Indianapolis

Travel 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

Central Canal

Downtown Indianapolis

4.5/5(57 area reviews)

As the city's cultural, political, and economic hub, this neighborhood boasts historic districts, performing arts venues, and museums. Enjoy nightlife on Meridian Street and Massachusetts Avenue, or stroll along the Indianapolis Canal Walk.

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
Dallara IndyCar Factory

Speedway

Home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this enclave of Indianapolis boasts a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a public library for leisurely exploration.

Speedway
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Castleton

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

Castleton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Castleton Square and Dave & Buster's while you're in town.

Castleton
8 Seconds Saloon which includes interior views and a bar

Wayne

3.5/5(13 area reviews)

While visiting Wayne, you might make a stop by sights like 8 Seconds Saloon and Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust.

Wayne
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Near Eastside

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

Near Eastside
JW Marriott Indianapolis
JW Marriott Indianapolis
4 out of 5
10 S West Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is CA $227 per night from May 23 to May 24
CA $227
CA $266 total
includes taxes & fees
May 23 - May 24
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests ...
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 May 7, 2024

JW Marriott Indianapolis
Wyndham Indianapolis West
Wyndham Indianapolis West
3.5 out of 5
2544 Executive Dr, Indianapolis, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $162 per night from May 28 to May 29
CA $162
CA $189 total
includes taxes & fees
May 28 - May 29
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (381 reviews)
Nice Stay
"Quick check-in, clean room and 10 mins away from downtown."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Wyndham Indianapolis West
Ironworks Hotel Indy
Ironworks Hotel Indy
4 out of 5
2721 E 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is CA $272 per night from May 27 to May 28
CA $272
CA $318 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
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 May 5, 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 Alexander, a Dolce by Wyndham
The Alexander, a Dolce by Wyndham
4 out of 5
333 S Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,516 reviews)
"Very nice hotel."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

The Alexander, a Dolce by Wyndham
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, parking (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium and Children's Museum of Indianapolis ...
8/10 Very Good! (26 reviews)
"great location. plenty of dining and entertainment options within walking distance"

Reviewed on Apr. 22, 2024

The Argyle on Mass Ave
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (32 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 May 8, 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.

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Things to do

Reviews of Indianapolis

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
28
" "5 - Excellent 28.571428571428573%
4 - Good
51
" "4 - Good 52.04081632653061%
3 - Okay
16
" "3 - Okay 16.3265306122449%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.0204081632653061%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 2.0408163265306123%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Mar. 27, 2020

Some scary spots around the raceway. Didn’t feel safe getting out with my kids, as my husband wasn’t able to join us on the trip.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 22, 2020

Don't walk around dt after dark hahaha! Kinda sketchy

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Oct. 4, 2019

Nice friendly city, people very polite saying hello

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Sep. 23, 2019

Colts game was amazing!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Sep. 4, 2019

Indianapolis is a beautiful town it is easy to get around and locate restaurants and other tourist attractions for example the racetrack and the dragstrip and the restaurants are very very nice clean and the staff are very hospitable overall.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Sep. 3, 2019

Very friendly people.

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