Top 10 Things to Do in Indianapolis, IN

Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the city's most famous attractions and a must-see destination for motorsports fans visiting Indianapolis.

Why go: The historic speedway is home to the Indianapolis 500 and provides an opportunity to experience one of the most recognizable racing venues in the United States.

What to see: Explore the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, see the famous track, learn about racing history, and check for tours or special events during your visit.

Best for: Motorsports fans, families, sports travelers, photographers, and visitors interested in Indianapolis history.

Best time: Racing events and the surrounding spring and summer season can be especially exciting, although the speedway and museum can be part of an Indianapolis itinerary at other times of year.

Travel tip: Check the current event calendar and museum schedule before visiting, especially around major racing weekends.

Combine it with: Speedway-area restaurants, racing attractions, and a return trip downtown for Indianapolis museums and neighborhoods.

Explore White River State Park

White River State Park is a central Indianapolis destination where visitors can combine outdoor spaces with several of the city's major cultural and family attractions.

Why go: The park provides green space in downtown Indianapolis and connects several attractions within a relatively compact area.

What to see: Explore the park's paths, open spaces, riverfront areas, and nearby attractions including the Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, and other downtown destinations.

Best for: Families, couples, walkers, photographers, first-time visitors, and travelers who want to combine several attractions.

Best time: Spring through fall is particularly pleasant for outdoor exploration, while the nearby museums provide indoor options throughout the year.

Travel tip: Plan your route in advance because several major attractions can easily fill an entire day when combined.

Walk the Indianapolis Canal Walk

The Indianapolis Canal Walk offers an easy way to experience downtown Indianapolis while enjoying a scenic path along the water.

Why go: The canal provides a distinctive downtown setting with walking paths, water views, public art, and convenient access to several attractions.

What to do: Walk or jog along the canal, photograph downtown scenery, explore nearby parks, and connect the Canal Walk with White River State Park.

Best for: Walkers, runners, families, couples, photographers, and travelers looking for an outdoor activity near downtown.

Don't miss: Look for opportunities to combine the Canal Walk with the nearby museums, parks, and Indianapolis Zoo.

Travel tip: The Canal Walk can be particularly enjoyable in comfortable weather when you can spend more time outdoors.

Visit Monument Circle

Monument Circle is the heart of downtown Indianapolis and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.

Why go: The circle surrounds the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and provides a central starting point for exploring downtown Indianapolis.

What to see: Walk around the monument, explore the surrounding streets, visit nearby restaurants and shops, and take in the architecture of the downtown area.

Best for: First-time visitors, history enthusiasts, photographers, couples, families, and travelers exploring downtown.

Travel tip: Monument Circle works well as part of a walking itinerary that also includes the Indiana Statehouse, downtown restaurants, and nearby attractions.

Combine it with: Downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana Statehouse, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, and nearby restaurants.

Explore the Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo is a popular family attraction located near White River State Park and offers visitors opportunities to see animals, explore exhibits, and learn about wildlife.

Why go: The zoo combines animal exhibits, educational experiences, gardens, and family-oriented attractions in a central Indianapolis location.

What to see: Explore animal habitats, seasonal exhibits, interactive experiences, and other attractions available during your visit.

Best for: Families with children, animal lovers, students, and travelers looking for a full-day attraction.

Best time: Spring through fall is especially convenient for outdoor exhibits, although seasonal schedules vary.

Travel tip: Check current hours, exhibits, and special experiences before visiting.

Visit the Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is one of the city's best-known family attractions and offers interactive exhibits designed for children and families.

Why go: The museum combines science, history, culture, and hands-on learning with exhibits designed to encourage children to explore and participate.

What to see: Explore interactive galleries, dinosaur exhibits, cultural displays, science experiences, and rotating exhibitions.

Best for: Families with children, school-age visitors, grandparents traveling with grandchildren, and educational trips.

Travel tip: Allow several hours because the museum is large and offers enough exhibits to fill a substantial part of a day.

Explore the Indiana State Museum

The Indiana State Museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Indiana's natural history, cultural heritage, science, and communities.

Why go: The museum provides context about Indiana's history and natural environment while offering exhibits for visitors of different ages.

