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A Visitor’s Guide to Indianapolis

Founded in 1821, Indianapolis is more than just the birthplace of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. and the Indy 500. As the Crossroads of America, Indianapolis has a long history of art and culture and a spirit of human progression.

Indianapolis is one of the largest cities in the United States, with an estimated population of more than 887,000 residents. Carmel, a city with more than 102,000 residents, has been rated the best small city in the U.S. and is only a short drive away. With thousands of cities in the United States, that’s a pretty impressive score.

Ready to check out all the fun and exciting things to do in highly affordable and diverse Indianapolis? Our travel guide helps you choose where to go, what to do and how to live life to the fullest like a true Hoosier. Keep reading for all this and more.

1. When Is the Best Time to Visit Indianapolis?

Deciding when you want to take a trip to Indianapolis depends on a variety of factors. Is there a particular festival you wish to attend? Would you rather avoid Indy 500 crowds? First, determine whether there’s an event you can’t miss.

Next, consider the weather. Fall is the most comfortable time of the year to visit Indianapolis, and you won’t have to deal with the summer crowds. The average high in September is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit with an average low of 57 degrees, and the average high in October is about 66 degrees with a low of about 46 degrees.

Summer is the most popular time of year for tourists because the city is alive with festivals, fairs and sporting events. On average, temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-80s, and high humidity can make the outdoors slightly uncomfortable. You may want to avoid May, which is when hotel prices spike to accommodate racing fans.

Unless you have your heart set on attending a Christmas-themed event or you plan to visit family for the holidays, you’ll probably want to avoid trekking out to Indianapolis in the winter. Winter in Indianapolis can be pretty cold, with temperatures reaching an average low of about 26 degrees in December, 21 degrees in January and 24 degrees in February. You can also expect a fair amount of rain or snow during the winter months.

Overall, early fall is the best time to visit Indianapolis, as the tourist season winds down and the weather is pleasant. So, if you can plan your trip to take place in September, we say go for it.

2. How to Get There and Get Around

airport

Getting to Indianapolis isn’t too hard. After all, it is located in the center of Indiana, and several major highways run through it. If you’re planning to arrive on a plane, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find affordable airfare. Indianapolis is one of the business hubs of the Midwest and is home to the best airport in North America. Check out these sources to book your flight on a budget:

  • Google Flights
  • KAYAK
  • DealRay

You can also find inexpensive transportation from Indianapolis International Airport. The Go Express Airport Shuttle can shuttle flyers to and from Lafayette or Bloomington. You can also take a bus ride using the IndyGo public bus system or catch a cab. Once you’re in the heart of the city, getting around is easy, especially if you booked a room downtown. You’ll find you can hit major attractions simply by walking.

For example, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an 8-mile path that runs through downtown Indianapolis, allowing pedestrians and bike riders to get around without the threat of traffic or parking fees. The Pacers Bikeshare program makes it even easier to rent a bike and see the city in a fun, affordable and healthy way.

If driving is more your thing or your hotel is a little out of the way, that’s no problem. Here are some other transportation options:

  • Uber and Lyft
  • Train and bus services, including Amtrak, Greyhound and Megabus

Sorry, no racecar rentals are available for downtown touring just yet.

3. Where to Stay

Hotel stays in Indianapolis range from 40-some dollars a night to a few hundred dollars a night. U.S. News ranks the Bottleworks Hotel as the best hotel in Indianapolis. However, expect to pay a decent price for a night of hotel excellence!

Ask yourself how much time you plan to spend in your room and the level of luxury you require to enjoy your trip. Also, how important is the location for you? It’ll be helpful to have an idea of the attractions you hope to see before booking your room so that you don’t find out the hard way you’re located in an inconvenient spot.

It might be worth spending a few extra dollars a night on a centrally located room to save on transportation costs. You’ll also spend less time traveling and more time enjoying the sights and sounds of Indianapolis. Here are a few of our hotel suggestions. These hotels receive good reviews and are located downtown:

For a more budget-friendly hotel experience, here are a few recommended places that cost as low as $45 a night:

  • Select Suites Indianapolis Lawrence: This comfortable hotel is 13 miles from downtown and offers free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry facilities and pet-friendly rooms.
  • Days Inn by Wyndham Indianapolis Northeast: This accommodation offers free coffee and is less than 20 miles from downtown.
  • Super 8 Indianapolis: This hotel offers exceptional value and convenience and is only around 6 miles from downtown.
  • Red Roof Indianapolis South: This hotel has a restaurant within walking distance and is only 8 miles from the city center.

For less conventional yet highly affordable accommodations, also consider:

  • Indy Hostel: Located in the Broad Ripple neighborhood, you can stay in a dorm-style room for incredibly cost-effective prices. There are also private rooms for a higher cost.
  • Airbnb: Rent a private, comfortable home or room for half the price of a hotel stay. Airbnb is an economical choice for families.

No matter what your travel budget allows, Indianapolis is a great city that accommodates a wide range of individual needs.

4. What Are the Best Things to Do in Indianapolis?

Now that you know how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay, it’s time to explore your entertainment and sightseeing options. There is so much to see and do for everyone in Indianapolis, but we’ve narrowed down our favorites.

Culinary Delights

Indiana is known for pork tenderloin sandwiches, but Indianapolis offers many mouthwatering choices for food and beer lovers. With dozens of breweries to choose from and even more eateries, how does one decide where to go? Here are a few local food hot spots to help you narrow down your options:

Shopping

Shopping lovers rejoice! Indianapolis offers an array of artsy handmade gifts, antiques and quirky goods. Brand-name lovers and high-end shoppers can also find what they’re looking for.

