Welcome to Indianapolis, the capital city of Indiana and a hub of Midwest culture, sports, and history. This comprehensive travel guide will take you on a journey to discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Indianapolis.
Getting There:
Indianapolis has an international airport, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which is a hub for Delta Air Lines. The airport is located just 16 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis. There are also several interstate highways that connect Indianapolis with other major cities in the Midwest.
When to Go:
The best time to visit Indianapolis is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor festivals and events. Summers can be hot and humid, and winters can be cold and snowy. However, there are always indoor attractions and events to enjoy, no matter what the weather is like.
Where to Stay:
Indianapolis has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly motels. Some of the best areas to stay in Indianapolis include the downtown area, which is close to many of the city's main attractions, and the Broad Ripple Village, which is a trendy neighborhood with many restaurants and bars.
What to Do:
Indianapolis is a city that has something for everyone, from sports fans to history buffs to art lovers.
Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Home to the famous Indy 500 race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a must-visit attraction for any racing fan. You can take a tour of the track, visit the Hall of Fame Museum, and even take a ride around the track.
Explore the Indianapolis Museum of Art: The Indianapolis Museum of Art is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the United States. It has a vast collection of art from around the world, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso.
Walk or Bike the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an 8-mile urban bike and pedestrian path that connects many of the city's cultural districts. It's a great way to see the city's neighborhoods and attractions.
Visit the Children's Museum of Indianapolis: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world and has exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. It's a great place to spend a day with the family.
Walk the Canal Walk: The Canal Walk is a beautiful promenade that runs through downtown Indianapolis. It's a great place to take a leisurely walk or bike ride, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops along the way.
Visit the Indiana State Museum: The Indiana State Museum has exhibits on the state's history, art, and science. It's a great place to learn about Indiana's culture and heritage.
Catch a Game: Indianapolis is home to several professional sports teams, including the Indianapolis Colts (football), the Indiana Pacers (basketball), and the Indianapolis Indians (baseball).
Visit the Indianapolis Zoo: The Indianapolis Zoo is home to over 1,400 animals from around the world, including tigers, elephants, and dolphins. It's a great place to spend a day with the family.
What to Eat:
Indianapolis is known for its Hoosier hospitality, and that extends to its food. There are plenty of traditional Midwestern dishes to try, as well as international cuisine.
Try a Breaded Pork Tenderloin: This sandwich is a signature dish in Indiana and is made with a breaded and fried pork tenderloin on a bun with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
Visit the Indianapolis City Market: The Indianapolis City Market is a historic indoor market that has a wide variety of food vendors, including many ethnic cuisines like Thai, Greek, and Mexican.
Try Some Indiana Corn: Indiana is known for its delicious sweet corn, which is in season during the summer months. You can find it at farmers' markets and roadside stands throughout the state.
Sample Some Local Craft Beer: Indianapolis has a thriving craft beer scene, with many local breweries producing unique and flavorful beers. Some popular breweries to check out include Sun King, Fountain Square Brewing Co., and Flat12 Bierwerks.
Try Some Sugar Cream Pie: This sweet, custard-like pie is a traditional Indiana dessert. It's made with a filling of sugar, cream, and vanilla, and is often topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Visit the St. Elmo Steak House: This iconic Indianapolis steakhouse has been serving up delicious steaks and seafood since 1902. Their famous shrimp cocktail is a must-try dish.
Try Some Indiana Fried Chicken: Fried chicken is a comfort food favorite in Indiana, and there are plenty of local restaurants that serve up crispy, juicy chicken. Some popular spots include Gray Brothers Cafeteria and Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place.
Where to Shop:
Indianapolis has a variety of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to vintage shops and markets.
Visit the Fashion Mall at Keystone: This upscale shopping center has over 100 stores, including high-end brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton.
Explore the Mass Ave District: This trendy neighborhood is home to a variety of independent boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Check Out the Indianapolis Antique Mall: This massive antique mall has over 70,000 square feet of space and over 200 vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to antique furniture.
Visit the City Market: In addition to its food vendors, the Indianapolis City Market also has several shops selling unique gifts and souvenirs.
Shop Local at the Indy Winter Farmers Market: This indoor market is open during the winter months and features local vendors selling produce, crafts, and other goods.
Conclusion:
Whether you're a sports fan, history buff, or foodie, Indianapolis has something for everyone. From the iconic Indy 500 race to the delicious Hoosier cuisine, there are plenty of reasons to visit this vibrant and welcoming city. So pack your bags and get ready to explore all that Indianapolis has to offer!