Living room long red sofa, yellow painting on the wall and a sound system.
Courtesy: AirbnbThe cottage on the prairie
Courtesy: Airbnb

The 12 best Airbnbs in Madison

Headed to Wisconsin’s Capitol for a weekend away? Consider one of these amenity-packed Madison Airbnbs

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Located just three hours north of Chicago by car, Madison, Wisconsin, offers football, food tours, and music festivals year-round. There’s biking and hiking, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of beer brewed in town, making Madison a delightful destination. Whether you’re visiting for a Badgers game or looking for an escape from Chicago, pass on pricey hotels and see what these Madison Airbnbs have in store. We've hand-selected the best holiday rentals, from countryside stays with lakefront views to cozy cottages. 

Updated November 2024: Snuggle up, unwind, and enjoy nature with our newest additions: the cottage in Forest Green and the cozy home on the Prairie near Mount Horeb.

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🏨 Fancy a stay at the best hotels in Milwaukee? 

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Best Madison Airbnbs

1. The eco hideaway on Willy Street

This gorgeous one-bedroom eco retreat in Madison is the perfect weekend getaway for a couple of lovebirds – or besties. Nestled behind a historic property near Lake Monona, this lovely Airbnb is the thing of wholesome dreams. Designed with eco-chic in mind, the interiors are inviting, cozy, and super well-equipped. There is underfloor heating, air-conditioning, and a galley kitchen for all your cooking delights. What's more, this little hideaway also offers a semi-private outdoor seating area in the forest – complete with a little fireplace for a snug evening around the fire. 

What’s the budget range? Pretty decent for a 30-night stay minimum. 
What’s it like to stay here? Beautifully furnished, this bright abode has luxury farmhouse vibes. 
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2. 

2. The peacful retreat in Forest Green

If picturesque greenery is what you're after, this home nestled in 45 acres of private woodland might just fit the bill. With multiple trails on your doorstep, pretty nature walks are kind of a no-brainer. Indoors you'll find a cozy refuge, that's warmly decorated and sleeps two. You'll have all the essentials you need including a full kitchen, full bathroom, lounge/ dining area, and of course, a whole lotta' acres to roam around. 

What’s the budget range? Pretty cheap.
What’s it like to stay here? Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and serene forestland.
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2. 

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3. The cottage on the prairie

Just a stone's throw from Mount Horeb, escape to this countryside cottage surrounded by 65 acres of gorgeous prairie. With so many trails at your fingertips, it's the perfect spot for a pup-friendly, relaxing family getaway, offering scenic views from the surrounding fields, two bedrooms, and a cozy living room. And as secluded getaways go, this one's truly tucked away in the countryside with an impressive 1/4-mile-long driveway for uninterrupted downtime. 

What’s the budget range? Mid-high.
What’s it like to stay here? A cozy off-grid escape for the fam, tucked away from view.
Rooms: 2 beds, 1 bath. Sleeps 4. 

4. The countryside garden suite in Sun Prairie

Time for a little escape to the country? Head to this beautiful home in Sun Prairie with a private drive and a backyard that seems to go on for miles, seriously. As soon as you pull up to the garden suite you'll be in rural bliss. Featuring one bedroom, a compact bathroom with a walk-in shower, a large living space, and a cute pond and seating area out back. It's a great place to spend a weekend just off the interstate – so tranquil you'd never know. 

What’s the budget range? An affordable weekend retreat, ideal for families.  
What’s it like to stay here? A secluded home from home surrounded by lush trees and wetlands. 
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 4.

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5. The three-bedroom lakehouse in Monona

On the hunt for a lakefront getaway with the fam? Look no further. This stunning Airbnb sits on the cusp of Lake Monona, offering guests three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms and enough amenities to fill ya boots with. From the 3x3 firepit on the water to the walkout patio deck, this is an outdoor holidaymaker's dream. All that's left to do is set the alarm for sunrise, brew some fresh coffee and sit out on deck as you watch the fisherman pass by. Dreamy indeed.

What’s the budget range? It has a bit of a hefty price tag, but nothing beats an outdoorsy retreat. 
What’s it like to stay here? Between the incredible outdoor space and the lakefront views, it's the perfect spot for Spring Break. 
Rooms: 3 beds, 2 baths. Sleeps 8. 

6. The scenic countryside studio in Mount Horeb

Craving a countryside escape? This eclectic art studio is perfect for a creative hiatus from the daily grind. Located just 30 minutes west of Madison, this rental boasts an intimate deck overlooking a horse pasture, a picturesque barn and plenty of fresh air. The only catch: the guesthouse has no running water, so you’ll have to head to the main property to shower and use the kitchen (oh, and access Wi-Fi). Perfect for an unplugged retreat. 

