Indianapolis skyline over Monument Circle at dusk

Things to do in  Indianapolis

Fast cars and high culture

Indianapolis—Indy to its friends—isn’t just Indiana’s state capital or one of the Midwest’s largest hubs. It’s also the “racing capital of the world,” thanks to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, host to the prestigious annual Indy 500. But it isn’t all fast cars in this friendly, approachable city. The birthplace of author Kurt Vonnegut (and home to his dedicated museum and library), Indy serves up high culture at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, while green spaces like White River State Park host enviable walking trails and family-friendly recreation spaces. There’s plenty to do in the Crossroads of America.

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Top 3 attractions in Indianapolis

#1

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

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A top children’s museum, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis contains five floors of whimsical, interactive exhibits ranging from a dinosaur habitat to a journey through contemporary China. Learning experiences abound, whether your child is playing an astronaut in Beyond Spaceship Earth or digging up the Treasures of the Earth.More
Tours & Tickets
#2
Lucas Oil Raceway

Lucas Oil Raceway

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Indianapolis is home to the Indy 500 race, and there is admittedly no shortage of great racing tracks in the city. The Lucas Oil Raceway, situated just outside the downtown area, is considered one of the top special event auto racing facilities in the world. It has three separate tracks, including a paved oval track, a quarter mile drag strip, and a 2.5 mile long course. The speedway hosts more than 100 auto racing events each year, including major NRHA events.Each season brings a little something different, both testing new race types and continuing established traditions. The high quality and maintenance of the track ensures that the desired high speeds can be reached as safely as possible. The grandstands and drag strip tower allow for maximum visibility of the races by spectators. Many of the world’s top race car drivers have participated in races here.More
#3
Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis

Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis

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Serving up classic American fare alongside some of rock and roll’s top music memorabilia, the Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis sits at the heart of downtown in the historic Morrison Opera House building. It’s in a central and fun area of the city, always drawing in a lively crowd. Their menu includes appetizers such as nachos, wings, and potato skins and tasty entrees that range from burgers and sandwiches to barbecue. Vegetarian options are also available.The cafe also has two large event rooms, a dozen large screen televisions, a full bar with premium cocktails, a fun atmosphere, store, and of course, great music playing. Memorabilia on display rotates but includes musical instruments and stage costumes played and worn by the greatest musicians in rock and roll. With music, sights, and flavors, the Hard Rock Cafe is always a feast for all the senses.More

Explore Indianapolis by interest

Top activities in Indianapolis

Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour

Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour

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15
From
$73.00
Private Arrival Transfer from Indianapolis Airport IND

Private Arrival Transfer from Indianapolis Airport IND

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4
From
$72.00
per group
Private Departure Transfer from Indianapolis Airport IND

Private Departure Transfer from Indianapolis Airport IND

From
$72.00
per group
Fountain Square Food Tour

Fountain Square Food Tour

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12
From
$73.00
Top Shelf 14-Passenger Party Bus Rental

Top Shelf 14-Passenger Party Bus Rental

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40
From
$599.00
per group
Indianapolis City to Indianapolis Airport (IND) - Departure Private Transfer

Indianapolis City to Indianapolis Airport (IND) - Departure Private Transfer

From
$67.70
Indianapolis Airport (IND) to Indianapolis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Indianapolis Airport (IND) to Indianapolis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer

From
$135.40
Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers

Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers

From
$20.00
per group
Private Professional Photoshoot in Indianapolis

Private Professional Photoshoot in Indianapolis

From
$206.38
Private Departure Transfer - to Indianapolis Airport (IND) by SUV

Private Departure Transfer - to Indianapolis Airport (IND) by SUV

From
$104.00
per group
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Indianapolis by Crazy Dash

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Indianapolis by Crazy Dash

From
$10.00
All Inclusive Indianapolis Mobile Pub Tour and Experience

All Inclusive Indianapolis Mobile Pub Tour and Experience

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6
From
$49.99
Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Indianapolis Sights & Stories

Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Indianapolis Sights & Stories

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15
From
$27.50
per group
Top Shelf 14-Passenger Winery Tour

Top Shelf 14-Passenger Winery Tour

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2
From
$599.00
per group
Axe Throwing in Indianapolis

Axe Throwing in Indianapolis

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6
From
$26.98
Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Indianapolis by Holly Jolly Hunt

Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Indianapolis by Holly Jolly Hunt

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1
From
$20.00
per group
Indianapolis Prowl Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Indianapolis Prowl Scavenger Hunt

From
$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Indianapolis by 3Quest Challenge

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Indianapolis by 3Quest Challenge

From
$10.00
Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour

Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour

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3
From
$599.00
per group
Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Indianapolis by Wacky Walks

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Indianapolis by Wacky Walks

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1
From
$10.00
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All about Indianapolis

When to visit

There’s no time like late spring in Indianapolis. The Indy 500—the largest single sporting event in the world—is always held on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, while the warm weather makes the city’s parks, zoo, and Downtown Canal Walk particularly inviting. Alternatively, visit in late summer, when events like the Indiana State Fair and IndyFringe Theatre Festival are held.

Getting around

Indianapolis is served by Indianapolis International Airport, located roughly 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) southwest of Downtown. It’s also home to Indianapolis Station, a major Amtrak hub served by intercity bus services, including Greyhound. Its public transit options are limited to IndyGo bus routes, while taxis and rideshare services offer another way to get around town. Many Downtown Indiana neighborhoods can be explored via the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

Traveler tips

Formerly named the most underrated food city in the country, Indianapolis should be more celebrated than it is for its wide-ranging restaurant scene and its wealth of craft breweries. But you can’t visit Indy without trying its surprising signature dish: spicy shrimp cocktail, a specialty at the James Beard Award-winning St. Elmo Steakhouse (an Indianapolis favorite since 1902).

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
3
Tours
23
Reviews
134
EN
861b09b5-951a-44ae-95a7-4db5a817e232
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People Also Ask

What is Indianapolis famous for?

Indianapolis is famous for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (and its signature event, the Indy 500). The capital of Indiana is also known for museums like the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Art Museum, outdoor spaces like the White River State Park, and sports teams like the Indianapolis Colts.

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Is Indianapolis nice to live?

Yes, Indianapolis is a nice city to live in. This city offers many museums, public parks, and eclectic neighborhoods, while its restaurant and brewery scenes have earned national acclaim. Small enough to be accessible but large enough to offer a wealth of things to do, Indianapolis is a popular Midwest hub.

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Is Indianapolis close to Chicago?

Yes, Indianapolis is relatively close to Chicago. It is a roughly 3-hour drive between the two cities via 1-65 N. Intercity bus services like Greyhound and FlixBus also connect both cities. While Chicago might be a little far for a day trip, it’s perfect for a weekend getaway.

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Is Indianapolis a walkable city?

Yes, parts of Indianapolis are walkable. Trails like the Downtown Canal Walk and Indianapolis Cultural Trail are geared towards pedestrians, while the city’s Downtown, or Mile Square, is densely packed and easily accessed on foot. Other outlying neighborhoods, like Newfields and Fountain Square, may be more easily accessed by taxi.

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Is it worth visiting Indianapolis?

Yes, it’s very much worth visiting Indianapolis. One of the Midwest’s biggest cities, Indiana’s capital is equally renowned for its motorsports (including the annual Indy 500), sports teams like the Colts, and culture. Its buzzy, walkable Downtown is host to parks, zoos, and eclectic neighborhoods.

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Is Indianapolis an expensive city?

No, Indianapolis is relatively inexpensive compared to major American cities like New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. The cost of living is relatively low, and it’s possible to make the most of the city’s cultural, dining, and recreational offerings without worrying too much about the expense.

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