vibes of Milwaukee. With stunning nature walks, laid back restaurants, and vibrant bars – there’s plenty on offer in Brewer’s Hill. It really is a snapshot of the city as a whole!

• Try your hand at rock climbing at Adventure Rock
• Relax at Kadish Park – an ample green space in the heart of the neighborhood
• Beer isn’t the only delicious brew made in the area; head to Pilcrow Coffee for some unmissable coffee
• Rub elbows with locals at Skybox Sports Bar – it has a great atmosphere on match days

Best Budget Hotel in Brewer’s Hill

Days Inn & Suites

This two and a half star hotel is as basic as it gets. If you just need somewhere to lay your head at night, look no further than the Days Inn & Suites. It’s a little bit further out than other options in this guide, but they do provide a complimentary downtown shuttle.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Brewer’s Hill

aloft Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

This hotel is perhaps the best located in the city, within easy walking distance of Brewer’s Hill, Historic Third Ward, and East Side. The spacious bedrooms come with high ceilings, creating a calm atmosphere. There’s an indoor pool, as well as a large outdoor social space.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Brewer’s Hill

Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee

Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee is a luxury restored Art déco hotel situated just outside of Brewer’s Hill. It offers a selection of elegant room options, state-of-the-art amenities and also free shuttle service to the city center and other popular attractions.

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Neighborhood#7 – East Town

Where to Stay in Milwaukee for Nightlife

• COOLEST thing to do in East Town – Party with locals at popular clubs like Lucid Light Lounge and Ugly’s Rooftop Bar
• BEST place to visit in East Town – Milwaukee Art Museum hosts the largest collection of creative works in the city

Last but not least, East Town is a must-visit for party animals! This neighborhood transforms in the evenings to the largest nightlife precinct. With sky bars, clubs, and late-night microbreweries, East Town is home to the most eclectic nightlife in the Midwest.

During the day, East Town is a little more relaxed but keeps a cool atmosphere. It is home to some great art galleries, showcasing the creative spirit of Milwaukee.

• Discover a little piece of Milwaukee history at the cabin in Juneau Park
• Catch the best performances in Milwaukee at Pabst Theatre
• Chill out at Plum Lounge, an easy-going nightlife venue with a patio
• Kick the hangover at the aptly named Brunch

Best Budget Hotel in East Town

The Plaza Hotel

With an on-site spa, it’s hard to believe this hotel is well within the budget-friendly range! Rooms are kitted out with modern technology to maximize your comfort. You will also be able to enjoy your own kitchenette – perfect for self-catering holidaymakers.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in East Town

Hotel Metro Autograph Collection

Hotel Metro has an incredible location in East Town, just a 15 minute walk from the Milwaukee Art Museum and Lake Michigan waterfront along with plenty of other top attractions. The hotel also has some spectacular on-site facilities, including a gourmet dining restaurant and a rooftop deck that boasts panoramic city views.

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Best Luxury Hotel in East Town

The Pfister Hotel

This gorgeous hotel comes with ceiling frescoes, ornate stairways, and luxurious carpeting, giving it an extravagant, European vibe. There’s a large indoor pool as well as a modern fitness suite. There is a steak restaurant and a martini bar on-site.

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Final Thoughts on Where To Stay in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee is a diverse destination in the heart of the Midwest. Whether you’re interested in sports, nightlife, or culture, there’s a little something for everyone in the city. Sprawling down the coast of Lake Michigan, it also has some stunning scenery for those wanting to escape the bustling city atmosphere.

We hate to play favorites, but we really love East Town! This neighborhood has the perfect mix of nightlife and creative attractions, making it a great base for discovering what makes Milwaukee such an exciting destination.

All that said, every neighborhood mentioned in this guide comes with its own benefits. We hope we’ve helped you narrow down your options.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!

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