What’s the budget range? A pleasantly low-cost getaway. 
What’s it like to stay here? Inside the studio is very bohemian and cozy with lots of draped upholstery and antiques dotted around. It's deffo the place to let loose and create. 
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 3. 

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7. The lakeside loft in McFarland

This beautifully kept home is just outside of Madison in McFarland, a short journey southeast. Here’s the headline: it’s right on the banks of Lake Waubesa and comes complete with its own pier and a set of kayaks for guests to use. Add to that opportunities for cycling, hiking, fishing and boating and, well, you’d almost be excused for spending a whole vacation lakeside. The second bedroom is furnished with twin beds and a child-friendly vibe, making this an ideal family property. We also love the stylish-but-practical bathroom and the patio dining area with BBQ.

What’s the budget range? A great price for a stay that’s perfect for families.
What’s it like to stay here? Those with a taste for the outdoors will love the chance to combine the comforts of Madison with the invigorating natural world surrounding it. Grab a paddle!
Rooms: 2 bedrooms. 2 bathrooms. Sleeps 4.

8. The lakefront home just off Williamson Street

Looking for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom space in Madison that's on the lake? Here you go. This awesome Airbnb gives you the best of both worlds – a private section just for you, with your hosts on-site in another part of the house, in case you need anything. But don't let that deter you – this place feels totally private, and with a walkway leading straight to the lake in a matter of seconds, it's a dream. Have meals on the balcony overlooking the lake, enjoy a cozy drink by the indoor fireplace, and if you're really up to it, spend time in the barrel sauna – it's truly magical. 

What’s the budget range? A luxury escape just a stroll to State Street for shopping and dining out.
What’s it like to stay here? Complete Nordic vibes. With stunning lakeside views, and a relaxing sauna and hot tub to enjoy.
Rooms: 3 beds, 2 baths. Sleeps 7.

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9. The French country-style cottage in Sun Prairie

If youre looking for somewhere to shack up for a romantic weekend, this milkhouse from the late 1800s is your best bet. Brighly furnished and cozy AF, these French-Style interiors are the perfect place to unwind for you and one other. Not to mention, you'll be surrounded by the picturesque heartland countryside, apple trees, maples, and some cute farm animals too. Idyllic or what?

What’s the budget range? A budget-friendly couples getaway to remember. 
What’s it like to stay here? The beautiful farm setting makes it the perfect respite from the city. But don't just take our word for it. 
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2. 

10. The historic home near Willy Street

Looking for a holiday rental with a ton of character and charm? Come stay in this newly restored historic Italianate home near Willy Street. It's full of old heritage and new, modern features that combine to create a rustic elegant mood throughout the home. We love everything from its warm amber tones to the chandeliers, to the ornate cast iron radiators to vintage rugs and distressed wood. It's a designer's dream. 

What’s the budget range? Pretty decent for larger groups. The only catch is it's seven nights minimum. 
What’s it like to stay here? You can tell this home is well and truly loved. There's so much attention to detail here. 
Rooms: 5 beds, 3 baths. Sleeps 10.

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11. The king Suite at the Mill Hotel

If you're wondering how this boutique hotel snuck its way onto this list, hear us out. We know all too well how location can make or break a trip. So if like us you dig the comfy home-like stay but want convenience, this hotel is the perfect middle ground. The King Suite is as roomy as it gets, featuring a custom-built king bed and sitting area complete with gorgeous beam work and modern wooden furnishings – very rustic urban loft vibes. Start your morning strong with a craft espresso served up by Grace Coffee Co. In the evenings you can liven things up at the bar, or head to Downtown Madison just 20 minutes away. 

What’s the budget range? An incredibly affordable stay and a huge score on amenities too.
What’s it like to stay here? All the perks of a hotel with an apartment-like vibe. 
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 3.

12. The lakeview loft in Marquette

A way to stay in budget, reside in a safe neighborhood and occupy a modern space that the whole family will love? Book this loft. Guaranteed to meet all you needs, this is an Airbnb in Madison that you can make your own and feel right at home in. The only thing it lacks is a kitchen – all the more excuse to try the plethora of nearby coffee shops and restaurants. 

What’s the budget range? Pocket-friendly. 
What’s it like to stay here? A bright and airy home offering a comfortable stay on a quiet street. 
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 5. 

Explore more of Madison

  • Things to do

Chances are you know a few things about Madison. It’s a big-time college town about three hours from Chicago, and it’s in Wisconsin, so there’s lots of beer and cheese, right? Right, but this vibrant Midwestern city is also so much more.

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