Indianapolis may not be the biggest city in the world, but it is by all means worth the visit. It is bursting with life inside with a multitude of historical and cultural sights, sporting events and centers, and other attractions for any type of traveler. This small but mighty city has a lot for visitors to discover, and this guide will give you a great example of how to do it and all you need to know.
This site contains affiliate links to products. I only show products I have tried and love. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Table of Contents
How do I get to Indianapolis?
When visiting Indianapolis, visitors have the option of arriving by plane or car. If arriving by plane the closest and most convenient airport for the city of Indianapolis is Indianapolis International Airport (IND).
The Indianapolis International Airport is a close drive to downtown, being only 7 miles south of the city. This makes it very affordable to get to and from the airport.
If arriving by car, or renting a car for the weekend, note that Indianapolis is a very easy to get around and driveable city.
Tip! If renting a car, be sure to check out DiscoverCars search engine to find the best deals on rentals in Indianapolis!
What is the best time to visit Indianapolis?
The best time of year to visit Indianapolis is at the end of the spring season around May or the fall season of September or October. The humidity is low but temperatures are high enough to be comfortable to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities without extreme weather conditions. Fall also hosts an abundance of activities and events during that time of year.
Where should I stay in Indianapolis?
Booking.comWhen visiting Indianapolis, especially for the first time, the best place to stay is in the downtown region. Here, visitors are within walking distance of many major attractions, restaurants, and sights. Some of the top-rated hotels in this area are The Crowne Plaza, Hampton Inn, and The Alexander Hotel.
Another great option for families is the neighborhood of Washington, located just a few miles north of downtown.
Sample 3-Day Indianapolis Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Indianapolis:
Morning:
Indianapolis is famous for its famous Indy 500 and racing scene. The Motor Speedway Museum is the perfect place to start your tour of the city. The museum will educate visitors with historical motocross facts and famous cars and replicas as well, making it an appealing spot for racing fans.
Tip! Be sure to check out the Indy 3-day Pass to save money on over 8 Indianapolis attractions!
Afternoon:
After a morning of learning at the motor cross, go a test the track out for yourself at the K1 Speed Park. Since Indianapolis is famous for its racing, visitors of all ages can enjoy getting behind the wheel of a two-level kart track. After your race, relax with a snack and drink and view all the authentic racing memorabilia on display.
Evening:
End your first night with a visit to The Lucas Oil Stadium. The stadium draws thousands of visitors to the city of Indianapolis every year. Home to the NFL Indianapolis Colts, the stadium not only hosts football games, but races, concerts, and other events throughout the whole year.
If there is not an event happening, you can still check out the stadium via a 75-minute tour. The last tour of the day departs at 3 pm so you might need to change your afternoon plans a bit!
Not interested in a game or a tour of the stadium? Head to Eagle Creek Park for an epic treetop adventure (zip lines, ropes course, free falls) with GoApe!
Day 2 in Indianapolis:
Morning:
Start your second day in Indianapolis at the White River State Park, followed by a visit to the Indiana Museum. The museum is based on the history of Indiana and represents all 92 counties in some way. The museum is located within the park itself, so it is a great place to not only be educated but relax and enjoy the scenery as well.
Afternoon:
During the afternoon, check out one of Indianapolis’ most unique attractions, The City Market Catacombs. The catacombs span over 20,000 feet in length below the city streets. While they were technically used for transporting meat and other goods, Indianapolis loves haunted things and it makes for a great story and attraction.
**The Catacombs are only open for tours on select Saturdays from May to October so be sure to plan accordingly. You can see those dates here. On those Saturdays, the tours depart every 15 minutes and last approximately 30 minutes.
Evening:
A must-see part of Indianapolis is the Historic District and Lockerbie Square. Explore on your own, or join a local walking tour to learn more about the history of the area. The building’s architecture is preserved in Italian style, some dating back to the 1850s. The region eventually fades into a more victorian style, showing how Indianapolis has evolved over the years.