Put on your most comfortable shopping shoes and head to one of these places for a day of buyer’s bliss:

  • The Fashion Mall at Keystone: Get lost with two floors of top-brand shopping, from Banana Republic to the Apple Store.
  • Mass Ave Arts District: This downtown cultural district leads to the heart of Indianapolis. It features five blocks of unique gift shops, art galleries and theaters. Mass Ave is the place to shop, dine and browse.
  • Broad Ripple: This neighborhood is located 20 minutes north of downtown and offers a variety of offbeat shops. Whether you’re looking to browse a vinyl collection or pick an art gift for someone special, Broad Ripple won’t disappoint.
  • Fountain Square: This hip neighborhood, southeast of downtown, offers an eclectic shopping experience for the bohemian in everyone. Here, you can find anything from musical instruments to fresh flowers.

Other notable shopping spots to check out include:

  • Midland Arts and Antiques Mall: Voted the best antique store, Midland Arts and Antiques Mall is located near the center of downtown and features the products of over 200 independent art and antique dealers.
  • Silver in the City: Located on Mass Ave, this is the place to go for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Here, you can find all kinds of Indianapolis memorabilia, from a Kurt Vonnegut enamel pin to an Indiana state park t-shirt.

Entertainment and Nightlife

All year long, Indianapolis residents are grooving to the beat of a live band, dancing with friends at a festival or clapping hands at the end of a well-crafted theater performance. In this city, entertainment isn’t hard to find. To start, ask yourself this question — what’s your entertainment preference? Do you like live jazz? Independent cinema? Art shows? Keep reading to find the perfect event for you!

In the mood for a thought-provoking play or an uplifting musical? Get inspired at one of these Indianapolis theaters:

For musical theater entertainment, check out:

Live Music

Who doesn’t enjoy a few drinks and a good band? Here are a few well-loved music venues to consider if you’re looking for quality tunes and a memorable atmosphere:

  • Chatterbox Jazz Club: Located on Mass Ave, this is the place to go for a daily dose of live jazz. Jazz is free five days a week.
  • Slippery Noodle Inn: Established in 1850, this famous joint offers live blues and a bite to eat.
  • Hi-Fi: Located in the Fountain Square area, this venue offers a chance to catch an indie rock show and chill out to the hip vibe.

Festivals

No matter what season you take your trip to Indianapolis, you can attend a festival. Traveling to the city at the end of November? Take the kids to the “World’s Largest Christmas Tree” at the downtown Circle of Lights festival.

500-festival

In May, race fans can see one of the nation’s largest parades during the 500 Festival — a month-long celebration leading up to the Indianapolis 500.

Summertime is when visitors can celebrate the achievements of African American individuals at the Indiana Black Expo or indulge in treats at the Indiana State Fair. Even in the fall, Hoosiers enjoy local festivities. Fall is the time to get artsy at the Penrod Arts Fair at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Arts and Culture

Indianapolis is an art-lover’s dream. With a host of museums and galleries, inspiration seems to be around every corner. The most well-known spot may be the Indianapolis Museum of Art, but there are plenty more creative venues to explore. You can visit:

Family Fun

childrens-museum

Are you taking the kids along on your Indianapolis excursion? Don’t worry — they won’t get bored. There are tons of fun things for the young ones to enjoy, including a trip to the largest children’s museum in the world. Check out these spots:

  • Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: This award-winning museum was built to create outstanding learning experiences for kids. The museum offers a wide variety of activities and exhibits to make it a positive experience for everyone. For example, kids can dance like a star in front of a green screen or experience what it’s like to be a circus performer.
  • Indianapolis Zoo: Located in the White River State Park, this zoo allows kids to explore wildlife and habitats from the desert to the sea.
  • Action Duckpin Bowling: Have fun with vintage 1920s bowling in Fountain Square.
  • Rhythm! Discovery Center: This interactive percussion museum lets kids pound out their energy and enjoy the sweet sound of a good beat.

Sports

Indianapolis is a haven for sports lovers. Whether you want to catch a minor league baseball game or witness world-famous auto racing, Indianapolis is the place to be. Here are a few Indianapolis must-sees for sports fans:

Nature Adventures

There are plenty of green spaces in Indianapolis for a breath of fresh air and a break from all the city excitement. Here are some of the top spots to unwind with Mother Nature:

  • Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden: For only $4 per person, you can view tropical plants year-round. The sunken garden opened in 1916 and consists of 3 acres of European classical formal gardens complete with fountains, flower beds and concrete urns.
  • Indiana Central Canal: Walk along the canal for a downtown waterside stroll.
  • Eagle Creek Park: Go birding or boating at one of the largest metropolitan parks in the United States, with 3,900 acres of land and a 1,400-acre lake.
  • Fort Harrison State Park: This former military base features 1,700 acres of trails and is a great location to view wildlife.

History

Indianapolis is a city with an intriguing past. Originally home to Native Americans and later an economical, artistic and automotive center, Indianapolis has seen it all. From gangsters like John Dillinger to Civil War soldiers, many people have called this city home. Take the opportunity to learn what it means to be a Hoosier and have lots of fun in the process when you check out the following sites:

5. Where to Go to Please the Pizza Lover

Did we mention that Giordano’s is your go-to spot for Chicago-style pizza in downtown Indianapolis? We know our Chicago location is less than four hours away, but let us save you the trip. You can enjoy deep-dish pizza, baked fresh and custom-made in Downtown Indianapolis or Indianapolis’s North Side.

Whether you’re craving hearty traditional dishes like lasagna or a world-famous slice, give us a call. We’ll be happy to deliver you the best pizza in town and make your inner pizza lover feel right at home.