Guidebook for Indianapolis
Entertainment & Activities
Home of the Indianapolis Colts and host to many other entertainment options such as monster trucks, concerts, and conventions.
312 habitants recommandent
Stade Lucas Oil
500 S Capitol AveHome of the Indianapolis Colts and host to many other entertainment options such as monster trucks, concerts, and conventions.
Short walk away to your convention! Indy Bikeshare outside the front door accepts debit/credit cards and offers a fun way to see downtown!
96 habitants recommandent
Indiana Convention Center
Monument CircleShort walk away to your convention! Indy Bikeshare outside the front door accepts debit/credit cards and offers a fun way to see downtown!
Home of the Indiana Pacers and many other entertainment events such as concerts.
210 habitants recommandent
Bankers Life Fieldhouse
125 S Pennsylvania StHome of the Indiana Pacers and many other entertainment events such as concerts.
Home of our AAA-league Indianapolis Indians. Good clean fun, and families often bring the kids to sit in the grass for discounted tickets. About a 20 minute walk to front gates.
72 habitants recommandent
Victory Field
501 W Maryland StHome of our AAA-league Indianapolis Indians. Good clean fun, and families often bring the kids to sit in the grass for discounted tickets. About a 20 minute walk to front gates.
Bring your smart friends and grown kids. Bar available, and tons of fun. Put your heads together to escape themed rooms. Puzzle solving in realtime and a total blast. Great for groups.
12 habitants recommandent
The Escape Room Indianapolis
200 S Meridian StBring your smart friends and grown kids. Bar available, and tons of fun. Put your heads together to escape themed rooms. Puzzle solving in realtime and a total blast. Great for groups.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the Indianapolis 500 mile race, the NASCAR Brickyard 400, and other race formats on various years (such as motorcycle and grand prix racing). Even if it's not racetime, the Speedway has a really nice museum with rare and interesting automobiles. There is a bus ride that takes you around the track at high speeds as well.
322 habitants recommandent
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
4790 W 16th StThe Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the Indianapolis 500 mile race, the NASCAR Brickyard 400, and other race formats on various years (such as motorcycle and grand prix racing). Even if it's not racetime, the Speedway has a really nice museum with rare and interesting automobiles. There is a bus ride that takes you around the track at high speeds as well.
Can you believe we still have a for-real, honest-to-goodness drive-in movie theater in the city? If you are feeling nostalgic or want to experience a solid, modernized drive-in for the first time, this is the place. Digital projectors, maybe-not-good-for-you-but-so-tasty concessions, and FM tuners to pipe the audio of the movies in through your car radio. Open Friday through Sundays from May through the end of October every year.
9 habitants recommandent
Tibbs Drive-In
480 S Tibbs AveCan you believe we still have a for-real, honest-to-goodness drive-in movie theater in the city? If you are feeling nostalgic or want to experience a solid, modernized drive-in for the first time, this is the place. Digital projectors, maybe-not-good-for-you-but-so-tasty concessions, and FM tuners to pipe the audio of the movies in through your car radio. Open Friday through Sundays from May through the end of October every year.
Sightseeing
There are three bars, a pizza place, and many outdoor events throughout the year are held here. Bankers Life is right at the end of it and Circle Centre Mall is adjacent.
West Georgia Street
West Georgia StreetThere are three bars, a pizza place, and many outdoor events throughout the year are held here. Bankers Life is right at the end of it and Circle Centre Mall is adjacent.
A fun way to get around downtown, especially by bicycle. Takes you by bars, restaurants, other downtown districts, tributes to inspiring historical figures, and artworks.
26 habitants recommandent
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Indianapolis Cultural TrailA fun way to get around downtown, especially by bicycle. Takes you by bars, restaurants, other downtown districts, tributes to inspiring historical figures, and artworks.
Low cost elevator ride to the observation deck and a gorgeous limestone and bronze monument to Civil War soldiers and sailors with fountains, nearby restaurants and bars, and the Circle Centre Mall.
113 habitants recommandent
Soldiers & Sailors Monument
1 Monument CirLow cost elevator ride to the observation deck and a gorgeous limestone and bronze monument to Civil War soldiers and sailors with fountains, nearby restaurants and bars, and the Circle Centre Mall.
Great restaurants, duckpin bowling, breweries, bars, meadery, and a few small music venues. Quirky, rapidly renewing neighborhood with two fountains in the core! Parking can get hairy on nights/weekends.