Day 3 in Indianapolis
Morning:
Any art lover will enjoy a visit to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The museum is home to artworks from all over the world including Africa, Europe, Asia, and of course America. The museum also hosts many events throughout the year, in addition to lectures and art conferences.
If you have extra time and you want to check out the rest of the city’s art, take off on this self-guided Art Walk Scavenger Hunt! You’ll be guided by murals, interactive art displays, and amazing architecture.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a long walk, and lunch, as you take part in the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and Food Tour. Spanning 8 miles long, the trail takes you past some of the city’s most prominent sights and attractions. The food tour shows you some of the best and most delicious restaurants and eateries in the city and donates part of the money back to maintain the trail itself.
Evening:
The best way to end a weekend in Indianapolis is to catch a show at the White Rabbit Cabaret. The venue is host to a variety of different burlesque shows and small performances. During the month of May, the cabaret is all racing themed, filled with other race-theme specials as well.
Love Weekend Getaways and USA travel? Join my USA Travel Club for access to all of my printable itineraries, an exclusive booking engine, AND a private Facebook group with giveaways and other incentives! Join here!
Other things to do in Indianapolis:
- Monument Circle: The most famous landmark in the whole city of Indianapolis is Monument Circle. It is known as the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and is dedicated to those serving and suffering during the civil war. The torch signifies the freedom of the slaves and the end of the war. There is also a museum nearby.
- Tappers Arcade Bar: Go back to the past at Tappers Arcade Bar. Enjoy a craft beer and play old vintage arcade games such as pinball and centipede. Food and snacks are also available for indoor and outdoor dining.
- Eagle Creek Park: Eagle Creek Park is the largest outdoor public park in all of Indianapolis. The park is great for nature lovers, as well as adrenaline junkies. There are hiking trails, and waterways, as well as ziplines and treehouses.
- Goose The Market: One of the finest food places in the city, Goose The Market can’t be missed. This market serves fresh deli meat a produce daily, and they also offer cooking classes and meals to take home and enjoy.
- Self-guided Scavenger Hunt: Explore more of the city with a fun (and competitive) self-guided scavenger hunt! There are 4 different hunts to choose from!
Tip! Be sure to check out the Indy 3-day Pass to save money on over 8 Indianapolis attractions!
Where to eat in Indianapolis?
- Tony’s of Indianapolis: If you are looking to splurge, head to Tony’s for a fancy steak.
- Tavern on South is a good pick if you will be visiting the stadium on Day 1. It’s less than 2 blocks away and offers a special gameday menu and unique tasty drinks.
- The Eagles Nest: Located inside the Hyatt Regency, this unique stop features a revolving rooftop restaurant with beautiful views of the city!
- Bluebeard: A trendy restaurant serving farm-to-table food in a renovated 1920’s warehouse
Other Tips to know before visiting Indianapolis:
Keep in mind, that Indianapolis has a nickname, The Circle City, and for good reason. While the city itself is easy to navigate, it is also filled with many One-Way streets. Be cautious of this when driving in Indianapolis. While it’s very simple to navigate, the city can be done fairly easily on foot as well.
3-day Indianapolis Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: The Motor Speedway Museum, K1 Speed Go Karts, The Lucas Oil Stadium or Go Ape
- Day 2: White River State Park, Indiana Museum, They City Market Catacombs, Lockerbie Square,
- Day 3: Indianapolis Museum of Art, Food tour, the White Rabbit Cabernet
Keep Reading::: Check out more Midwest Weekend Getaways to add to your list!
One Weekend In Indianapolis Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Indianapolis that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Indianapolis itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Indianapolis.
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Indianapolis” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
Recent Posts
Austin, Texas is quickly becoming the number one destination for those looking to plan an unforgettable bachelorette party. With such an expansive area to cover, it can be challenging trying to...
Celebrating Mom's special day calls for a gift that goes beyond the ordinary—a gift that creates lasting memories and cherished moments. From indulgent spa days to thrilling adventures,...