What to see: Explore galleries covering Indiana's natural history, cultural development, science, and historical stories.

Best for: Families, history enthusiasts, students, first-time visitors, and travelers interested in learning more about Indiana.

Travel tip: Combine the museum with White River State Park and the Canal Walk for a convenient downtown sightseeing route.

Visit the Eiteljorg Museum

The Eiteljorg Museum is a downtown Indianapolis cultural attraction focused on Native American and Western art, history, and culture.

Why go: The museum offers a different perspective on American art and history through collections and exhibitions connected to Native American cultures and the American West.

What to see: Explore permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, artwork, historical objects, and cultural displays.

Best for: Art lovers, history enthusiasts, families, students, and travelers interested in American culture.

Travel tip: Combine the museum with the Indiana State Museum and other White River State Park attractions.

Explore Broad Ripple Village

Broad Ripple Village is a popular Indianapolis neighborhood known for restaurants, local shops, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and access to the Monon Trail.

Why go: Broad Ripple offers a neighborhood experience away from the downtown core, with dining, shopping, recreation, and nightlife options.

What to do: Explore local restaurants and shops, walk or bike the Monon Trail, visit nearby parks, and enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere.

Best for: Couples, food travelers, shoppers, cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors looking for a local neighborhood experience.

Travel tip: Allow extra time if you want to combine the neighborhood with recreational activities along the Monon Trail.

Explore the Indianapolis Cultural Trail

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an urban pathway connecting several downtown neighborhoods, public spaces, cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment destinations.

Why go: The trail provides a convenient way to explore central Indianapolis while connecting several destinations on foot or by bicycle.

What to do: Walk or bike through downtown, discover public art, visit nearby attractions, and stop at restaurants and shops along the route.

Best for: Walkers, cyclists, couples, photographers, first-time visitors, and travelers who enjoy exploring cities outdoors.

Travel tip: Combine the Cultural Trail with Monument Circle, Mass Ave, Fountain Square, and other downtown neighborhoods.

Quick Picks

Attraction	Time
Indianapolis Motor Speedway	2–4 hrs
White River State Park	2–4 hrs
Canal Walk	1–2 hrs
Monument Circle	1–2 hrs
Indianapolis Zoo	3–5 hrs
Children's Museum	3–5 hrs
Indiana State Museum	2–3 hrs
Eiteljorg Museum	1.5–3 hrs
Broad Ripple Village	2–4 hrs
Cultural Trail	1–3 hrs

How Many Days Do You Need in Indianapolis?

For a first visit, three days in Indianapolis is a good starting point. A long weekend gives you enough time to explore Monument Circle, White River State Park, the Canal Walk, major museums, and one or two of the city's neighborhoods. Sports fans may want additional time around a major event or a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Trip Length	Suggested Plan
1 Day	Focus on Monument Circle, the Canal Walk, White River State Park, downtown Indianapolis, and one major museum or attraction.
2 Days	Add the Indianapolis Zoo, Children's Museum, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, Broad Ripple, or another downtown attraction.
3 Days	Add the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and more time exploring the Cultural Trail, neighborhoods, restaurants, and museums.
4–5 Days	Add additional museums, sports attractions, nearby Indiana destinations, outdoor recreation, shopping, or a slower neighborhood-focused itinerary.

Indianapolis One-Day Itinerary

Morning

Start downtown at Monument Circle and explore the surrounding streets. Continue toward the Canal Walk and White River State Park while enjoying the city's architecture and public spaces.

Afternoon

Visit one of the major museums in the White River State Park area, such as the Indiana State Museum or Eiteljorg Museum. If you're traveling with children, consider the Indianapolis Zoo or another family attraction.

Evening

Explore the Indianapolis Cultural Trail or head to Mass Ave or another downtown neighborhood for dinner. If you're interested in sports, check the event calendar for a game or other scheduled event.

Indianapolis Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Downtown and White River State Park

Monument Circle → Indiana Statehouse area → Canal Walk → White River State Park → Indiana State Museum or Eiteljorg Museum → Downtown dinner.

