Your Passport to Indianapolis: A Guide and Tips

Indianapolis is a vibrant and ever-evolving city that offers fresh experiences and attractions. Over 28 million people visit the city annually, a testament to its allure and family-friendliness.

Whether you’re a newcomer, a first-time visitor, or a lifelong “Indy” (Indianapolis) resident, I invite you to read this comprehensive guide to exploring the city and getting around. Indianapolis is an easily accessible city that offers a variety of affordable and convenient adventures, from basketball games to museums to Hoosier culinary experiences. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Indianapolis, no matter your interests.

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Must-See Attractions in Indianapolis

1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway & Museum: Immerse yourself in the world of motorsports.
2. Indiana State Museum: Explore the rich history and culture of Indiana.
3. Eiteljorg Museum: Admire a collection of Native American and Western art.
4. Lucas Oil Stadium: Catch a thrilling Indianapolis Colts football game or major concert.
5. Newfields: Experience art, nature, and history at this cultural complex.
6. Indiana History Museum: Delve into the fascinating past of Indiana.
7. Soldiers and Sailors Monument: Honor the sacrifices of those who served and get a bird’s eye view of the city.
8. Indiana War Memorial & Museum: Pay tribute to Indiana’s veterans and tour the museum.
9. Indiana Medical History Museum: Discover the evolution of medicine and medical science in Indiana.
10. Crown Hill Cemetery: Explore a historic cemetery with beautiful sculptures and architecture.
11. City Market Catacombs: Uncover hidden history beneath the city market.
12. Symphony On The Prairie: Enjoy a popular sunset summer concert series at Conner Prairie.

Places to Visit for Kids:

1. Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: Explore interactive exhibits and discover science, history, and sports in a kid-friendly environment.
2. Indianapolis Zoo: Encounter a diverse array of animals from around the world, including elephants, penguins, lions, and rhinos
3. Conner Prairie: Embark on a historical journey through Indiana’s past with immersive experiences and hands-on activities.
4. Victory Field: Watch an exhilarating baseball game and support the Indianapolis Indians, a Minor League Baseball team.
5. Bicentennial Unity Plaza and Gainbridge Fieldhouse: Attend exciting basketball games and concerts at this sports and entertainment complex.
6. Rhythm! Discover Center: Explore the world of rhythm through interactive exhibits, instruments, and classes.
7. NCAA Hall of Champions: Celebrate the achievements of college athletes and explore the history of collegiate sports.
8. Indiana State Fair: Experience the annual state fair, which features entertainment, food, rides, and agricultural exhibits.
9. Go Ape Zipline and Treetop Adventure: Soar through the treetops on zip lines and challenge yourself on obstacle courses.
10. Speedway Indoor Karting: Race your friends and family on an indoor go-kart track and test your driving skills.

Accommodations in Indianapolis:

1. Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station: Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel offers rooms in historic train cars. 
2. Bottleworks Hotel: This unique and stylish hotel is in the Bottleworks District on Mass Avenue, home to a former Coca-Cola bottling plant.
3. Ironworks Hotel Indy: A boutique hotel featuring modern rooms with stunning city views.
4. Hotel Indy: This is an upscale boutique hotel in the renovated wholesale district. It has a rooftop bar and noteworthy art installations.
5. Hotel Carmichael: An immersive, upscale boutique hotel in the Carmel Arts district.
6. Conrad Indianapolis: A modern and sophisticated downtown hotel featuring spacious rooms and suites.
7. Charming Airbnb Neighborhoods: For a unique and authentic Indianapolis experience, consider staying in the Fountain Square, Chatham Arch, or Broad Ripple neighborhoods.

