Trendy loft, Milwaukee
Photograph: Airbnb | Trendy loft, Milwaukee
Photograph: Airbnb

The best Airbnbs in Milwaukee, from luxury condos to spacious homes

Visiting the Cream City, but don’t know where to stay? These are our favorite spots

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Known as the “Cream City” for its cream-colored brick buildings, Milwaukee, despite beong the capital of Wisconsin, still holds a bit of mystery. Despite the city’s epic food and brewery scene, green spaces, Lake Michigan shorelines and the fact that it hosts Summerfest, one of the biggest festivals in the world, Milwaukeeans tend not to brag.

But, where should you stay? That’s what we’re here for, and we’ve compiled this lovely list of Airbnbs. Some are posh and polished, others are bold and vibrant, but all rank as some of the best places to stay in the city.

The best Airbnbs in Milwaukee, at a glance: 

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.

Frequently asked questions about staying in Milwaukee

What is Milwaukee known for?

Milwaukee is a city of many trades. Yes, it’s known for those off-white bricks, but it’s also nicknamed “Brew City” for its deep beer history when German immigrants moved here in the 19th century and launches some pretty famous brews like Miller, Pabst, and Schlitz. 

Any of those pair perfectly with Wisconsin’s famous cheese, particularly in curd form and absolutely sensationalapologies to the lactose-free folk. But lucky for everyone, this city’s food scene is booming, so you won’t go hungry. 

What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee’s got some pretty neat neighborhoods, especially near the bay, starting with Walker’s Point. Adequately named and beloved by foodies, this area for those who don’t mind strolling and peeking through every restaurant window until they find “the one”—the perfect place to dine. 

Things get a little more lively in the Lower East Side, where younger crowds have flocked too and the nightlife has flourished. There’s a huge college vibe here, being so close to University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and when you need a bit of fresh air from all the pints, you can take a quick break right on the lakefront. 

Down in South Milwaukee, Bay View is a great combination of old meets new with its historic 100-year-old homes clashing with trendy cocktail bars and growing creative communities. You’ll find South Shore Park here, too, which has a refreshing beer garden to accompany the lakeside scenery.  

Do I need a car in Milwaukee?

It honestly depends on your visit itinerary and lifestyle. If you’re in downtown, prefer staying local and are along the routes of the MCTS (Milwaukee County Transit System) bus network, you’ll do fine without. 

But to get the most out of your visit, explore different neighborhoods or just enjoy the sweet freedom of not relying on Ubers or public transit, a car is highly recommended. 

The best Airbnbs in Milwaukee

1. Best for families with kids: The home with the blue living room

Neighborhood: Wauwatosa

This property is praised for everything, from the convenient location to the cleanliness and decor. It’s been recently renovated, and blends old-school character with a modern-day elegance like plush furnishings, and an all-blue living room den that makes a bold statement, from the windows to the walls. Cook up multiple family meals a day with the full kitchen of stainless steel appliances, and when the weather’s playing ball, the backyard has BBQ. The interior design and peaceful neighborhood makes this Airbnb a no-brainer for families who want to get the most out of Milwaukee. 

Time Out tipA quiet and friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options nearby. Top attractions within a 15-minute drive include the Art Museum, the riverwalk and Harley-Davidson Museum. 

Sleeps: Six.

Perks: There are lots of green spaces nearby, from Hart Park to Dewey Hill. 

Price: From $371 per night. Three-night minimum. 

2. Best for historic architecture: The apartment near Milwaukee’s Art Museum

Neighborhood: Yankee Hill / Lower East Side

In the heart of Milwaukee’s Lower East Side, the elaborate exterior of this historic mansion is enough to make any passerby wish they could peek inside. But you can do one better by staying here on your visit. The inside is grand and neutral-toned, appearing almost European in its classical aesthetic with timeless furniture pieces, hardwood floors and wall mouldings. Every room is equipped with the basics to ensure a comfortable stay, and the whole space is bright and uncluttered for a clear-space-clear-mind vibe. There’s also a backyard perfect for morning breakfasts al fresco. 

Time Out tip: Check the Airbnb’s binder for some great recs and a bit of cool history about the property. 

Sleeps: Four. 

PerksMilwaukee’s Art Museum is a scenic 20-minute walk through Juneau Park.