225 habitants recommandent
Fountain Square
Great restaurants, duckpin bowling, breweries, bars, meadery, and a few small music venues. Quirky, rapidly renewing neighborhood with two fountains in the core! Parking can get hairy on nights/weekends.
This is frequently used as a photo representation of downtown Indianapolis. Walking the whole loop is 3 miles. Very peaceful. While it is available 24 hours, we really don't recommend hanging out there much past dark.
115 habitants recommandent
Canal Walk
Canal WalkThis is frequently used as a photo representation of downtown Indianapolis. Walking the whole loop is 3 miles. Very peaceful. While it is available 24 hours, we really don't recommend hanging out there much past dark.
Everything Else
If you are traveling by bus or by train (Greyhound/Amtrak), our house is a short 10 minute walk away.
Indianapolis Greyhound Station
350 South Illinois StreetIf you are traveling by bus or by train (Greyhound/Amtrak), our house is a short 10 minute walk away.
Look for the statue of the mesmerizing dancing woman. Features upscale bars, restaurants, a great shoe store, a quirky toy shop, great gift shops and ice cream/froyo shops.
400 Massachusetts Ave
400 Massachusetts AvenueLook for the statue of the mesmerizing dancing woman. Features upscale bars, restaurants, a great shoe store, a quirky toy shop, great gift shops and ice cream/froyo shops.
Drinks & Nightlife
Indiana's oldest bar! A short 15 minute walk away. Locally owned and good place to grab a drink before or after the game/meeting. Often featuring live blues musicians.
46 habitants recommandent
Slippery Noodle Inn
372 S Meridian StIndiana's oldest bar! A short 15 minute walk away. Locally owned and good place to grab a drink before or after the game/meeting. Often featuring live blues musicians.
Indianapolis' oldest, continuously-operated black-owned and -operated bar, now just around the corner! A really classy joint all-around. Frequently features live jazz music.
The New AJ's Lounge
1118 S Meridian StIndianapolis' oldest, continuously-operated black-owned and -operated bar, now just around the corner! A really classy joint all-around. Frequently features live jazz music.
Also referred to by locals as "Le Doo-Jeh." Our favorite bar in town to sit out on the patio and burn through a pitcher of Miller Lite--or two ;). Old-school working-class bar that has been invaded by hipsters. Darts inside, great service, yummy fried food. Not family friendly due to Indiana state liquor laws.
33 habitants recommandent
Dugout Bar
621 Virginia AveAlso referred to by locals as "Le Doo-Jeh." Our favorite bar in town to sit out on the patio and burn through a pitcher of Miller Lite--or two ;). Old-school working-class bar that has been invaded by hipsters. Darts inside, great service, yummy fried food. Not family friendly due to Indiana state liquor laws.
Amazing retro arcade console games (free) and pinball (25 cents/play). Great place to put down a pint or catch them on a night of Trivia! 21+ due to state liquor laws.
82 habitants recommandent
Tappers Arcade Bar
501 Virginia AveAmazing retro arcade console games (free) and pinball (25 cents/play). Great place to put down a pint or catch them on a night of Trivia! 21+ due to state liquor laws.
Arts & Culture
Indy's best kept secret! A gem showcasing the culture and art of Native Americans. The second floor has a refurbished cigarette machine that dispenses $5 artworks and the Sky Cafe food is topflight.
131 habitants recommandent
Le musée Eiteljorg
500 W Washington StIndy's best kept secret! A gem showcasing the culture and art of Native Americans. The second floor has a refurbished cigarette machine that dispenses $5 artworks and the Sky Cafe food is topflight.
Usually family-friendly plays and musicals are always on tap. If you enjoy live theatre, it's worth your while to catch a show at Indiana's only fully-professional non-profit resident theatre.
30 habitants recommandent
Indiana Repertory Theatre
140 W Washington StUsually family-friendly plays and musicals are always on tap. If you enjoy live theatre, it's worth your while to catch a show at Indiana's only fully-professional non-profit resident theatre.
Got time to catch some live theatre? Want something a little more"edgy" and provocative? This is your best ticket in town! Check website for latest production/ticket info.
19 habitants recommandent
Phoenix Theatre
705 N Illinois StGot time to catch some live theatre? Want something a little more"edgy" and provocative? This is your best ticket in town! Check website for latest production/ticket info.
Love college sports? Come see the NCAA Headquarters Hall of Champions.
