Downtown Indianapolis Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Indiana War Memorial showing a memorial and interior views
Attend professional sports events, tour parks filled with museums and historical landmarks and enjoy both traditional and contemporary theater scenes.

With excellent art and museum exhibitions, picturesque parks, theaters, basketball and football, a visit to Downtown Indianapolis has enough to keep you busy for days. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an 8-mile-long (13-kilometer) biking and walking route connecting the many attractions and diverse districts of Downtown Indianapolis.

The Indian State Capitol, a grand neoclassical masterpiece at the heart of the district, is open for guided tours. Walk to Monument Circle, where the Soldiers and Sailors Monument has Civil War exhibits and panoramic views from an observation deck. Watch a show at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, home of the Indiana Symphony Orchestra.

The imposing Indiana War Memorial commemorates American war veterans. Delve into Confederate and Union military history at the memorial’s Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum. Pretty plazas decorated with fountains and statues frame the memorial. Enjoy the serene ambiance of University Park and Obelisk Square.

Make your way to the Wholesale District for basketball, live music and theater. The NBA Indiana Pacers play at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Book tickets for a play at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Dine on international cuisine, sample craft beers and shop for organic produce at Indianapolis City Market.

In the Lockerbie Square district, striking Italianate, Queen Anne and Victorian homes line leafy streets. Visit the former residence of a revered children’s poet at the James Whitcomb Riley Museum. Performing arts venues, pubs and varied restaurants spread along nearby Massachusetts Avenue.

Be sure to spend a day at the 250-acre (100-hectare) White River State Park. This popular park features museums such as the Indiana State Museum and Eiteljorg Museum, which celebrates cultures of the American West. See a baseball game at Victory Field and spot over 200 species of animals at Indianapolis Zoo. NFL fans flock to the Lucas Oil Stadium to watch the Indianapolis Colts play football.

Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses serve the city, stopping at Union Station, a short walk from Downtown Indianapolis attractions. Use the low-cost Indiana Pacers Bikeshare system while here.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Indianapolis Hotel Deals

Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown
Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown
3 out of 5
130 South Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN
Fully refundable
The price is AU$211 per night from 27 May to 28 May
AU$211
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Very hard to find due to hotel signage not visible."

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown
JW Marriott Indianapolis
JW Marriott Indianapolis
4 out of 5
10 S West Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is AU$294 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
AU$294
per night
31 May - 1 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,211 reviews)
"Great property. Awesome restaurant and bar. Top notch."

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

JW Marriott Indianapolis
Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
4 out of 5
350 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN
The price is AU$255 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
AU$255
per night
31 May - 1 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, 2 coffee shops/cafes, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,021 reviews)
"Great location. Great dining options walking distance from hotel."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Omni Severin Hotel
Omni Severin Hotel
4 out of 5
40 West Jackson Place, Indianapolis, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$254 per night from 27 May to 28 May
AU$254
per night
27 May - 28 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy 3 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,142 reviews)
"Pool looked dirty No parking sucked Breakfast available means there is a restaurant 😠"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Omni Severin Hotel
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
4 out of 5
One South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Fully refundable
The price is AU$282 per night from 27 May to 28 May
AU$282
per night
27 May - 28 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Our room was nice, the only issue was the high traffic on the elevators, though I don’t know how this could be resolved."

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
The Alexander, a Dolce by Wyndham
The Alexander, a Dolce by Wyndham
4 out of 5
333 S Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$285 per night from 27 May to 28 May
AU$285
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,517 reviews)
"Nice hotel, great staff"

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

The Alexander, a Dolce by Wyndham
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.

Other neighbourhoods around 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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Wholesale District

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

Wholesale District
Indianapolis

Indiana Avenue

If you're spending time in Indiana Avenue, check out sights like Central Canal or White River State Park and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Indiana University-Riley Station or Canal Station.

Indiana Avenue
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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
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Fountain Square

If you're spending some time in Fountain Square, Fountain Square Theatre and Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art are top sights worth seeing.

Fountain Square
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Near Southside

While Near Southside 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 Garfield Park.

Near Southside

Downtown Indianapolis Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: