The 10 best Airbnbs in Madison, Wisconsin right now

Neighborhood: Marquette

Two blocks from the shore, this one-bedroom retreat is nestled behind a historic property near Lake Monona, and is the home of wholesome dreams. Designed with eco-friendly yet fashionable intention, the property has an all-cream-colored interior with a small, stocked kitchenette, a full bathroom with standing tub and a cozy living room with a queen-sized sofa bed. There’s underfloor heating, air-conditioning and a semi-private outdoor area with seating and a little fireplace for a snug evening under the stars. 

Time Out tip: Here during summer? Take a dip at B.B. Clarke Beach Park, a five-minute walk away.

Sleeps: Two.

Perks: The local wildlife that may stop for a quick hello, frm squirrels and rabbits to birds and chipmonks. 

Price: From $3458 per month. 30-day minimum.

Neighborhood: Monona

Waking up with a coffee on this massive home’s patio while watching fisherman float by doesn’t get old in this three-bedroom home on the cusp of Lake Monona. Around the deck, there’s a fire pit, seating and a hot tub and back inside, each bedroom comes with its own view, the kitchen is fully equipped and the massive TV in the living room and cushioned couches are great for entertainment on not-so-sunny days. 

Time Out tip: Visiting in winter? This is a great property for ice fishing. 

Sleeps: Eight. 

Perks: You’re surrounded by water and nature parks, and are a 10-minute drive from Irina’s Sourdough Goods that sells freshbaked bread—perfect to go with that morning coffee.

Price: From $2085 per night. Two-night minimum. 

Neighborhood: Marquette

Impeccably charming and clean, this restored historic Italianate home in the sought-after Marquette neighborhood is full of old heritage, but new amenities. Think tiled bathrooms with vintage sinks and standalone tubs, breathable luxury bedding, a stocked and spotless kitchen (with welcome snacks on arrival) and a high-ceilinged living room for entertainment. There are lots of board games to bond with your group, and if you’ve got kids, ask about the toys, and a pack ‘n play. All provided. From the home’s amber tones and bright chandeliers, to the ornate cast iron radiators and vintage rugs over distressed wood, the home is well-preserved, immaculately designed dream.  

Time Out tip: Take a morning stroll to Ancora for some well-made coffee and a delightful breakfast. 

Sleeps: 10

Perks: You’re in the heart of the neighborhood, with lots of walkable shops and restaurants. 

Price: From $471 per night. One-week minimum. 

Neighborhood: Hill Farms

It’s brutalist-meets-maximalist in this lower level apartment in Hill Farms that’s part of a duplex home. The hosts live upstairs, you live downstairs, and get to enjoy the seclusion of the space while only being 20 minutes away from Central Madison. The design of the space is very much a Brutalist vibe, with grey cement walls and floors, and exposed industrial piping. But it lightens up with the living room’s zebra-print rug, colorful pillows and blankets and the bright yellow footrest. The same goes for the bedroom, painted and patterned and with an interesting flacid design on the wall that seems to be pointing down to where you lay your head. 

Time Out tip: The outdoor hot tub is always a hit, but even more so at this Airbnb. It’s under a roof, allowing you to dip inside on stormy days, listening to the rainfall. (Don’t do this when there’s lightning, obviously).

Sleeps: Two. 

Perks: The nearby walking trails, and cuddling up with the host’s two dogs after they’re zooming in the yard. They’re as sweet as can be!  

Price: From $333 per night. Two-night minimum. 

Neighborhood: Marquette

Another lakeside Airbnb in Madison, this three-bed, two-bath home is on the opposite side of Lake Monona and is an architectural delight. There’s a sun room, a reading room and even a barrel sauna. You’ve also got your fire pit, a hot tub and big kitchen to cook up some dinners to have on the balcony. And when you’re ready for a dip or a bit of paddleboarding, the back yard walkway lead straight to the lake. 

Time Out tip: If you need extra help, the hosts live in a separate lower-level unit, and are happy to assist. 

Sleeps: Seven.

Perks: The welcoming gifts on a arrival are a small, but thoughtful touch. 

Price: From $691 per night. 

Neighborhood: Monona

If you prefer gardens over lakesides, this basement-level apartment has access to the building’s stunninng, prunes spaces, fountain and all. There’s a patio with a small table for slow mornings or evenings, and more seating around a small fire pit to stay snug. Inside, the kitchen is equipped. The sun room is bright, white and lime green and the rest of the home decor gives 1980s nostalgia. It feels like staying in an aunt’s house, it’s lived-in, but inviting and warm. 