64 habitants recommandent
NCAA Hall of Champions
700 W Washington StLove college sports? Come see the NCAA Headquarters Hall of Champions.
If you grew up reading Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat's Cradle, you would be remiss not to visit this shrine to the life and work of one of Indianapolis' most famous authors.
13 habitants recommandent
Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library
543 Indiana AveIf you grew up reading Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat's Cradle, you would be remiss not to visit this shrine to the life and work of one of Indianapolis' most famous authors.
Food Scene
An Indy institution since 1905. Want a pastrami or corned beef sandwich on rye? As big as two fists? In a cafeteria setting? This is the place to go. A little pricey, but delicious! They have freshly made bagels and a good place for breakfast as well. A very easy 10 minute walk from the house.
48 habitants recommandent
Shapiro's Delicatessen
808 S Meridian StAn Indy institution since 1905. Want a pastrami or corned beef sandwich on rye? As big as two fists? In a cafeteria setting? This is the place to go. A little pricey, but delicious! They have freshly made bagels and a good place for breakfast as well. A very easy 10 minute walk from the house.
Got a sweet tooth? Vintage and unusual candies and sodas from the US and beyond for sale here. Don't go on an empty stomach ;).
Rocket Fizz Indianapolis
55 Monument CirGot a sweet tooth? Vintage and unusual candies and sodas from the US and beyond for sale here. Don't go on an empty stomach ;).
Not gonna lie, it's a funky place attached to a gas station. But this is one place we make a point to eat whenever we are back home. Phenomenal soul food. Have you been to Roscoe's in LA? This place beats it for sweet potato waffles and the hot water cornbread is to die for. Best time to go is right after they open at 11am.
9 habitants recommandent
Maxine's Chicken & Waffles
222 E Market StNot gonna lie, it's a funky place attached to a gas station. But this is one place we make a point to eat whenever we are back home. Phenomenal soul food. Have you been to Roscoe's in LA? This place beats it for sweet potato waffles and the hot water cornbread is to die for. Best time to go is right after they open at 11am.
They've been around since 1911. A little on the "dive bar" side, and they usually close early on the weekdays (8pm) and really early on Saturday (4pm, no Sunday hours). Due to state law, you must be 21 to even enter, so not family-friendly. However, if you need a cost-effective, genuine, Indiana-style pork tenderloin sandwich in your life, this is the place to get it. We usually get the Macedonian stew in medium heat. It's an old family recipe passed down to the current owners and it is THE BEST on a chilly autumn/winter/spring day. Take-out is available.
John's Famous Stew
1146 Kentucky AveThey've been around since 1911. A little on the "dive bar" side, and they usually close early on the weekdays (8pm) and really early on Saturday (4pm, no Sunday hours). Due to state law, you must be 21 to even enter, so not family-friendly. However, if you need a cost-effective, genuine, Indiana-style pork tenderloin sandwich in your life, this is the place to get it. We usually get the Macedonian stew in medium heat. It's an old family recipe passed down to the current owners and it is THE BEST on a chilly autumn/winter/spring day. Take-out is available.
For LGBT folks looking for a chill, old-school bar/restaurant, this is the spot. Fantastic hot and spicy Bloody Mary served up with brunch on Sundays...get there right after they open because it is usually at capacity quickly.
13 habitants recommandent
English Ivy's
944 N Alabama StFor LGBT folks looking for a chill, old-school bar/restaurant, this is the spot. Fantastic hot and spicy Bloody Mary served up with brunch on Sundays...get there right after they open because it is usually at capacity quickly.
This place has been around since the 1930's or 40's?...forever. This is the only donut shop that needs to exist in the world. Long Johns, Mariannes, and, seriously, the most incredible glazed yeast donuts you will ever eat in your entire life. I'm not exaggerating. Try not to inhale a half-dozen when the lady behind the counter tells you "yep, they're still hot". Get there at 5:30am and it's guaranteed. There will be a line. There is almost always a line until the afternoon. They are a CASH ONLY and takeout only establishment.
28 habitants recommandent
Long's Bakery
1453 N Tremont StThis place has been around since the 1930's or 40's?...forever. This is the only donut shop that needs to exist in the world. Long Johns, Mariannes, and, seriously, the most incredible glazed yeast donuts you will ever eat in your entire life. I'm not exaggerating. Try not to inhale a half-dozen when the lady behind the counter tells you "yep, they're still hot". Get there at 5:30am and it's guaranteed. There will be a line. There is almost always a line until the afternoon. They are a CASH ONLY and takeout only establishment.