Day 2 — Family Attractions and Neighborhoods

Indianapolis Zoo or Children's Museum → Cultural Trail → Broad Ripple Village → Monon Trail → Evening dining and neighborhood exploration.

Indianapolis Three-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Downtown Indianapolis

Monument Circle → Indiana Statehouse area → Canal Walk → White River State Park → Downtown dinner.

Day 2 — Museums and Family Attractions

Children's Museum or Indianapolis Zoo → Indiana State Museum → Eiteljorg Museum → Cultural Trail → Evening in Mass Ave or another Indianapolis neighborhood.

Day 3 — Motor Speedway and Neighborhoods

Indianapolis Motor Speedway → Speedway-area exploration → Broad Ripple Village → Monon Trail → Evening dining in Indianapolis.

Best Time to Visit Indianapolis

Indianapolis can be visited year-round, but late spring through early fall is particularly appealing for travelers who want to enjoy outdoor attractions, festivals, sports, parks, and neighborhood activities.

Spring: A pleasant season for parks, outdoor attractions, museums, and exploring Indianapolis neighborhoods. Major sporting events can also make this a particularly active time in the city.
Summer: A popular season for outdoor activities, festivals, sports, the Canal Walk, Indianapolis Zoo, and exploring neighborhoods.
Fall: Cooler temperatures can make walking, biking, parks, and neighborhood exploration comfortable, while museums and indoor attractions remain useful.
Winter: Colder weather makes museums, restaurants, shopping, sporting events, and indoor attractions useful additions to an itinerary.

If your main goal is outdoor sightseeing, walking, or biking, check the forecast before your visit and keep some flexibility in your daily plans. Indianapolis weather can change considerably by season.

How to Get Around Indianapolis

Walking: Downtown, Monument Circle, the Canal Walk, White River State Park, and several nearby attractions can be explored on foot.
Public transportation: IndyGo operates bus service throughout Indianapolis, while the Red Line provides rapid transit along an important north-south corridor.
Rideshare: Rideshare services can be convenient for moving between downtown, neighborhoods, restaurants, and attractions that are farther apart.
Car: A vehicle can be useful for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, suburban attractions, and destinations outside central Indianapolis.
Biking: The Indianapolis Cultural Trail and Monon Trail provide options for exploring parts of the city by bicycle.

Parking and Driving in Indianapolis

A car can be useful in Indianapolis, particularly if your itinerary includes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Broad Ripple, suburban attractions, or destinations outside downtown.

Downtown attractions such as Monument Circle, the Canal Walk, White River State Park, and several museums can be combined into a walking itinerary, making it possible to leave your vehicle parked while exploring central Indianapolis.

Parking rules, rates, and availability vary by neighborhood, attraction, event, and time of day. Check current parking information before driving to a specific destination, particularly during major sporting events.

Where to Stay in Indianapolis

Downtown Indianapolis: Convenient for first-time visitors who want access to Monument Circle, museums, restaurants, sports venues, the Canal Walk, and public transportation.
Mass Ave: A good choice for travelers interested in restaurants, bars, theaters, independent shops, galleries, and a lively downtown neighborhood.
Broad Ripple: Useful for travelers who prefer restaurants, local shops, outdoor recreation, and access to the Monon Trail.
Near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Convenient for visitors attending racing events or spending significant time exploring the Speedway area.
Near Indianapolis International Airport: Useful for early flights, short business trips, or travelers who prioritize airport convenience over being close to downtown attractions.

Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Indianapolis

Explore Monument Circle: Walking around Monument Circle and viewing the Soldiers and Sailors Monument can be a simple way to experience downtown Indianapolis.
Walk the Canal Walk: Exploring the Canal Walk provides free outdoor sightseeing and water views.
Explore White River State Park: Walking through the park and enjoying its public spaces does not require admission.
Walk the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: Exploring the trail and its public art and neighborhoods can provide a low-cost way to experience central Indianapolis.
Explore Broad Ripple: Walking through the neighborhood and along portions of the Monon Trail can be enjoyed without an attraction admission fee.
Explore downtown neighborhoods: Mass Ave, Fountain Square, and other central neighborhoods offer opportunities for free walking and sightseeing.
Use public transportation: IndyGo can reduce the need for parking and rideshares when traveling between suitable destinations.

