Indianapolis Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis

Between watching cars zoom around the famous speedway of “The Racing Capital of the World,” explore its many museums, parks and zoo.

Indianapolis, the capital city of Indiana, sits at the center of the state. To many, it’s also at the center of the racing world. Discover why it earns its nickname, “The Racing Capital of the World,” and investigate its many cultural and natural attractions.

Thrills aren’t just reserved for race car drivers at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) track hosts three of the country’s biggest races, including the Indy 500. Watch a motorcar race or learn more about the sport in the adjoining Hall of Fame Museum.

Spend an afternoon exploring White River State Park’s museums, galleries, zoo and sports stadium. Learn about local and natural history in the Indiana State Museum, which has thousands of artifacts and a massive IMAX theater. See a baseball game in Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians. View some 1,400 animals from land, sea and sky in the Indianapolis Zoo. Admission to the nearby White River Gardens is included in your entry to the zoo.

Visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Filled with dinosaurs, pirate ships, vintage toys and interactive exhibits, this museum makes learning fun for an audience of all ages.

Although it is adjacent to downtown Indianapolis, Eagle Creek Park feels a world away. Explore its backcountry trails or go swimming in its glassy lake. If you’re lucky, you might even see an eagle soaring overhead. A bit northeast of Downtown, Fort Harrison State Park offers horseback riding, fishing in Fall Creek and an 18-hole golf course.

Enjoy panoramic views of the downtown skyline from atop the steps of Crown Hill Cemetery. Take a guided or self-guided tour and learn about events from the Civil War to the Flu Epidemic of 1918. Find the gravestones of U.S. President Benjamin Harrison and infamous gangster John Dillinger.

Indianapolis has a charming historic Downtown district, presided over by the Indiana War Memorial. The memorial, which bears striking resemblance to the National Mall in Washington D.C., honors America’s veterans. Explore the downtown museums, parks, monuments and more.

Where to stay in Indianapolis

Default Image

Downtown Indianapolis

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Downtown Indianapolis. Lucas Oil Stadium is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Canal Station or Indiana University-Riley Station to see more of Indianapolis.

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 Monument Circle or Soldiers and Sailors Monument might round out your trip.

Mile Square
Default Image

Castleton

Travellers come to Castleton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Castleton Square and Dave & Buster's while you're in town.

Castleton
Default Image

Near Eastside

Travellers enjoy Near Eastside for its breweries and churches. Consider checking out Mass Ave Cultural Arts District while you're in the area.

Near Eastside
Default Image

Speedway

You'll enjoy the museums and breweries in Speedway. You might want to make time for a stop at Indianapolis Motor Speedway or Dallara IndyCar Factory.

Speedway
Default Image

Wholesale District

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

Wholesale District
Wyndham Indianapolis Airport

Wyndham Indianapolis Airport

3.5 out of 5
2544 Executive Dr, Indianapolis, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$215 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$215
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,280 reviews)

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Wyndham Indianapolis Airport
Ironworks Hotel Indy

Ironworks Hotel Indy

4 out of 5
2721 E 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is NZ$351 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$351
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,515 reviews)
"Great place and excellent staff !!!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

Ironworks Hotel Indy
Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing

Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing

4 out of 5
8787 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$192 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$192
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,269 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel on the Northside Very comfortable stay"

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing
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 Argyle on Mass Ave

The Argyle on Mass Ave

4 out of 5
615 N East St., Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (123 reviews)
Nice spot
"Great location. Host always responsive."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

The Argyle on Mass Ave
CozySuites at Block20

CozySuites at Block20

2.5 out of 5
423 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (53 reviews)
"Easy and convenient love the parking garage"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

CozySuites at Block20
The village

The village

4 out of 5
1918 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Lucas ...
7.8/10 Good! (38 reviews)
"Great stay, everything was clean and the bed was wonderful."

Reviewed on 28 Jan. 2025

The village
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Indianapolis

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 13%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 27%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Speedway tour was really informative. Accommodates 400,000 fans on race day

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Loved the canal district and zoo

5/5 - Excellent

KiwiCouple

Nice city to visit, enjoyed walking around the city. Nice weather and parking was easy and cheap.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Down town Indy is a nice place the main square is very European we went up the tower, Mas Ave area is great for food and bars and Carmel is a great little area worth a visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We were there for the Indy 500. Bucket list experience done

Cities near Indianapolis