Indianapolis Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Indianapolis showing a statue or sculpture and modern architecture
Between watching cars zoom around the famous speedway of “The Racing Capital of the World,” explore its many museums, parks and zoo.

Indianapolis, the capital city of Indiana, sits at the center of the state. To many, it’s also at the center of the racing world. Discover why it earns its nickname, “The Racing Capital of the World,” and investigate its many cultural and natural attractions.

Thrills aren’t just reserved for race car drivers at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) track hosts three of the country’s biggest races, including the Indy 500. Watch a motorcar race or learn more about the sport in the adjoining Hall of Fame Museum.

Spend an afternoon exploring White River State Park’s museums, galleries, zoo and sports stadium. Learn about local and natural history in the Indiana State Museum, which has thousands of artifacts and a massive IMAX theater. See a baseball game in Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians. View some 1,400 animals from land, sea and sky in the Indianapolis Zoo. Admission to the nearby White River Gardens is included in your entry to the zoo.

Visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Filled with dinosaurs, pirate ships, vintage toys and interactive exhibits, this museum makes learning fun for an audience of all ages.

Although it is adjacent to downtown Indianapolis, Eagle Creek Park feels a world away. Explore its backcountry trails or go swimming in its glassy lake. If you’re lucky, you might even see an eagle soaring overhead. A bit northeast of Downtown, Fort Harrison State Park offers horseback riding, fishing in Fall Creek and an 18-hole golf course.

Enjoy panoramic views of the downtown skyline from atop the steps of Crown Hill Cemetery. Take a guided or self-guided tour and learn about events from the Civil War to the Flu Epidemic of 1918. Find the gravestones of U.S. President Benjamin Harrison and infamous gangster John Dillinger.

Indianapolis has a charming historic Downtown district, presided over by the Indiana War Memorial. The memorial, which bears striking resemblance to the National Mall in Washington D.C., honors America’s veterans. Explore the downtown museums, parks, monuments and more.

Where to stay in Indianapolis

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Downtown Indianapolis

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Downtown Indianapolis. Lucas Oil Stadium is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Canal Station or Indiana University-Riley Station to see more of Indianapolis.

Downtown Indianapolis
Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Mile Square

The fascinating museums and prominent monuments are top of the list for many visitors to Mile Square. A stop by Gainbridge Fieldhouse or Monument Circle might round out your trip.

Mile Square
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Speedway

You'll enjoy the museums and breweries in Speedway. You might want to make time for a stop at Indianapolis Motor Speedway or Dallara IndyCar Factory.

Speedway
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Castleton

Travellers come to Castleton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Castleton Square and Dave & Buster's while you're in town.

Castleton
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Wayne

4/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Wayne, 8 Seconds Saloon and Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust are top sights worth seeing.

Wayne
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Near Eastside

Travellers enjoy Near Eastside for its breweries and churches. Consider checking out Mass Ave Cultural Arts District while you're in the area.

Near Eastside
Wyndham Indianapolis West
Wyndham Indianapolis West
3.5 out of 5
2544 Executive Dr, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ₹9,867 per night from 28 May to 29 May
₹9,867
per night
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (380 reviews)
Nice Stay
"Quick check-in, clean room and 10 mins away from downtown."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Wyndham Indianapolis West
JW Marriott Indianapolis
JW Marriott Indianapolis
4 out of 5
10 S West Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ₹14,614 per night from 16 May to 17 May
₹14,614
per night
16 May - 17 May
Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,206 reviews)
"You have got to be kidding me a 33 story hotel and they have ice on one floor, the second. I’ve seen hotels do every other floor, but one floor that is a joke."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

JW Marriott Indianapolis
Ironworks Hotel Indy
Ironworks Hotel Indy
4 out of 5
2721 E 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹16,618 per night from 27 May to 28 May
₹16,618
per night
27 May - 28 May
Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,135 reviews)
"The decor was so stylish and the place was immaculately clean. The staff were super helpful in all the areas of the hotel and restaurants and talkative and amenable. I wish we could have stayed longer."

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Ironworks Hotel Indy
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Argyle on Mass Ave
The Argyle on Mass Ave
4 out of 5
613 N East St, Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and a garden. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium and Children's Museum of Indianapolis ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (34 reviews)
"great location. plenty of dining and entertainment options within walking distance"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

The Argyle on Mass Ave
The Alexander, a Dolce by Wyndham
The Alexander, a Dolce by Wyndham
4 out of 5
333 S Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,514 reviews)
Great date night.
"The room was super comfortable. Overall, my wife was pleased! That’s what I aimed for. Thanks for a great stay. Parking was expensive for one day stay However, tv didn’t have modern amenities like streaming services for Hulu, or Netflix. For the price of almost four hundo, I expected a bit more"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

The Alexander, a Dolce by Wyndham
The Residences at CityWay
The Residences at CityWay
4 out of 5
302 S Alabama St, Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium and ...
8/10 Very Good! (35 reviews)
"Overall the experience was decent I had some difficulty with finding the building Key cafe was also difficult to find and access"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

The Residences at CityWay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Indianapolis

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 20%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 40%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
30 Jun 2019

Only there one night so didn't see Indianapolis but Broad Ripple is lovely

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
29 May 2019

Massachusetts Avenue best for healthier eating and a decent coffee (Garden Table and Commissary Barista favourite), plus good bars and vibe in the evening. Downtown - meh

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 May 2019

Visited Indy 500, downtown.

Cities near Indianapolis