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Sunset

Golden Light at the Capitol

Grab a coffee and a pastry, then walk up the hill to catch the late winter sun hitting the dome before heading down for a late dinner.

Best time: 15 JanAbout 150 min

Timeline

  1. 14:48

    Michelangelo's Coffee House

    Start with coffee and a pastry at Michelangelo's Coffee House. It is a comfy spot right near the Capitol Square, perfect for warming up before the walk.

  2. 15:28

    Wisconsin State Capitol

    Walk 38 minutes to the Wisconsin State Capitol. Climb the steps and find a spot on the grounds or inside the rotunda to watch the golden light begin to hit the dome. The sun sets toward the WSW, so the illumination will be spectacular.

  3. 16:13

    The Plaza Tavern

    Head down to The Plaza Tavern. It is an 8-minute walk from the Capitol. This historic spot has been part of downtown life since Prohibition and serves the famous 'Plazaburger.' It is open until 2 AM, so you can stay as long as you like.

Local tip

The walk from the Capitol to The Plaza Tavern is short and easy. If you want a different vibe, The Old Fashioned is also nearby and serves supper club fare with a view of the Capitol.

Check before you go

  • Michelangelo's Coffee House is open Su-Fr 08:00-20:00 and Sa 07:00-20:00.
  • The Plaza Tavern is open Mon-Thu 11AM-2AM, Fri-Sat 11AM-2:30AM.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Madison (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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