Indianapolis Indiana 5 Day Itinerary

Indianapolis, Indiana 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown Indy

  • Morning: Start at the Indiana State Capitol Building, a beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture.
  • Lunch: Head to St. Elmo Steak House, a local institution serving up top-notch steaks and seafood.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, featuring an impressive collection of Native American and Western art.
  • Evening: Take a stroll along the Canal Walk, a scenic pedestrian path lined with restaurants, shops, and public art installations.

Day 2: Speed Up Your Fun

  • Morning: Get your adrenaline pumping at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, dedicated to the history of motorsports.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Dallara IndyCar Factory Cafe, where you can enjoy Italian-inspired cuisine surrounded by racing memorabilia.
  • Afternoon: Take a lap around the speedway with the Kiss the Bricks Tour or get behind the wheel yourself with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Driving Experience.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Oceanaire Seafood Room, offering fresh seafood and upscale ambiance.

Day 3: Discover Local Flavors

  • Morning: Visit the Historic Farmers Market, a bustling hub of local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
  • Lunch: Savor farm-to-table cuisine at Black Market, located in the historic Fletcher Place neighborhood.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy Mass Ave Arts District, featuring unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
  • Evening: Enjoy craft beer and live music at Sun King Brewing, one of Indy’s pioneering breweries.

Day 4: Unleash Your Inner Child

  • Morning: Spend the day at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the largest children’s museum in the world.
  • Lunch: Grab a kid-friendly meal at The CafĂ© inside the museum.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Indianapolis Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals from around the globe.
  • Evening: Catch a show or concert at the Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, a stunning performing arts venue.

Day 5: Get Outdoors

  • Morning: Hike and bike through Eagle Creek Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or grab food from the park’s cafe.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory, a stunning greenhouse featuring tropical plants and flowers.
  • Evening: End your trip with dinner at Bluebeard, offering seasonal American cuisine in a cozy, rustic setting.

Where to Stay

  • The Alexander: A chic boutique hotel in downtown Indy with stylish rooms and a rooftop bar.
  • Omni Severin Hotel: A historic hotel with luxurious accommodations and top-notch service.

Things to Know

  • Indianapolis is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5).
  • The city has a relatively low cost of living, making it an affordable destination.
  • Be prepared for Midwestern weather, with hot summers and cold winters.

Transportation

  • Indianapolis International Airport (IND): Located about 15 minutes from downtown Indy.
  • Public Transportation: Use the IndyGo bus system or hail a taxi/ride-share service.
  • Walking/Biking: Indianapolis has an extensive network of pedestrian and bike paths, making it easy to get around without a car.

Tips

  • Book your speedway tour in advance, as availability is limited.
  • Take advantage of free museum admission on certain days of the week or month.
  • Don’t miss the iconic Indianapolis Cultural Trail, an 8-mile walking and biking path connecting several of the city’s entertainment districts.

Other Things to Do

  • Visit the ** Indianapolis Museum of Art**, featuring a diverse collection of over 54,000 works of art.
  • Explore the White River State Park, offering kayaking, paddle-boarding, and stunning views of the city skyline.
  • Catch a Colts (football) or Pacers (basketball) game at Lucas Oil Stadium or Bankers Life Fieldhouse, respectively.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, food, and adventure to help you make the most of your 5-day trip to Indianapolis!