South Bend Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Basilica of the Sacred Heart featuring heritage architecture and a garden
Basilica of the Sacred Heart showing flowers, a park and heritage architecture
South Bend showing a city
South Bend
South Bend

This thriving metropolis is known for its revered colleges, arts and entertainment centres, great shopping, restaurants, parks and plazas, and rich local history.

South Bend is a charming city with diversity in its arts, history, universities and shopping. Begin your stay exploring downtown. Find local, regional and international goods as well as boutique and handmade arts and crafts. Dining options are plentiful, with everything from counterculture coffee and ethnic foods to fine dining.

The colleges in South Bend foster a vibrant community of intellectual, scientific, artistic and sporting pursuits. See the iconic gilded Golden Dome and the statue of Mary on the main building at the University of Notre Dame.

Arts are big in South Bend so enjoy seeing a show or hearing the symphony orchestra play at the beautiful Morris Performing Arts Centre. Originally built in 1921, the Morris Performing Arts Centre is on the National Register for Historic Places.

If you are a history buff, be sure to walk through the Oliver Mansion and Centre for History, the Victorian mansion that was Joseph D. Oliver’s house he was the inventor of the chilled plough. Visit the indoor museum at the Military Honour Park and take the little ones to the children’s museum. Discover how Christian faith influenced life in South Bend at the Taylor Memorial Chapel and the Grotto of Our Lady at the University of Notre Dame.

With an array of parks and recreational centres, South Bend offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity. Take a morning stroll through the city’s parks and gardens on the designated Riverwalk trails. Visit the wildlife oasis of Rum Village Nature Centre and walk or bike through the woodlands. Take the kids to the Potawatomi Zoo and discover scientific gems and historical artefacts at the Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum.

South Bend is in North Central Indiana, 96 miles (155 kilometres) east of Chicago. The most efficient way to get around is by Transpo, the local bus system. If you choose to drive, the city is easy to navigate and taxis are readily available.

Where to stay in South Bend

University of Notre Dame featuring a garden, heritage architecture and wild flowers

Northeast South Bend

Though Northeast South Bend may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Compton Family Ice Arena and Morris Performing Arts Center.

Northeast South Bend
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Wooded Estates

While there might not be top attractions in Wooded Estates, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium.

Wooded Estates
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Harters Heights

Harters Heights might not have many top sights, but Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Harters Heights
South Bend featuring signage and flowers

Downtown South Bend

While visiting Downtown South Bend, you might make a stop by sights like Morris Performing Arts Center and Studebaker National Museum.

Downtown South Bend
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Near Northwest

Near Northwest might not have many top sights, but South Bend Civic Theater and Morris Performing Arts Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Near Northwest
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Northshore Triangle

Northshore Triangle might not have many top sights, but South Bend Civic Theater and Morris Performing Arts Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Northshore Triangle
Doubletree Hotel South Bend

Doubletree Hotel South Bend

4 out of 5
123 N Dr. Martin Luther King BLVD, South Bend, IN
The price is AU$195 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$195
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,016 reviews)
"One of the best hotel I ever been to so far I will definitely be back"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Doubletree Hotel South Bend
La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

3 out of 5
52554 STATE ROAD 933, South Bend, IN
The price is AU$139 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$139
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,080 reviews)
"Room was ok. Nothing special about this place."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area
Motel 6 South Bend, IN - Mishawaka

Motel 6 South Bend, IN - Mishawaka

2 out of 5
236 N Dixie Way, South Bend, IN
The price is AU$113 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
AU$113
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7/10 Good! (1,021 reviews)
"TV remote did not work, telephone in room did not work so unable to call front desk to tell them about the remote. Very close to campus"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Motel 6 South Bend, IN - Mishawaka
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 Overlook | Downtown | ND

The Overlook | Downtown | ND

South Bend
Stay at this vacation home in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Notre Dame Stadium and Four Winds Casino South ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
South bend Stay
"The elevator was broken. It was a long walk to get to the residence which made it difficult to navigate checking in and getting inside. Outside of this, the property was beautiful and the residence was lovely, clean, quiet and homey."

Reviewed on 4 May 2025

The Overlook | Downtown | ND
Hot Tub, Fire Pit—Walk to Notre Dame and Downtown

Hot Tub, Fire Pit—Walk to Notre Dame and Downtown

South Bend
Stay at this vacation home in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Notre Dame Stadium and Four Winds Casino South ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"It was a WONDERFUL STAY. Everything was clean, accommodating and welcoming. If we visit again would be staying again."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Hot Tub, Fire Pit—Walk to Notre Dame and Downtown
Golden Dome Getaway: Hot Tub, Cinema, Fire Pit!

Golden Dome Getaway: Hot Tub, Cinema, Fire Pit!

South Bend
Stay at this vacation home in South Bend. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Notre Dame Stadium and Four Winds Casino ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"Very clean house that has been nicely updated. Owner was very responsive and the neighborhood was quite nice. One note, the neighbors are lite sleepers and are not shy about letting you know if youre too loud. LOL. just a heads up!"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Golden Dome Getaway: Hot Tub, Cinema, Fire Pit!
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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