Only have one day to spend in Indianapolis?
I’m betting one day in the Circle City will only whet your appetite to want to come back! However, start with this local’s guide to ensure you see and experience some of the best that Indianapolis has to offer.
Coffee at Java House
A local coffee shop is a must for a full-day of fun. It’s something we search out on every trip, so you can be sure the one I’m recommending here is a winner.
Start your morning with a hot Americano or specialty latte at Java House. To maximize your time (you’ve got a lot to experience!), enjoy one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches to help fuel your day. I highly recommend the sausage and egg on an English muffin.
Learn a little at the Indiana State Museum
Just a few blocks from Java House, you’ll discover one of the underrated gems of the city. The Indiana State Museum is located in White River Park (a lovely urban park with multiple museums, green space and more), and is a fantastic way to get a feel for the state of Indiana.
The museum houses three floors of engaging and educational galleries ranging from natural history to science, along with frequent special exhibits . My personal favorite is the American Originals exhibit with information about many famous Hoosiers.]
Before you leave the museum campus, be sure to step out back and check out the canal. It’s a gorgeous spot to take a little stroll if it’s a warm day, and you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to live downtown with frequent bikers and runners sharing your path. You might even encounter a gondola with a singing gondolier.
Head over to Mass Ave for lunch
Although there are several fun little neighborhoods around the city, Mass Ave (short for Massachusetts Avenue) is one of the most popular ones with numerous restaurants, local shops and public art. Check out the boutiques, purchase a few souvenirs and take pictures of the fun murals.
No matter what type of food you are in the mood for, you’ll find it on Mass Ave. From local pizza joints to upscale seafood, Mass Ave can deliver.
A popular local spot for a delicious lunch located just off of Mass Ave is The Livery. With outstanding cocktails and a fun menu of empanadas perfect for sharing it’s a tasty way to refuel for a busy afternoon. If the weather cooperates, sit outside on the patio for a truly special dining experience.
Discover the greatest spectacle in racing at the Indianapolis Speedway
A trip to Indianapolis wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). If it is racing season, you’ll experience more traffic, but also a high-energy atmosphere. Regardless of when you visit, be sure to spend some time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
With race cars and memorabilia from decades of racing, along with racing history, the museum is interesting even for non-race fans. To get the true Indianapolis Motor Speedway experience, add on the “Kiss the Bricks” tour which is a 30-minute guided tour of the race track, along with the opportunity to kiss the bricks – which Indy car winners have been doing since 1996.
If you are lucky enough to visit Indianapolis in the month of May, you might get a chance to see the Indy cars in action as the drivers are participating in time trials, and you can walk around the garage area to see the cars (and sometimes drivers) up close. It’s an exciting time to be in the city.
Slow down with a trip to Newfields
After all the excitement of the speedway, it’s time to head over to Newfields (the former Indianapolis Museum of Art).
Spend some time exploring the priceless works of art in the galleries, and if you time it right, you can include a visit to one of the immersive experiences such as The Lume (Monet). Grab a drink and treat at the cafe to help gear you up for exploring the Newfields grounds as there is as much to see outdoors at Newfields as indoors.
On the Newfields campus, you’ll discover several meticulously restored houses, a delightful greenhouse, plenty of gardens, and my favorite, the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature park.
Set around a 35-acre lake are a number of unique and dare I say fun outdoor public art installations. If you are an avid reader, you’ll probably recognize at least one of them from the book and movie “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Greene as the nature park is home to Funky Bones.
Although there is an admission fee to the art museum, the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature park is always free, so if you are finding yourself short on time, you can easily just enjoy an hour exploring that area and still soaking up some gorgeous contemporary art.
Enjoy an authentic Greek Feast at Greek Islands
Head back downtown for dinner at an Indianapolis institution, Greek Islands. Located just south of the circle,, this unassuming little house serves spectacular greek dishes in a small, cozy atmosphere.
The Greek Islands restaurant is family owned, and has been a staple for Saganaki (yes flaming!), gyros, souvlaki and more since 1987. Enjoy a glass of wine, sit back and relax while you contemplate the fun-filled day you’ve spent so far in Indianapolis. Don’t forget to save room for Baklava and coffee to finish off your meal.
Top off your evening with a drink at the Slippery Noodle
Although I’m sure you are full from the Greek feast you enjoyed at Greek Islands, stop at the nearby Slippery Noodle (right next to Lucas Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts) for a drink and some live music.
The Slippery Noodle is the city’s oldest bar, dating back to 1850. Although it had a lot of names and iterations, the location and building has remained mostly the same. Most evenings they offer live jazz or blues starting at 7:30 or 8:00 so it’s a terrific way to cap off a fantastic day exploring Indianapolis.
Where to stay in Indianapolis
Although you’ll need a car to get to the IMS and Newfields, if you choose to stay downtown you’ll have quick access to most of the other sites via walking, scooter or Uber.
The Hotel Indy
For a boutique experience located right downtown, the new Hotel Indy is a top-notch choice. As a Marriott Tribute property, it’s held to higher standards and the decor and service shows it.
From a beautifully decorated lobby to a rooftop bar with 180 degree city views, The Hotel Indy is a special place to spend your time in Indianapolis.
Crowne Plaza
A fun and unique choice for lodging in downtown Indianapolis is to book one of the train cars at the Crowne Plaza. Located in the old Union Station, the downtown Indianapolis Crowne Plaza has several authentic 1920’s pullman train cars that have been converted into comfortable hotel rooms.
So, if you enjoy the unusual, this would be a convenient and interesting place to stay.
Bottleworks Hotel
A little bit north of downtown (on the end of Mass Ave) is the newly constructed Bottleworks Hotel. The former Coca-Cola bottling company was recently remade into an entertainment district complete with a Food Hall, movie theater and the gorgeous, modern Bottleworks Hotel.
Luxurious touches abound throughout the property along with plenty of art and history. If you like the finer things in life, you’ll love the Bottleworks Hotel.
FAQs about Indianapolis
Curious to learn a little bit more about Indianapolis and tips to make your trip a little easier?
Do I need a car to visit Indianapolis?
Although many of the attractions are located in downtown Indianapolis, which is very walkable, to get the most out of your visit, you will need a car. The city is quite spread out and public transportation isn’t the best.
Why is Indianapolis called Circle City?
Indianapolis is often referred to as Circle City due to the monument located in the center of the city (the Soldiers & Sailors monument). The city radiates out from this monument, hence the name Circle City. Locals affectionately call this section of the city, “the circle”.
Is one day enough time to spend in Indianapolis
One day in Indianapolis is just enough time to get a taste for what the city has to offer. In addition to the 1-day itinerary shared here, there are many other fantastic spots to visit. A few possibilities include the Indianapolis Zoo, the world-renowned Indianapolis Children’s Museum, the many downtown monuments and neighborhoods and so much more.
Conclusion: One Day in Indianapolis
Hopefully you’ve gotten a feel for the exciting and adventure filled Midwestern city of Indianapolis from this one day itinerary. Next time you find yourself with a day (or better yet weekend) to spare, be sure to grab this guide and have a blast exploring Indy!
