Indianapolis, Indiana 7 Day Itinerary

Indianapolis, Indiana 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Arrive at Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
  • Check-in at Conrad Indianapolis, centrally located for easy access to attractions
  • Lunch at St. Elmo Steak House, famous for its shrimp cocktail
  • Visit the Indiana State Museum and explore the history, culture, and natural history of Indiana
  • Dinner at Milktooth, a popular breakfast and brunch spot with dinner hours on Fridays and Saturdays

Day 2: Sports & Outdoor Activities

  • Breakfast at your hotel or grab a coffee from Blueprint Coffee
  • Visit the NCAA Hall of Champions to learn about the history of sports in America
  • Explore the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and take a tour
  • Lunch at Urban Vines Winery & Brewing Company
  • Afternoon at White River State Park, where you can visit the zoo, the canal, or rent a bike
  • Dinner at Milton’s Pastry Shop, a local institution for fried chicken and Southern comfort food

Day 3: Art & Culture

  • Breakfast at your hotel or grab a pastry from Amelia’s Bakery
  • Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) and the adjacent 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
  • Lunch at the IMA Cafe or nearby The Loft by Indy Urban Acres
  • Afternoon at the Newfields Campus, featuring gardens, galleries, and the Lilly House
  • Dinner at Recess, an upscale eatery with locally sourced ingredients

Day 4: Monument Circle & Mass Ave.

  • Breakfast at your hotel or grab a coffee from Brewery Taps
  • Visit the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and enjoy the views of downtown Indianapolis
  • Stroll down Massachusetts Avenue (Mass Ave.) to discover local boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants
  • Lunch at Bluebeard or Rock Lobster on Mass Ave.
  • Afternoon exploring more of Mass Ave., including the Indiana Repertory Theatre and the Harrison Center for the Arts
  • Dinner at Petite Chou, a charming French bistro with a delicious brunch menu

Day 5: Green Spaces & Museums

  • Breakfast at your hotel or grab a coffee from Strange Brew Coffee Roasters
  • Visit the Eagle Creek Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country, offering hiking trails, fishing, and canoeing
  • Lunch at Fort Harrison State Park’s café
  • Afternoon at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the world’s largest children’s museum with exhibits for all ages
  • Dinner at Follett’s Cafe or Yats, both offering Cajun and Creole cuisine

Day 6: Day Trip to Carmel & Zionsville

  • Breakfast at your hotel or grab a coffee from Goose the Market
  • Drive to nearby Carmel, Indiana, home to the famous Center for the Performing Arts and charming downtown area with unique shops and restaurants
  • Lunch at Café Patachou in Zionsville
  • Afternoon exploring historic downtown Zionsville, featuring antique shops, art galleries, and a picturesque town square
  • Dinner back in Indianapolis at Forty-Five Degrees North, an upscale steakhouse with a great wine list

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast at your hotel or explore local breakfast spots on Yelp
  • Spend the morning relaxing, shopping, or sightseeing before heading to the airport for your departure

Transportation: Indianapolis has a robust public transportation system with buses and the Red Line Rapid Transit. Renting a car is also an option for exploring beyond downtown. Uber and Lyft are widely available within the city.

Tips: Dress casually for most restaurants, but business casual is recommended for nicer dining options like Recess or 45 Degrees North. Tipping 20% is customary in Indianapolis. Be aware of local sports events, as traffic can be heavier around the stadiums on game days. Enjoy your trip to Indianapolis!