Visit Milwaukee offers local college students a chance to learn the ins and outs of hospitality and marketing through its internship program. We asked our interns about their favorite things to do in the city.

Neon sign reading ‘3rd Street Market Hall’ with a glowing star, inside a modern industrial-style building with glass walls and metal beams.

Kennedi Luckett

Marquette University

Film & Psychology | Class of 2028

Cruising Wisconsin Avenue on a Lime scooter with friends brings all the good vibes: laughing, feeling the wind and having a blast. Weekend afternoons or late-night procrastination sessions make the perfect excuse. Pick up a scooter and cruise to 3rd Street Market Hall, which is packed with great food. Top dining options include barbecue nachos at Smokin' Jack's BBQ, Philly cheese fries at Dawg City (with extra green peppers, onions and barbecue sauce) and an asada quesadilla at Kompali Tacos Y Tortas.

 

Honorable mention: the pho at Pho Spot MKE. Cap a day of classes or studying at The Annex, part of Marquette's campus but open to everyone. The burgers and cheese curds are incredible. Grab food and roll a few frames in the bowling alley for a fun, affordable weekend activity.

A wide view of Milwaukee’s lakefront skyline on a clear day, with dozens of sailboats anchored in a calm marina and a tour boat cruising along the breakwater in the foreground. Green parkland lines the waterfront beneath a cluster of downtown high-rise buildings and glass towers.

Eunjeong Kwon

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Marketing | Class of 2027

The more you explore Milwaukee, the more you realize there is to discover. It’s a city with such natural beauty, a rich community of makers and artisans, and a dining scene that takes many by surprise.

 

The coffee scene here is for real, with cafes and roasters like Colectivo, Anodyne, Stone Creek and others crafting some of the finest caffeinated cups you’ll find. In the summer, the farmers markets like the South Shore Farmers Market spring to life with tons of fresh produce, bakery and treats, making it the perfect place to stroll on Saturday mornings. And everywhere you go, you’ll understand why Milwaukee is a part of MICHELIN’s Great Lakes Guide, with outstanding restaurants tucked around every corner.

 

In the evening, you should head to Lake Michigan to watch the shifting hues at dusk. The sun sets in the west, but watching the kaleidoscope of colors along the shoreline is a one-of-a-kind experience.

East Side Brady Street Dorsia

Fernando De La Sancha

Partnership Development Specialist

Former Visit Milwaukee Intern

Late nights are where it's at. Bar hop on Brady Street and end the night with a 2 a.m. hot dog from Dogg Haus. Fully loaded or pure and simple, a post-bar hot dog hits different.

 

For sports fans, tapping into the excitement of a Milwaukee Bucks or Brewers game is a must. It all starts out in the lots before the game, with a tailgate that rallies your crew around the Brew Crew. Once you're inside, savor the classic concession combo: a local brew and a hot dog straight off the grill.

 

The live music scene also hits the right notes every time. Jazz in the Park is the go-to spot. Bring a blanket and some friends, then soak in the live music, a reminder of just how great summer is in Milwaukee.