A Weekend in Indianapolis

If you're looking to spend a weekend in The Circle City, you've come to the right place! Let this Indy local guide you through a perfect weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana!

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Considering a visit to Indianapolis?

As the world slowly opens up, we Hoosiers are looking forward to welcoming people back to Indy, for conferences, vacations, and, of course, The Indianapolis 500. For some basic tips on Tourist mistakes in Indianapolis, check out the full post!

Is Indianapolis worth visiting?
I actually get this question a lot...YES! Tourists to Indianapolis are always "pleasantly surprised" how much there is to do in Indy, and how walkable and visitor-friendly they find our downtown. We're growing, expanding, and creating more things for tourists to do in Indy every year.

Where to Stay in Indianapolis

The Bottleworks Hotel, Mass Ave, Indianapolis

​Indianapolis has more than its fair share of hotels, thanks to the constant conference traffic, but of course, all options are not created equal! For tips on the newest hotels in Indy, and boutique options to consider, check out the full post: Where to Stay in Indianapolis

Eating in Indianapolis

Only second to drinking in Indy (don't worry, we'll get there!) is my knowledge of the best restaurants in Indianapolis. While I anticipate a few branch-off, stand-alone posts on this subject, here are a few of my suggestions for the best restaurants in Indy!

Brunch in Indianapolis:
Patachou
Milktooth
​Garden Table

Dinner in Indianapolis:
Vida
Ralston's
Bruburger
​Bluebeard
​Tinker Street​

...and, of course, no visit to Indianapolis is complete without a trip to St. Elmo's Steakhouse, an Indianapolis landmark since 1902!

Drinking in Indianapolis

We've done our best to drink our way through the city during the 5+ years we've lived downtown! If you're looking to grab drinks with the girls, head to Mass Ave! If you're after breweries, check out my list of ​Downtown Indianapolis's best breweries. Looking to bar hop? Head to Broad Ripple, just north of the city.

Tavern at the Point, Mass Ave

Things to do in Indianapolis

Here's a few ideas to get your juices flowing while planning your visit to Indianapolis!

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Did you know that downtown Indianapolis has an 8-mile urban biking and walking path? On a beautiful day in the Circle City, consider biking the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which connects the best parts of downtown Indy. Don't have a bike? No problem! Bikes are available for rental through our Pacers bikeshare program.

The Indianapolis Zoo

We're proud to boast one of the best zoos in the Midwest! Easily accessible from downtown Indy (just on the other side of the White River), The Indianapolis Zoo is a must-see if you're bringing little ones on your trip to Indianapolis. Even if it's just a couples weekend, the Indianapolis Zoo really is worth a visit! Be sure to see the new orangutan exhibit.

Date night in Indianapolis

Dinner at Vida, Mass Ave

​There are plenty of things to fill up a fun date night in Indy! Check out my 10 Fun Things for Couples to Do in Indianapolis.

Mass Ave & Fountain Square

Fountain Square, Indianapolis

Discover the best neighborhoods downtown Indianapolis with trips to Mass Ave and Fountain Square. Fun dining, local breweries, and boutique shopping are easily found in both neighborhoods. For more, check out: Mass Ave's best restaurants, The Bottleworks District, and Fountain Square

Take me out to the ballgame

Indianapolis is home to our own minor league baseball team, The Indianapolis Indians. Tickets are inexpensive, they keep the beer flowing, and you can walk over to the stadium from almost any hotel downtown Indy! A perfect way to spend a summer evening in Indianapolis.

Newfields

One of the highlights of any trip to Indianapolis is out stunning art museum, Newfields. Check out the full post on Newfields, along with special posts on Newfields' seasonal events: ​Newfields Winterlights & Newfields Harvest Nights.

Newfields, Indianapolis

Holliday Park

Get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a minute, with a quick drive up to Holliday Park. Conveniently located near Broad Ripple, Holliday Park is home to one of the most confusing sights in every Hoosier kiddo's life, the "ruins" at Holliday Park. No, they aren't relics of an ancient monument here in Indy, but they do make a for a great day out.

Ruins at Holliday Park, Indianapolis

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you enjoy your trip to Indianapolis! Let me know your favorite things to do on a trip to Indianapolis in the comments below!

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