Price: From $290 per night. 

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3. Best for exploration by foot: The Victorian home near all the action

Neighborhood: Walker’s Point

In the vibrant Walker’s Point neighborhood, this modern-meets-maximalist Victorian home for ten (eleven, if you ask for the extra cot) has easy access to all the shops and restaurants in the area. Best explored by foot so you can wander the boutiques and try bites from vendorss at the Zocalo Food Park, Walker’s Point is Milwaukee’s oldest neighborhood and is filled with diversity, from multiple Latin-American restaurants to a thriving queer scene. But if decide on a cozy night in, you’ll do so proudly, knowing the interior of the home is an attraction in itself. Three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a chef’s kitchen, large living room and a vast backyard patio with a fire pit await. 

Time Out tip: Ask your host about the karaoke machine! 

Sleeps: 11.

Perks: You’re in one of the best areas to get a taste of Milwaukee’s fun and underrated food scene. 

Price: From $339 per night. Two-night minimum.

4. Best for family reunions: The Mequon ranch on a one-acre lot

Neighborhood: Mequon (30 minutes from Milwaukee)

Within an acre of mown grass and pine trees, this fully equipped ranch-style home is the ultimate escape for nature seekers who still want a tasty of the big city. The home is only only a 30-minute drive from Milwaukee, and features four beds, three baths, a full kitchen and plenty of space to sprawl out. But when you’re ready to reconvene, the living room has a big TV, the basement has a ping-pong table and when you’re ready for the outdoors, the Milwaukee River is a walk or one-minute drive away. Take a dip before returning home to unwind around the patio’s fire pit.

Time Out tipStock up on goods at the Metro Market, a 10-minute drive away.

Sleeps: Eight. 

Perks: The unexpected visitors you’ll spot in the yard: deer and rabbits!  

Price: From $327 per night. Two-night minimum. 

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5. Best for interior design: The ‘Grease’ retreat in Downtown Milwaukee

Neighborhood: Walker’s Point

Dubbed “The Pink Lady”, this Airbnb lives up to its name, and is a psychadelic combination between the funky 1970s and classic 1950s-set movie, Grease. From colorful murals to the “Beauty School Dropout” makeup bar in the main bedroom, each room and corner of the Pink Lady was thoughtfully cared for and one of a kind. Outside, a massive pink sign proudly declares its name with a grass-wall backdrop. When you’re ready to chill indoors, amenities like a Crosley record player, board games, gym equipment, and top-notch Public Goods toiletries will keep you entertained. 

Time Out tip: Amp up the retro vibes by visiting Don’s TV & Repair Speakeasy, just a five minute walk. 

Sleeps: Eight.

Perks: The ridiculously well-stocked coffee bar is certainly a hit. 

Price: From $353 per night. 

6. Best for ‘That ‘70s Show’ fans: The groovy throwback flat in Riverwest

Neighborhood: Riverwest

When in Wisconsin, you gotta give a quick ode to That ‘70s Show, and this mid-century haven does just that. We fell in love with this dark orange and mustard-lovin’ home the minute we saw the classic patterned wallpaper, couch and rugs. It’s a one-bed, one-bath apartment with a compact but full kitchen, a small work space and a balcony on the top half of a duplex. Outside, there’s a flurry of cool, eclectic bars and coffee shops, along with the great Seven Swans Crêperie and path to stroll beside the Milwaukee River.

Time Out tip: There’s no door for the shower room, so best to book this place solo or with someone you’re comfortable with. 

Sleeps: Two.

Perks: The record player and board games add to the 70s charm, and are great for a digital detox. 

Price: From $113 per night. Three-night minimum. 

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7. Best for celebrations: The downtown home with the ‘High Life’ lounge

Neighborhood: Lower East Side

Two blocks from the Milwaukee river, this big blue house has four bedrooms, three baths and an open-concept ground-level space that features a modern kitchen and breakfast bar, a communal dining room and a vast living room with leather sectionals that add pops of colour to the white-walled home. But he lies in the basement, in what the hosts have deemed the ‘High Life Lounge’. A massive room dedicated to all-things entertainment, the lounge has foosball, a dart board, a beer pong table and golf putting beer pong table, and even a prized and peeved Pacman arcade game next to the downstairs couch. The door within this inside fun space leads straight to the outside fun space, a sunny garden with patio furniture and fire pit, as well as competitive games like cornhole, ring toss, washer, toss, Giant Jenga. 

