Indianapolis Indiana 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Indianapolis

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with breakfast at Milktooth (534 Virginia Ave), known for its creative brunch menu.
    • Visit the Indiana State Museum (650 W Washington St) to learn about the state’s history and natural history.
    • Take a stroll around the nearby White River State Park.

  • Afternoon:

    • Head to the Indianapolis Zoo (1200 W Washington St), one of the best in the U.S. Don’t miss the Dolphin exhibit!
    • Visit the NCAA Hall of Champions (755 N. Michigan Rd) and the adjacent Soldiers & Sailors Monument.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at St. Elmo Steak House (127 S. Illinois St), a famous local steakhouse with live jazz music.
    • Enjoy a nightcap at Slippery Noodle Inn (372 S. Alabama St), the oldest tavern in Indiana.

  • Transportation: Use IndyGo Buses for getting around downtown Indianapolis. They offer affordable fares and have multiple routes.

Day 2: Museums, Art, and Local Flavor

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art (50 W Washington St) to explore Native American art and Western artifacts.
    • Head to Newfields (4000 Michigan Rd), an arts and landscape campus that includes the Lilly House, the Greenhouse, the Gardens, and multiple galleries.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at Amelia’s (1637 North Alabama Street), a cozy spot with a delicious farm-to-table menu.
    • Visit the Indianapolis Art Center (820 E 67th St) to participate in workshops, view art exhibitions, or just enjoy the beautiful campus.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Bluebeard (653 Virginia Ave), a contemporary American restaurant offering an innovative menu.
    • Explore Fountain Square’s vibrant nightlife. Visit places like Radio Radio (624 Indiana Ave) or The Vera Mae (1404 E. Washington St) for drinks and live music.

Day 3: Sports, Parks, and Local Culture

  • Morning:

    • If you’re a sports fan, visit the NCAA Headquarters Museum & Hall of Champions (700 W. Washington St).
    • Take a tour of Lucas Oil Stadium (500 S Capitol Ave), home to the Indianapolis Colts.

  • Afternoon:

    • Enjoy lunch at Shapiro’s Deli (651 S Illinois St), an iconic Jewish deli in Indianapolis.
    • Visit Garfield Park (2345 Pagoda Dr) and explore the conservatory, gardens, and the beautiful sunken garden.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Recess (1036 E 64th St), a farm-to-table restaurant that offers creative dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Explore Mass Ave’s vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants, and art galleries to choose from. Some popular spots include Black Acre Brewing Co. (563 Virginia Ave) and Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery (702 S East St).

  • Where to Stay:

    • For a luxurious experience, consider the JW Marriott Indianapolis (10 S West St).
    • For a more budget-friendly option, try the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Indianapolis (30 S Illinois St).

Things to Know:

  • Indianapolis is known as “The Crossroads of America” due to its central location in the U.S.
  • The city has a mild humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Check the weather before you go!
  • Indiana’s official state sport is auto racing, so consider visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway if you’re a fan.
  • Tip well in restaurants, as servers rely heavily on tips for their income. A standard tip is 15-20%.