Trip Ideas

Urban Adventurers

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.

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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
Sip a latte at Quill's Coffee

Experience Bottleworks Hotel

Boutique Hotel Within the Historic Coca-Cola Bottling Plant

Visit Indianapolis in luxurious comfort and travel beyond your expectations.

140-key boutique hotel, occupying top two floors of the historic Coca-Cola Bottling Works.
Experience a glamorous aesthetic that weaves historic architectural features with modern hotel amenities.
The unbeatable location also puts you steps away from the city's most popular attractions and restaurants.

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Indy Eats

Restaurants ready to serve you in Indianapolis:

In response to COVID volatility, we've curated a list of restaurants ready to serve you.
Use quick links to order online.
Find establishments with heated outdoor seating and sort by area of town.

START DINING IN INDY

Mass Ave

Trendy, Artsy, Local

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 The Eagle, or check out a contemporary show at District Theatre

Fountain Square

Historic Neighborhood Finding New Life

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
Named the biggest and boldest step by any American city by People for Public Spaces, the trail showcases $2 million of public art, such as Anne Dancing and Poet’s Place

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
IndyGo: Indy's offocial public transportaion offers 30+ fixed routes, including bus rapid transit between downtown and Broad Ripple

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

GUIDE TO INDY BREWERIES

Public Greens

Eat For a Cause

Located in Broad Ripple Village and 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

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 fifth 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
Grab a cocktail at Plat 99 where you'll be surrounded by colorful lighting designed by artist Jorge Pardo

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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

Trip Ideas for Urban Adventurers