Fast cars take a back seat to stellar museums, nightlife and cuisine.
There was a time when the famed Indy 500 raceway was thought of as the sole star in the Indianapolis, Indiana, firmament. While the track still attracts, travelers are waking up to the fact that Indianapolis is not just a one-dimensional town. One shiny example: The new Cultural Trail winds its way through the city, offering a pleasant way to access museums, art galleries, historical sites and farm-to-table restaurants — where the food served is reason enough to visit this Midwestern city.
Explore Indianapolis
- Mile Square
- Fountain Square
- Broad Ripple Village
Mile Square
Overview
While this is, essentially, the city’s “mile-square” urban core, the area’s not all business all the time. There are sports stadiums, museums and the Indianapolis City Market, a massive food hall. It's also home to Old National Centre, for those in the mood for a live act.
Known For
Nightlife, Shopping, Bars
Fountain Square
Overview
Hip restaurants, shops and even a duckpin bowling alley have moved into Fountain Square, making it a lively place to spend a day (and night). Be sure to try some Indy-brewed craft beer at the area’s breweries.
Known For
Nightlife, Art Galleries , Restaurants
Broad Ripple Village
Overview
This emerging neighborhood is a cool collection of vintage clothing shops, record stores and live-music venues. Plus, there’s an urban green space in the form of Broad Ripple Park, for strolling and jogging.
Known For
Street Art, Restaurants, Entertainment
Stay in The Center of it All
Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.
Discover Indianapolis, Indiana’s Culture and Culinary Scene
Hit the Cultural Trail (and More)
Spend the day ambling along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, an 8-mile path that takes walkers and bikers through downtown and beyond, with stops for museums, restaurants, cafés, shops and other cultural attractions.
Enjoy a Day at the Museums
Head inside for a dose of culture. Because Indianapolis boasts a dozen or more well-regarded cultural institutions, you can spend an entire day exploring them. Just save time to sample locally crafted brews, whether that means coffee or beer to you.
Learn the History of Race Car Driving
On your third day, it's time to indulge in the thing that made Indianapolis famous: race car driving. Visit the famed speedway and museum, as well as the Dallara IndyCar Factory where you can put yourself behind the wheel of a race car simulator.