Indianapolis Indiana 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Downtown Indianapolis

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Eagle, a popular spot for omelets, pancakes, and sandwiches.
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to learn about the rich history of motorsports in Indianapolis. ($10 admission)

Afternoon

  • Indianapolis Cultural Trail: Explore the 8-mile urban bike and pedestrian path, known as the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. This trail connects several downtown neighborhoods, cultural districts, and attractions.
  • Visit Monument Circle: Take a stroll around Monument Circle, the city’s central park. Admire the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, which honors Indianapolis’ Civil War veterans.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at St. Elmo Steak House, a renowned steakhouse famous for its spicy shrimp cocktail.
  • Live Music: Catch a performance at the Hi-Fi, a popular music venue featuring local and national acts.

Day 2: White River State Park and Canal Walk

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Bazbeux, a casual spot serving breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.
  • Indianapolis Zoo: Visit the Indianapolis Zoo, which is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. ($20 admission)

Afternoon

  • Canal Walk: Take a leisurely walk along the Indianapolis Canal, a historic waterway that offers scenic views and public art installations.
  • Visit the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art: Explore this unique museum, which features a diverse collection of Native American and Western art. ($13 admission)

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Bluebeard, a restaurant known for its seasonal small plates and creative cocktails.
  • The Garage Bar: Stop by The Garage Bar, a trendy spot featuring live music and a rotating selection of craft beers.

Day 3: Broad Ripple and Mass Ave

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Butter, Sugar, Flour, a charming bakery serving pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
  • Visit the Indianapolis City Market: Explore this historic marketplace, which features local vendors selling everything from produce to handmade jewelry.

Afternoon

  • Broad Ripple: Spend some time exploring Broad Ripple Village, a trendy neighborhood known for its boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Be sure to check out the iconic Monon 10, a movie theater with a vintage vibe.
  • Visit Mass Ave: Visit Mass Ave, a vibrant shopping district featuring unique boutiques, art galleries, and eateries.

Evening

Tips and Transportation

Transportation

  • Indianapolis Public Transportation: Use IndyGo, the city’s public transportation system, to get around. You can plan your route using their website or mobile app.
  • Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft are widely available in Indianapolis.

Tips

  • Weather: Be prepared for Indiana weather, which can be unpredictable. Pack layers and stay hydrated.
  • Tipping Culture: Tipping is customary in the service industry (15% to 20%).
  • Safety: Take necessary precautions when walking or biking at night. Use designated bike lanes and crosswalks.

Accommodations

  • Hotel Options: Consider staying at a downtown hotel, such as the JW Marriott Indianapolis or the Omni Severin Hotel.
  • Alternative Accommodations: For a more unique experience, try staying at a boutique hotel or bed-and-breakfast.

Additional Resources

  • Indianapolis Visitors Guide: Download the official Indianapolis Visitor’s Guide app for insider tips and recommendations.
  • Visit Indy: Visit the official website of Visit Indy, the city’s tourism board, for more information on attractions, events, and accommodations.