Indianapolis Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
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(10 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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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
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Wholesale District

While visiting Wholesale District, you might make a stop by sights like Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Circle Center Mall.

Wholesale District
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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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Babe Denny

While Babe Denny may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Babe Denny
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 AU$331 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$331
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,337 reviews)
"Absolutely wonderful!"

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2025

Ironworks Hotel Indy
Omni Severin Hotel
Omni Severin Hotel
4 out of 5
40 West Jackson Place, Indianapolis, IN
The price is AU$265 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
AU$265
includes taxes & fees
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (232 reviews)
"Loved the property. Clowe to lucas oil. Willcdef be back."

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

Omni Severin Hotel
JW Marriott Indianapolis
JW Marriott Indianapolis
4 out of 5
10 S West Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is AU$331 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$331
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,231 reviews)
"Great job by staff"

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2025

JW Marriott Indianapolis
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
615 N East St., Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (86 reviews)
"Great communication, apartment was clean and comfortable, and it’s in a great area. Will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2025

The Argyle on Mass Ave
CozySuites at Block20
CozySuites at Block20
2.5 out of 5
423 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Gainbridge Fieldhouse ...
9/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
"Great Place To Stay!!!"

Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2025

CozySuites at Block20
9 On Canal Apartments By Barsala
9 On Canal Apartments By Barsala
4 out of 5
335 W 9th St, Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Gainbridge Fieldhouse and ...
8/10 Very Good! (4 reviews)
"Great stay! Safe and secure parking. Very quiet, safe area. Very close to downtown activities and restaurants. Will definitely stay here again, when visiting Indianapolis!"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

9 On Canal Apartments By Barsala
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

Activities

Reviews of Indianapolis

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 13%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 27%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Speedway tour was really informative. Accommodates 400,000 fans on race day

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Loved the canal district and zoo

5/5 - Excellent

KiwiCouple

Nice city to visit, enjoyed walking around the city. Nice weather and parking was easy and cheap.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Down town Indy is a nice place the main square is very European we went up the tower, Mas Ave area is great for food and bars and Carmel is a great little area worth a visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We were there for the Indy 500. Bucket list experience done