One can think that since Madison is fairly small city (at least comparing to Prague or London), then nothing happens here after 6 pm.

Let me assure you that this is not the case! Having about 50,000 students hanging around, The Madtown does its best to meet the demands of the students and provide everybody with something he loves.

Všechny bary zavírají ve 2pm though!

Unbelievably close to UW-Madison campus, one can find The State Street. Leading straight to the Capitol Square, the street is full of numerous bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants. The street is quite famous in Madison and around the US, because it seems like no other college in the coutry has so many bars and clubs within such a small distance to the campus.

One of the most famous places of all the undergraduate students is „The Whiskey Jack's Saloon“ - one of the few places in Madison which really meets the expectations of European students seeking for a „typical“ place to dance and hang out.

(image is the courtesy of facebook whiskey jack's group)

When I say „typical“, I really mean it. The problem is, that usually pubs and bars in Madison have quite a different atmosphere. People here like to sit by the bar, taking small sips of their beer and talking to the bartender or watching a football game (american football game, of course). So, if you are used to Prague style clubs and dance floors, „The Whiskey Jack's Saloon“ is maybe the only option for you.

Again, close to the State Street, there is another legendary place called „Kollege Klub“. This is that sort of places which you either love or hate: no third option is given. Girls love this place because all college football (american football, of course) players tend to go there on the weekends and spend a couple of hours drinking Bud Light and playing alco-games. Guys love to go there because girls love to go there. It is that simple. You generally hate the place once you realize that, actually, there is nothing there except for football players.

(image is the courtesy of http://www.brewcityreview.com)

One of the bad things about night life is that it is really expensive here. 0,4L of beer in plastic mug will cost you about $4.5. And yea, forget about normal beer mugs - plastic is all you can get here.

Another thing which will definitely be an unpleasant surprise for everybody who is used to Prague-style parties, is that all the bars and clubs close here at 2 a.m.

It's the State Law.

Right at 2 a.m. the bright lights get turned on, and people have nothing to do but go out of the clubs and search for a cab to get home. Needless to say, it is quite impossible to get a cab at 2 a.m. So either finish your night earlier, or prepare to have a nice walk home.

Overall, night life in Madison is diverse and pleasing. It is extremely safe. Almost everybody you meet is a student, so usually one has lots of fun and memories if he decides to go out on a Friday night. Don't miss your chance!