Indianapolis, IN

Travel Guide

Central Canal
Fishers featuring a garden and a small town or village
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

Central Canal which includes landscape views, a river or creek and a city

Downtown Indianapolis

4.5/5(2,481 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
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Near Eastside

4/5(4 area reviews)

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
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 Monument Circle or Soldiers and Sailors Monument might round out your trip.

Mile Square
Bankers Life Fieldhouse showing interior views and signage

Wholesale District

If you're spending some time in Wholesale District, Circle Center Mall and Gainbridge Fieldhouse are top sights worth seeing.

Wholesale District
Speedway

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

4/5(524 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
Ironworks Hotel Indy

Ironworks Hotel Indy

4 out of 5
2721 E 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ¥25,811 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥25,811
per night
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,516 reviews)
"Room was older, but very clean. Furniture was new, big tv, and quiet. The best part was the shower. Amazing water pressure and the best waterfall shower I’ve ever used. Hotel is located close to highways, shopping, and had restaurants on first floor. I’d definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2025

Ironworks Hotel Indy
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
601 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ¥21,510 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥21,510
per night
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (938 reviews)
"Good for the price."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing

Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing

4 out of 5
8787 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ¥12,793 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥12,793
per night
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing
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 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 ...
The Residences at CityWay
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 Lucas Oil Stadium ...
CozySuites at Block20
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 Lucas Oil Stadium and Indianapolis ...
The Argyle on Mass Ave
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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