Indianapolis’ Most Beautiful Greenspaces

1. Fort Harrison State Park: Explore nature trails, a lake, and historic sites at this sprawling park.
2. White River State Park: This park offers scenic views of the White River, pedal boats, and lush gardens in the city’s heart.
3. Garfield Parks Sunken Gardens and Conservatory: Marvel at the sunken gardens, explore the conservatory, arts center, and leisure activities at Indianapolis’ oldest park.
4. Eagle Creek Park: Hike or bike along the trails, fish in the lake, or picnic in this vast park.
5. Holliday Park: Discover the natural beauty of the trails, see the “ruins,” and visit the playground and nature center. 
6. Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: Admire sculptures and art installations amidst the landscapes.
7. Lilly House & Gardens at Newfields: Stroll through the formal gardens and admire the historic Lilly House.
8. Riverside Regional Park: Relax by the river, watch Shakespeare at the amphitheater, swim, or enjoy a bike ride along the scenic trails in Indianapolis’ second-largest park.
9. Highland Park: At this park, you can explore the playground, have a picnic, and get the best view of the downtown Indianapolis skyline.

Mouthwatering Must-Visit Restaurants in Indianapolis

1. St. Elmo Steak House: A classic steakhouse experience with a touch of elegance and spice (known for its famous Shrimp Cocktail).
2. The Fountain Room: An intimate setting with an upscale classic steakhouse menu.
3. The Garage Food Hall: A modern food court with various trendy and delicious options.
4. The Eagle: Southern comfort food focusing on fried chicken.
5. Shapiro’s Delicatessen: A Jewish deli serving up traditional favorites and desserts.
6. Livery: A Latin-inspired restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere.
7. Bluebeard: An intimate and cozy restaurant focusing on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
8. Cafe Patachou: A farm-to-table restaurant specializing in brunch and lunch.
9. Gallery Pastry Shop: A charming pastry shop serving delicious pastries and dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
10. Caplinger’s Fresh Catch: A seafood restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere focused on fresh, sustainable seafood.
11. Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place: A soul food restaurant serving classic Southern dishes with a modern twist.
12. His Place Eatery: A soul food and BBQ restaurant focusing on home-cooked meals.
13. The Cake Bake Shop: An upscale restaurant serving delicious cakes, pastries, and a variety of entrees.
14. Milktooth: A popular brunch spot focusing on creative dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
15. The Rathskeller: A German restaurant and biergarten with a lively atmosphere and a focus on authentic cuisine.

How to Get Around Indianapolis

Tips for Visiting Indianapolis

• Are you considering visiting multiple attractions? The Indy Attraction Pass presents an excellent value.  For half the price, you can choose a one-day or three-day pass and gain admission to seven of Indianapolis’s most popular destinations.
• Instead of taking a taxi from the airport, you can save money by riding the Go Express Travel shuttle, which transports visitors to downtown Indy for under $15.
• Indianapolis offers a wide range of guided tours, providing a fun and informative way to explore the city. Visitors can choose from tours of iconic landmarks, such as the City Market Catacombs, and unique and themed tours, such as food and cemetery tours.
• Indianapolis is called “Circle City” because roundabouts are a prevalent feature. For those unfamiliar with navigating a roundabout, refer to these practical “how-to” instructions: https://www.in.gov/indot/traffic-engineering/roundabouts/
• If you are traveling from outside of the state, here are a few Indiana laws to keep in mind:
  • Marijuana is illegal; sports betting is legal.
  • Liquor can’t be sold in stores between 12-8 p.m. on Sundays.
  • U-turns are allowed at stoplights in left turn lanes when there is a median.
  • Handgun permits are not required to carry.
• While May is a great time to visit Indiana, be aware that the renowned Indianapolis 500 race on Memorial Day weekend attracts enormous crowds, potentially making the city more crowded than usual. If possible, avoid visiting Indianapolis over Memorial Day weekend if you aren’t attending the Indy 500.

Additional things to do in Indianapolis:

• Patio Dining in Indianapolis: A Guide to Outdoor Dining in the Circle City
• Indianapolis Date Ideas for Under $30!
• Spring Break in Indianapolis!

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