Essential Guide to Visiting Indianapolis
With its vibrant public art, booming craft beer scene, iconic museums, and a state park smack dab in its center, Indianapolis is much more than just the host city for the largest single-day sporting event on the planet, the Indianapolis 500.
While car culture is indeed king in Indy, countless public trails and a central canal make the capital of Indiana easy to explore by foot, scooter, bike, kayak, or other means. Everywhere around town, public art installations shine.
It’s no surprise that many visitors flock to this vibrant Midwest metropolis. Here’s our list of everything you need to know before visiting Indianapolis.
Stay in Unique Neighborhoods
While Indianapolis is a major city, each of its neighborhoods has a distinct personality that lends a small-town feel. If staying downtown isn’t your preference, consider opting for a boutique hotel or Airbnb in a neighborhood that aligns with your vibe.
- Fountain Square: Southeast of downtown, Fountain Square features 19th-century homes, green spaces, and fountains.
- Chatham Arch: Part of the Mass Avenue Cultural District, this area thrives with art galleries and local theaters.
- Broad Ripple Village: Home to Butler University, Broad Ripple offers a lively social scene.
- Bottleworks District: Once the largest Coca-Cola bottling plant in Indiana, this neighborhood now hosts the luxury boutique Bottleworks Hotel and a thriving food hall.
Whether you choose to stay downtown or in a charming neighborhood, you’re bound to experience Indiana’s small-town feel and meet down-to-earth, friendly people.
Explore Circle City on Foot
Known as “Circle City” due to Monument Circle, downtown Indianapolis is compact and can be easily navigated on foot. This scenic plaza features the grand Soldiers and Sailors Monument, which rises at the center where four streets converge.
Moreover, Indianapolis is the junction of four major Interstate highways (Interstates 65, 69, 70, and 74), earning it the nickname “Crossroads of America.” While the downtown area is walkable, public transportation consists primarily of the public bus system, which is extensive but might require a car to visit key attractions outside the city core, such as the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Experience Indianapolis on Two Wheels
Indianapolis is a fantastic place to explore on two wheels. The city was the backdrop for the 1979 film Breaking Away, and it remains bike-friendly today. You can rent a bike from the Indiana Pacers bike share or use one of the many Lime scooters available throughout the city.
Bike trails weave through Indy, with the 8.1-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail looping through downtown and connecting to other popular paths, including the Monon Trail.
Dress for Variable Weather Conditions
Midwestern weather can be unpredictable; therefore, dressing in layers is recommended. Summer temperatures often linger above 74°F, reaching up to 83°F in July, while winter lasts from December through February, with daily highs below 46°F. Make sure to pack accordingly for a comfortable visit.
Fall and spring are ideal times to explore Indianapolis, with crisp air and vibrant foliage in autumn and blooming flowers in spring.
Discover Unique Transportation Options
To explore downtown Indianapolis differently, consider renting a swan pedal boat or kayak at Wheel Fun Rentals at Canal Walk. Paddle along the scenic Indiana Central Canal, or opt for other unique vehicles like a surrey, chopper, quad sport, or deuce coupe to enjoy the trails in the sprawling White River State Park.
Key Event: The Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis’ signature event, the Indy 500, attracts thousands to the 2.5-mile oval track of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With a monumental seating capacity of 257,325, securing tickets is straightforward, but early reservation is advised as sales commence in late fall for this Memorial Day weekend event.
Even if you miss the actual race, you can still delve into its history year-round at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, home to one of the largest collections of vintage race cars, including a wealth of Indy 500 winners.
Explore the Thriving Craft Beer Scene
Indianapolis is a burgeoning haven for craft beer enthusiasts and has recently been recognized as a Top Five Beer City. Just blocks from the Speedway, Daredevil Brewing Co showcases a range of craft beers complemented by a spacious patio. Pair your drink with delicious offerings from local breweries like Chilly Water Brewing Company and Bier Brewery. For a more interactive experience, consider the BYOB bike tour with Pickled Pedaler. Don’t forget to check out the Indy Craft Pass, a mobile app that maps the city’s finest breweries and distilleries.
Savor Local Cuisine
No visit to Indianapolis is complete without trying Indiana’s unofficial state lunch: the Hoosier pork tenderloin sandwich. This colossal breaded and fried pork cutlet is served between two slices of bread. Delight in various interpretations of this dish at numerous eateries, with the spicy variation at the classic Steer-In drive-in highly recommended.
Additionally, save space for Indiana’s state pie, the Hoosier sugar cream pie, a delectable dessert made from butter, vanilla, cream, and brown sugar.