Time Out tip: If kiddos are along, take them to the playgrounds of Winnequah Park a few minutes walk away. 

Sleeps: Three.

Perks: Yes, this Monona home is more inland, but you’re still less than a five-minute drive from the lakeside, and have quicker access to Hot-n-Spicy Laotian/Thai restaurant and grocery store. It’s a casual, flavor-packed gem. 

Price: From $224 per night. 

Neighborhood: Marquette

A high-ceilinged, A-framed suite with wooden beams, sunny windows and cozy sleeping spaces makes for a fantastic little stay along the lake in Marquette. The bathroom is clean and with a dark navy-tiled shower, the living room has a sectional couch that turns into a bed, and the back garden and outdoor seating lets you enjoy some fresh air in private. Only caveat? No full kitchen. All the more excuse to try the nearby coffee shops and restaurants. And if you bring back any leftover, there’s a big fridge and microwave to help for midnight munchies. 

Time Out tip: There’s a big TV to entertain, but if you lay back on the sectional, the giant windows are the perfect relaxing and non-screen alternative to watch clouds float by. 

Sleeps: Five.

Perks: Yahara Place Park and Morrison Park are steps away, and idyllic for sunrises. 

Price: From $162 per night. Two-night minimum. 

Neighborhood: Downtown Madison

Give Lake Monona a break and relax by its equally scenic neighbor, Lake Mendota, instead, at this chic and spacious three-bedroom home. From the couch to the rug design, teal is the main event of the living room interior, but done smartly, complementing the white walls, black borders and hardwood floors. The kitchen is bright and stocked, with wooden countertops, and bedrooms are just as light-filled, with simple decor pieces that tremendosly help add personality to these all-white spaces. The dining room, however, is a vast contrast. There’s forest-themed wallpaper on all four walls, a honeycomb wall mirror, a geometric-style rug and star-shaped ceiling light that, when listed together, sounds like a lot going on. But this hosts makes it work and keeps ever space sophisticated. 

Time Out tip: Prost! MSN is a nearby German beer hall and restaurant that's famous for its salty pretzels and has fantastic Bavarian interiors. 

Sleeps: Five.

Perks: The home’s stylish front porch is the place to be for evening sunsets from the park across the street.

Price: For September 2026: From $282 per night. One-week minimum. After September: From $3710 per month. 30-day minimum (around $742 per person for five guests).

Area: Sun Prairie (30 min from Madison)

A nearby escape to the country will lead you to this charming garden suite in Sun Prairie with a private drive and a backyard that seems to go on for miles. It has one bedroom, a compact bathroom and a inviting living room with a TV and fire place. Out back, there's outdoor seating to enjoy views of a peaceful pond, home to turtles, fish, and other Wisconsin wildlife. It’s rural bliss and just off the interstate—so tranquil you’d never know. 

Time Out tip: Make a trek to Full Mile Brews and Kitchen for some really great dishes and local ales, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. The downtown breakfast plate is fab and filling, and the wood-fired pizza comes thin and crispy. 

Sleeps: Four. 

Perks: The many deer and rabbits that you can spot in the yard on early mornings. 

Price: From $112 per night. 

Area: Mount Horeb (35 min from Madison)

Just 30 minutes west of Madison, this rental is an open-concept loft space with three beds, a living space with mix-match furniture, a bright green piano and kitchenette with a microwave, mini fridge, toaster, and coffeemaker. It’s great for storing easy-made or take out meals, but if you’re more of a cook, you can ask the host about using the main house’s kitchen. The real catch here is the bathroom. In the loft, there isn’t one. Only a makeshift hand sink, which to be fair, is a nifty, eco-friendly addition. However, the main house has a full bathroom and shower that you’re welcome to use whenever you need. 

Time Out tip: Bring a book, arts and crafts or anything analog. This home is meant for nature appreciating and a light digital detox.

Sleeps: Three.

Perks: The outdoor deck and fire pit, and pastoral landscape is an inspiring view that gets those creative juices flowing.

Price: From $136 per night. 

RECOMMENDED:
🏛 Check out our list of the best things to do in Madison
🍽 Here are the restaurants you need to try in Madison
🏨 Fancy a stay at the best hotels in Milwaukee?