Indianapolis, Indiana-7-day-itinerary

Indianapolis Travel Itinerary (7 Days)

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Places to Visit:

  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Get your day started by visiting the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500. You can take a lap around the track on the famous speedway tour.
  • Indianapolis Cultural Trail: This is an 8-mile trail that connects several entertainment districts, neighborhoods and cultural amenities in downtown Indianapolis. It’s perfect for biking or walking.

Where to Eat:

  • St. Elmo Steak House: For dinner, head to St. Elmo Steak House, a local institution famous for its shrimp cocktail and steaks.
  • Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: End the day with some delicious handcrafted ice cream at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Where to Stay:

  • Omni Severin Hotel: Consider staying at the Omni Severin Hotel, which offers elegant accommodations in a historic building.

Day 2: Museums and Science

Places to Visit:

  • Indianapolis Museum of Art: Start your day by exploring the beautiful grounds and collections of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
  • Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: For families, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a must-visit. It features interactive exhibits that make learning fun.

Where to Eat:

  • Bluebeard: Grab lunch at Bluebeard, a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine in an upscale setting.
  • Livery Restaurant and Bar: In the evening, head to Livery Restaurant and Bar for dinner and live music.

Day 3: Outdoors and Adventure

Places to Visit:

  • Eagle Creek Park: Spend your day exploring Eagle Creek Park, which offers hiking trails, a lake, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
  • Indianapolis Zoo: Alternatively, visit the Indianapolis Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals from around the world.

Where to Eat:

  • The Oceanaire Seafood Room: Enjoy seafood in an upscale atmosphere at The Oceanaire Seafood Room.
  • Bazbeaux New York Style Pizza: For dinner, head to Bazbeaux New York Style Pizza for delicious pizza and a fun atmosphere.

Day 4: Sports and History

Places to Visit:

  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: Start your day by visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which showcases the history of motorsports.
  • Conner Prairie: Spend your afternoon exploring Conner Prairie, an interactive history park that offers a unique look at life in Indiana.

Where to Eat:

  • Pogue’s Run Café: Grab lunch at Pogue’s Run Café, serving up delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • Shelby Street Oyster Bar: In the evening, head to Shelby Street Oyster Bar for dinner and live music.

Day 5: Shopping and Culture

Places to Visit:

  • Circle Centre Mall: Spend your day shopping at Circle Centre Mall, which offers a wide range of stores and restaurants.
  • Mass Ave: For a more eclectic experience, head to Mass Ave, a street lined with independent shops and galleries.

Where to Eat:

  • La Margarita: Enjoy Mexican cuisine for lunch at La Margarita.
  • The Eagle: In the evening, head to The Eagle, a restaurant serving up delicious burgers and sandwiches.

Day 6: Food and Drink

Places to Visit:

  • St. Joseph County Farmers Market: Start your day by visiting the St. Joseph County Farmers Market, which offers fresh produce and local goods.
  • Sun King Brewing: Spend your afternoon touring Sun King Brewing, a local brewery that offers tours and tastings.

Where to Eat:

  • The Flying Pig Food Truck Park: Grab lunch at The Flying Pig Food Truck Park, where you can find a variety of food trucks serving up everything from tacos to BBQ.
  • Black Market: In the evening, head to Black Market for dinner and live music.

Day 7: Last Day in Indy

Places to Visit:

  • Indianapolis Cultural Trail: Spend your day exploring the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which offers a unique perspective on the city’s culture and history.
  • Mass Ave: For a more eclectic experience, head to Mass Ave, a street lined with independent shops and galleries.

Where to Eat:

  • St. Elmo Steak House: Enjoy a farewell dinner at St. Elmo Steak House, a local institution famous for its shrimp cocktail and steaks.
  • Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: End the day with some delicious handcrafted ice cream at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions in Indianapolis, which can range from hot summers to cold winters.
  • Traffic: Be aware of traffic patterns and construction during your visit.
  • Safety: As with any city, be mindful of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.

Transportation:

  • Driving: If you’re driving, be prepared for parking challenges in some areas of the city.
  • Public Transit: Use public transit or ride-sharing services to get around the city.
  • Biking: Take advantage of bike lanes and rentals to explore the city on two wheels.

Tips:

  • Reservations: Make reservations at popular restaurants ahead of time to avoid long wait times.
  • Walking Tours: Consider taking a guided walking tour to get a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture.
  • Explore Neighborhoods: Venture beyond downtown Indy to explore unique neighborhoods like Fountain Square and Broad Ripple.

Indianapolis is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, from world-class museums to outdoor adventures. With this itinerary, you’ll experience the best of what Indianapolis has to offer.