Pricey but iconic Indianapolis steak house. (As seen on Parks and Rec!) Not at their best during Devour Downtown events, but absolutely on point any other time. The shrimp cocktail is hot and will clear your sinuses, but in a good way.
157 habitants recommandent
St. Elmo Steak House
127 S Illinois StPricey but iconic Indianapolis steak house. (As seen on Parks and Rec!) Not at their best during Devour Downtown events, but absolutely on point any other time. The shrimp cocktail is hot and will clear your sinuses, but in a good way.
Upscale Italian bar and restaurant. Very nice ambiance and a great well-stocked bar. Food and service for us has been uneven, but most people who have been there rave about it. A very easy 5 minute walk from the house.
47 habitants recommandent
Iozzo's Garden of Italy
946 S Meridian StUpscale Italian bar and restaurant. Very nice ambiance and a great well-stocked bar. Food and service for us has been uneven, but most people who have been there rave about it. A very easy 5 minute walk from the house.
This place is, not gonna lie, a real down-home hamburger stand. The food is delicious (especially after a night of hard-imbibing), but the service is usually surly and the decor has not been refreshed since some time in the 20th century. Definitely bring your sense of humor and adventure :) Open 24 hours!
20 habitants recommandent
PEPPY GRILL
3401 Virginia AveThis place is, not gonna lie, a real down-home hamburger stand. The food is delicious (especially after a night of hard-imbibing), but the service is usually surly and the decor has not been refreshed since some time in the 20th century. Definitely bring your sense of humor and adventure :) Open 24 hours!
The pride of Fletcher Place neighborhood. Super hipster and located in the garage we used to go take our car to get fixed. Everything is fresh, inventive, and amazing. The owner/chef is James Beard Finalist Johnathan Brooks.
182 habitants recommandent
Milktooth
534 Virginia AveThe pride of Fletcher Place neighborhood. Super hipster and located in the garage we used to go take our car to get fixed. Everything is fresh, inventive, and amazing. The owner/chef is James Beard Finalist Johnathan Brooks.
The food and wine is delicious, there isn't a bad seat in the house. The Stergiopolous family has been doin' it right since 1987. Saganaki here is amazing. Bring your best 'OPA!' A very easy 5-7 minute walk from the house.
12 habitants recommandent
Greek Islands
906 S Meridian StThe food and wine is delicious, there isn't a bad seat in the house. The Stergiopolous family has been doin' it right since 1987. Saganaki here is amazing. Bring your best 'OPA!' A very easy 5-7 minute walk from the house.
Parks & Nature
Great place to take the kids for the afternoon. There's a train ride (additional cost) to do a loop of the zoo we always take. If you have extra time and cash, the Gardens are fantastic too.
311 habitants recommandent
Zoo d'Indianapolis
1200 W Washington StGreat place to take the kids for the afternoon. There's a train ride (additional cost) to do a loop of the zoo we always take. If you have extra time and cash, the Gardens are fantastic too.
Open air concerts on the Lawn make this one of our favorite places in the summertime.
170 habitants recommandent
Parc d'État de White River
801 W Washington StOpen air concerts on the Lawn make this one of our favorite places in the summertime.
Summertime: the Sunken Gardens are a gorgeous, quiet retreat from the bustle of downtown. Wintertime: the lush Conservatory is a retreat from the cold and ice. Free/suggested donation at the door.
79 habitants recommandent
Parc Garfield
2345 Pagoda DrSummertime: the Sunken Gardens are a gorgeous, quiet retreat from the bustle of downtown. Wintertime: the lush Conservatory is a retreat from the cold and ice. Free/suggested donation at the door.
Nice place to take the kids to shake out the sillies. Great playground equipment and located next to the Concord Center, Indianapolis' oldest neighborhood center.
Kelly Park
1200 S Meridian StNice place to take the kids to shake out the sillies. Great playground equipment and located next to the Concord Center, Indianapolis' oldest neighborhood center.
Hidden away among parking lots for the stadium sits this quiet little Indy city park. Less inviting than Kelly Park, but still has decent playground equipment, nice picnic shelter, and some hoops. Usually very quiet.
Babe Denny Park
900 Meikel StHidden away among parking lots for the stadium sits this quiet little Indy city park. Less inviting than Kelly Park, but still has decent playground equipment, nice picnic shelter, and some hoops. Usually very quiet.