THINGS EVERY URBAN ADVENTURER SHOULD DO IN INDY

With friends old and new, you’ve traveled by foot, bike, and train to see the world. Yelp is your guidebook and Instagram your photo album. You’ve stayed in AirBnB’s and Airstreams – and everything in between. You value knowledge, free WiFi, and authentic experiences above all, eating where the locals eat and shopping where they shop.

Backpack in tow and smartphone in hand, you’re an urban adventurer.

Summer Nights Film Series
Indianapolis Museum of Art

The IMA is home to an incredible outdoor amphitheater where they screen films select Friday and Saturdays
Arrive early and picnic before the show
From Friday to Arsenic & Old Lace to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the summer line-up has classics, cult film, and hits

White River State Park
Nation's Largest Urban State Park

Stroll, bike or segway the Canal Walk, a 3-mile journey that hugs the Central Canal
Hanging out at the Eiteljorg Museum or Indiana State Museum outdoor patios with snacks and beverages is a popular way to people-watch and enjoy the city skyline
Jump start your day with a latte at Quill's Coffee or enjoy a meal on the patio at Burgerhaus

Relax at the Beer Garden
Indianapolis Museum of Art

Enjoy brews from Sun King Brewery, wine, beef franks, or share a charcuterie board
Sit and stay a while, or take a drink with you for a stroll through the gardens
To-go options are also available for picnics

Mass Ave
Trendy, Artsy, Local

Mass Ave Cultural District is the place for hanging out with the locals
During the day, shop at homegrown stores like Silver in the City or the nation’s oldest shoe store, Stouts
At night, hit the bar scene at the Chatterbox or Union 50, satisfy your palette at Pizzology, or check out a contemporary show at Theatre on the Square

The Lawn at White River State Park
Rock out under downtown skies

The Lawn is a downtown outdoor amphitheater and a Top 100 outdoor concert venue, rated by Pollstar
Jam out to great artists like Lifehouse, Travis Scott, and Goo Goo Dolls, all coming to Indy this summer
Intimate 6,000-seat outdoor venue for big name headliners in White River State Park

Urban Adventurers: Taste craft beer at the CANvitational
A Celebrate of Suds

America’s love affair with craft beer is celebrated in a one-of-a-kind festival saluting the nation’s best craft beers – in cans
Organized by Indiana craft beer pioneer Sun King, 40+ breweries from all over the U.S. participate in the Georgia Street festival
Food trucks join the festivities with a variety of menu selections

Fountain Square
Historic Neighborhood Finding New Life

Connected to the Cultural Trail, be part of an historic neighborhood that has transformed overnight with new restaurants, nightlife, and theatre
Try your hand at duckpin bowling at the historic Fountain Square Theatre Building, or put on your dancing shoes for ballroom dancing
Find art treasures at the Murphy Art Center which houses multiple galleries and artist studios

Ride the Cultural Trail
Connecting Indy’s Downtown Cultural Districts

The Trail is eight miles long, consisting of biking and walk/run paths that lead to downtown’s unique neighborhoods and connecting to the popular Monon Trail
Along the way, find $2 million of public art, such as Anne Dancing and Poet’s Place
It was named the biggest and boldest step by any American city by People for Public Spaces

Alternative Transportation
Getting around the Circle City

Pacers Bikeshare: With 250 bike and 25 stations, getting around downtown is easy. Day passes are $8 and include unlimited 30-minute rides for 24-hours
BlueIndy: First 100% electric car sharing service in the country. With 1000 charging stations and 500 Bluecars throughout the city, you can drive one-way or round trip, 24/7 pick up anywhere, ready when you need it

Indy Coffeehouses
Stay Energized All Day Long

Get your caffeine buzz at one of our local coffeehouses. Sitting down over a cup of java is an ideal way to discover neighborhoods and intersect with local culture. From Calvin Fletcher's in Fletcher Place to Mo' Joe in the Indiana Avenue District, grab a cup and drink up the city.

GUIDE TO INDY COFFEEHOUSES

Breweries
Beer, Please.

Make your reservation on the Handlebar or The Pickled Pedaler and enjoy a beverage (or two, or three) while you pedal with new found friends
Tour Indy’s amazing craft breweries with either Brewery Tours of Indianapolis or Indy Brew Bus
Make your way to the Indianapolis City Market and its Tomlinson Tap Room, proudly serving Indiana’s finest craft beers

GUIDE TO INDY BREWERIES

Public Greens
Eat For a Cause

Dedicates 100% of its profits to The Patachou Foundation, which feeds at-risk children
Remarkable value for a farm-fresh menu, legendary local restauranteur Martha Hoover uses organic and locally sourced products
Located in Broad Ripple Village, Indy’s center of nightlife and dining

Where the Locals Go to See a Show

Indy’s music scene goes beyond huge concert halls. At these nine small venues in Indianapolis, there are no assigned seats; there is only music — be it blues, jazz, rock, punk, metal, or indie folk.

OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH MUSIC VENUES

City Market
Food, Beer, and Indy Culture

30+ local artisan vendors selling a variety of ethnic foods, fresh produce, meats and retail treasures
Voted #1 historic public food market in the U.S. by Country Living
First opened in 1886, the Indianapolis City Market offers tours of its Romanesque underground catacombs

Central Library
Best of New and Old Come Together

Breathtaking view of the American Legion Mall from the 5^th floor
Named one of the 10 Most Beautiful Libraries in the United States by Mental Floss
Major addition married a modern structure with original neoclassical building

Indy Like a Local
Indy's Cultural Leaders Dish on the Best of the City

Enjoying an authentic experience is an important part of visiting a city, so we asked 18 locals to be guides for the Circle City. From restaurant owners to DJs to athletes and fashionistas, get an insider opinion on what to see, do, and eat in Indy.

INDY LIKE A LOCAL

The Alexander
Indy's Premier Art Hotel

The Alexander hotel, named after Alexander Ralston, the man who designed the layout of Indy, is all about design and art
The Market Table will forever change your way of thinking about buffets
Grab a cocktail at Plat 99 where you'll be surrounded by colorful lighting designed by artist Jorge Pardo

CLICK FOR MORE HOTEL OPTIONS

Outdoor Exploration
Five spots to get outside

When fresh air is calling your name, Indianapolis is here to deliver. From hiking to biking to ziplining, here’s our guide to exploring the outdoors and enjoying the top parks and pubic places in Indy.

PARKS IN INDIANAPOLIS