Indianapolis, IN

Travel Guide
Indianapolis showing modern architecture and a statue or sculpture
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(2,481 area reviews)

Lucas Oil Stadium and Indiana State Capitol are top sights in Downtown Indianapolis, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Canal Station or Indiana University-Riley Station to see more sights in the area.

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 Monument Circle or Circle Center Mall might round out your trip.

Mile Square
Dallara IndyCar Factory

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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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
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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
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Near Southside

While Near Southside isn't home to many top sights, Lucas Oil Stadium and Garfield Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Near Southside
Sleep Inn
Sleep Inn
2.5 out of 5
2311 N Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ¥8,362 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥8,362
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (616 reviews)
"Great room, very comfy beds, fabulous staff, extremely clean"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Sleep Inn
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 ¥28,611 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥28,611
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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! (1,122 reviews)
"Beautiful property. Definitely matches the description given on line. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Restaurant options close by were great."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Ironworks Hotel Indy
Wyndham Indianapolis West
Wyndham Indianapolis West
3.5 out of 5
2544 Executive Dr, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ¥16,466 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
¥16,466
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
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 clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (323 reviews)
"Staff was very kind - i love the airport shuttle! They take you to the airport and bring you back, great service"

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Wyndham Indianapolis West
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
613 N East St, Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium and Children's Museum of ...
7.8/10 Good! (22 reviews)
"I love how well and prompt they were communicating with me regarding any questions I had. Check in n out was smooth n easy. The apt. was clean n up to date. I think the only thing I could say needed fixed were some minor cracks in the ceiling n walls in the bathroom, otherwise I had no issues. The ..."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

The Argyle on Mass Ave
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, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,440 reviews)
"Great location and super staff!"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

The Alexander, a Dolce by Wyndham
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (30 reviews)
"Little confusing getting the keys to the room. The room was more spacious and more affordable than local hotels we have frequented over the years. Easy walkable distance to local eateries, pharmacy, and stadium. Hope this is available next year for our return trip"

Reviewed on Mar 23, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Indianapolis

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2183
" "5 - Excellent 35.79862249918006%
4 - Good
2877
" "4 - Good 47.17940308297803%
3 - Okay
878
" "3 - Okay 14.39816333224008%
2 - Disappointing
104
" "2 - Disappointing 1.7054772056411938%
1 - Terrible
56
" "1 - Terrible 0.9183338799606429%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 5, 2020

Indianapolis is a great place to visit anytime of year.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

Charming city with friendly people.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

It’s a nice city. Was only there for the night

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
May 30, 2020

There was a riot and ppl destroyed the city

3/5 - Okay

Mark
May 28, 2020

It was shutdown due to COVID

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 26, 2020

I enjoyed myself. Wasn’t able to do everything because of places still being closed.

Cities near Indianapolis