Time Out tip: Kadish Park is a five-minute drive away. Take as stroll and see if there’s a show going on at its Selig-Joseph-Folz Amphitheater.

Sleeps: Over 16

Perks: The stand-alone bathtub in the main bathroom that provides peak, steamy relaxation.

Price: From $693 per night. Two-night minimum.

8. Best for beer connoiseurs: The ‘Cream City’ retreat by Schlitz Brewery

Neighborhood: Brewer’s Hill

Stamped with personality in each room and art on every wall, this 1858 home for two (two families, that is) has five bedrooms, three full baths and a living area that’ll charm the hell out of any one who dares ‘chill’ in such an inviting space. There’s also a laundry area, a generous work space and a grassy back garden with seating, a fire pit and grill. And compared to a lot of big homes on Airbnb like this one, the price is remarkably affordable. You’re living the Cream City dream.

Time Out tip: The house is divided into to separate units, great for privacy or opposite morning/night schedules.

Sleeps: 14.

Perks: You’re just a block north from the original Schlitz Brewery and less than a mile from the Fiserv Forum.

Price: From $500 per night. Two-night minimum.

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9. Best for solo stays: The trendy loft with big arched windows

Neighborhood: Walker’s Point

Reminiscent of New York lofts or a bright version of the industrial flat in New Girl, this brick-exposed, high-ceiling haven is a fine example of cozy-meets-contemporary. The bold blue rug, cushioned seating and fuzzy, bright pillows add warmth to the clean, cream-colored space. Just behind, there’s a sunlit workdesk by the window, which would be great for productivity if it weren’t for the distracting Milwaukee views. The bedroom is just as inviting, with clean cotton sheets and delicate decor, and if you feel like getting a workout in, there’s access to the basement-level fitness center.

Time Out tip: With the New York-style apartment design and Hen’s Deli serving bagels and pastrami a five-minute walk away, this little piece of the Cheesehead state feels a bit like a slice of the Big Apple. 

Sleeps: Three.

PerksClose to lake Michigan with access to Summerfest, Fiserv Forum and more. 

Price: From $225 per night. Two-night minimum. 

10. Best for luxury treatment: The lakeview condo near Yankee Hill

Neighborhood: Yankee Hill / Lower East Side 

Classic and clean, but never boring, the seventh-floor Airbnb within Milwaukee’s Knickerbocker Hotel is the loft of clean-girl-aesthetic dreams. White and monochrome, the one-bedroom space makes a statement with hardwood floors and furnishings, and thoughtfully matching decor, and it really doesn’t need much else. The main attraction will always be the massive windows. They wrap around the living and dining room walls, and provide the most excellent lakeside views, especially come sunrise. Oh, and guests at this Airbnb get all the perks that Knickerbocker Hotel guests get, from full access to the basement gym and laundry room, to affordable rates for hair and spa treatments at the hotel spa. 

Time Out tip: Check out the hotel’s heated patio for brunch and trendy cocktails.

Sleeps: Four. 

Perks: You’re a scenic walk away from Veterans Park and Milwaukee Bay. 

Price: From $257 per night

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11. Best for your inner child: The playful house on Kinnickinnic Ave

Neighborhood: Bay View 

Leaping to the opposite side of the interior design spectrum and rounding off this year’s list is the joyful, color-filled two-bed in South Milwaukee’s Bay View. All the pigments hit as soon as you cross the front door into the living room, filled with 80s and 90s-patterned wall art, a tulip-patterned blanket, a rug of daisies and so much personality, you won’t even notice the Quaalude-shaped throw pillow and will quickly do a double-take when you do. Each room here delights just the same, including the fully stocked kitchen and balcony with funky, curved seating and geometric rugs. When you’re ready to hit the town, Kinnickinnic Avenue is right outside, boasting with the area’s best shops and restaurants. This place is a delicious dose of dopamine. 

Time Out tip: Book a tabke at Heritage MKE for some local farm-to-table feastingspecifically, the shrimp and polenta. 

Sleeps: Four.

Perks: The buzzy location and child-like excitement from this Airbnb’s playful design. 

Price: From $153 per night. Two-night minimum. 

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