Indianapolis Itinerary Planning by Traveler Type

Best Indianapolis itinerary for first-time visitors

Prioritize Monument Circle, White River State Park, the Canal Walk, the Indiana State Museum, Eiteljorg Museum, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. If you have additional time, explore the Cultural Trail and one of the city's popular neighborhoods.

Best Indianapolis itinerary with kids

Families can combine the Children's Museum of Indianapolis with the Indianapolis Zoo, White River State Park, the Canal Walk, and other family-friendly attractions. Keep indoor museums available during periods of hot, cold, or wet weather.

Best Indianapolis itinerary for couples

Couples can explore Monument Circle, walk the Canal, visit an art or history museum, explore the Cultural Trail, enjoy restaurants in Mass Ave or Broad Ripple, and attend a sporting or cultural event.

Best Indianapolis itinerary for outdoor travelers

Focus on the Canal Walk, White River State Park, Cultural Trail, Monon Trail, Broad Ripple, and other city parks. Biking and walking can be good ways to experience Indianapolis when weather conditions are comfortable.

Best Indianapolis itinerary for sports travelers

Start with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and check the city's professional and college sports schedules. Downtown venues, sporting events, and the Speedway can provide several ways to build an Indianapolis sports-focused trip.

Indianapolis Travel Tips

Start with Monument Circle, White River State Park, and central attractions if this is your first visit.
Bring layers because Indianapolis weather can vary significantly by season.
Wear comfortable shoes because downtown attractions can be combined into walking routes.
Consider public transportation, walking, biking, or rideshare for central Indianapolis and use a car when visiting destinations farther away.
Allow additional time for the Children's Museum or Indianapolis Zoo because either attraction can occupy a substantial part of a day.
Check current schedules for museums, sporting events, festivals, and seasonal attractions.
If visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during a major event, plan transportation and parking ahead of time.
Consider staying downtown if you want to minimize driving during your main sightseeing days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Indianapolis

What are the top things to do in Indianapolis?

The top things to do in Indianapolis include visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, exploring White River State Park, walking the Canal Walk, visiting Monument Circle, exploring the Indianapolis Zoo, visiting the Children's Museum, and discovering museums and neighborhoods throughout the city.

What is Indianapolis best known for?

Indianapolis is best known for motorsports and the Indianapolis 500, professional and college sports, Monument Circle, museums, family attractions, downtown cultural destinations, and its connections to Indiana history.

Is Indianapolis good for a weekend trip?

Yes. A weekend can cover several of Indianapolis's major attractions, particularly if you focus on downtown, Monument Circle, White River State Park, the Canal Walk, museums, and one major family or sports attraction.

What should I not miss in Indianapolis?

First-time visitors should consider Monument Circle, White River State Park, the Canal Walk, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and at least one of the city's major museums or family attractions. The best combination depends on your interests and the season.

How many days do you need in Indianapolis?

Three days is a useful amount of time for a first visit. Two days can cover many major downtown attractions, while four or more days allow additional time for museums, neighborhoods, sports, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and nearby destinations.

Do you need a car in Indianapolis?

A car can be useful but is not essential for a downtown-focused trip. Central attractions can be reached through walking, public transportation, biking, and rideshare. A vehicle becomes more useful for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, suburban attractions, and destinations outside the city center.

What are the best things to do in Indianapolis with kids?

Families can enjoy the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Zoo, White River State Park, the Canal Walk, Indiana State Museum, and other family-friendly attractions. The best combination depends on the children's ages and the season.

What can you do in Indianapolis for free?

Walking around Monument Circle, exploring the Canal Walk, visiting public areas of White River State Park, walking the Cultural Trail, and exploring neighborhoods such as Broad Ripple can provide free or low-cost activities. Some museums and attractions charge admission, so check current policies before visiting.

Is Indianapolis a good base for exploring Indiana?

Indianapolis can be a convenient base for exploring several parts of central Indiana. Depending on your itinerary, you can combine a city visit with trips to nearby communities, outdoor destinations, historic sites, and other Indiana attractions.