Historic Third Ward Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A river with boats, a bridge, and historic buildings along the banks.
A city street with a large sign reading "Third Ward" and a "First Market" sign.
A street lined with historic brick buildings, including an Ale House.
A river with boats, a marina, and historic buildings along the waterfront.
A waterfront with boats docked, a bridge, and buildings with balconies.

Experience Milwaukee’s hot spot for art and fashion when you check out the dynamic boutiques, restaurants, theatres and galleries that fill this exciting district.

Milwaukee’s creative community is in full swing at the Historic Third Ward. Discover the latest offerings from up-and-coming designers and favoured local labels in the shops and boutiques that line the streets. Book tickets to see a performance of local theatre, music or dance at one of the esteemed Historic Third Ward venues. Bustling cafés and atmospheric restaurants serve up Wisconsin’s fresh produce with exciting culinary creations. See the work of local artists and touring names when you peruse the galleries. The riverside trails are perfect for stretching your legs and finding a spot to relax awhile.

Pass underneath the arched Historic Third Ward sign and begin your exploration of this heritage warehouse neighbourhood. Today, over 500 businesses thrive in the community and exciting surprises are around every corner. Go shopping at the many specialty stores and refresh your wardrobe or your home with quality locally made items.

Browse the district’s dynamic art galleries and spend some time perusing curated exhibitions. Pick up a unique souvenir and find out what’s on trend at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

Pick up gourmet treats and delicacies at the Milwaukee Public Market. This indoor market is the ideal spot to grab some items for a picnic. Alternatively, take a seat at one of the cafés nestled into the chic repurposed warehouses. Go for a stroll along the picturesque Third Ward Riverwalk and enjoy pretty views of the Milwaukee River and the district’s industrial streetscape.

Find out what’s showing at the local theatre and entertainment venues. Catch a show at the Broadway Theatre Centre or see what’s happening at one of the dance studios. Four times a year, the Historic Third Ward hosts a 24-hour art extravaganza called Gallery Night & Day. Local artisans and craftspeople show their wares at the Third Ward Art Festival held annually over the Labour Day Weekend.

The Historic Third Ward is situated a short distance south of downtown Milwaukee and is east of the Milwaukee River. Park for free on weekends or make use of the district’s two parking lots. A bus line passes through the district’s western quarter. The district is free to visit at any time.


Stay near popular Historic Third Ward attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Historic Third Ward Hotel Deals

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG

4.5 out of 5
310 E Chicago St Milwaukee WI
The price is NZ$361 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
NZ$361
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

4 out of 5
333 W Kilbourn Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is NZ$169 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
NZ$169
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,596 reviews)
"I booked a King sized bedroom 2 months in advance. I got there and was told they were sold out. I was offered no compensation. Just an “upgraded” double queen bed on the 18th floor that I did not ask for. I was very unhappy to have learned this & was extremely excited to be in a King Sized Bed like ..."

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2026

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
AmericInn by Wyndham Brookfield

AmericInn by Wyndham Brookfield

3 out of 5
16865 W Bluemound Rd Brookfield WI
The price is NZ$167 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
NZ$167
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Brookfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
AmericInn by Wyndham Brookfield
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

3.5 out of 5
375 S Moorland Rd Brookfield WI
The price is NZ$182 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
NZ$182
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Brookfield. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

4 out of 5
700 N. Water Street Milwaukee WI
The price is NZ$237 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
NZ$237
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel

4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is NZ$390 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
NZ$390
6 Dec - 7 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,299 reviews)
"Perfect stay outside of not having internet."

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2026

The Pfister Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Historic Third Ward

Find the best Historic Third Ward areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Milwaukee

Lake Michigan and Cathedral Square are a few top attractions in Downtown Milwaukee. Hop around the city on the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries.

West Allis

West Allis is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Milwaukee Mile Speedway and Wisconsin State Fair Park.

Wauwatosa

Travellers come to Wauwatosa for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Mayfair Mall and The Mayfair Collection while you're in town.

East Town

Lake Michigan and Cathedral Square are top sights in East Town, and you should be sure to explore the fantastic nightlife. Hop aboard the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

Westown

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like Miller High Life Theatre and UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena.



Historic Third Ward Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: