Experience Indy
Neighborhood Spots
Places very close by.
LBGTQ+ friendly neighborhood bar. Strong drinks and great food. Fish tacos, breaded tenderloin and chicken tenders are faves!
13 locals recommend
English Ivy's
944 N Alabama StLBGTQ+ friendly neighborhood bar. Strong drinks and great food. Fish tacos, breaded tenderloin and chicken tenders are faves!
Leviathan Bakehouse
1101 N College AveFoundry Provisions
236 E 16th StLiftOff Creamery
111 E 16th StOpen late!
Quills Coffee
941 W 9th StOpens at 6am most days!
Sightseeing
Beautiful spot in downtown. Bike rentals, paddle boats and gondola rides. You have the option of several museums, Victory Field (baseball) and the Indianapolis Zoo (just over the river). Or catch an evening concert at the White River Amphitheater. Great spot to ride bikes but I suggest walking along the canal as it can get crowded. Very easy bike ride from my place. The Cultural Trail bike path will get you there.
170 locals recommend
White River State Park
801 W Washington StBeautiful spot in downtown. Bike rentals, paddle boats and gondola rides. You have the option of several museums, Victory Field (baseball) and the Indianapolis Zoo (just over the river). Or catch an evening concert at the White River Amphitheater. Great spot to ride bikes but I suggest walking along the canal as it can get crowded. Very easy bike ride from my place. The Cultural Trail bike path will get you there.
Beautiful park on the south side of the city. Beautiful conservatory (great place to warm up on a chilly day) with sunken gardens. Conservatory charges a small fee for entry but they have awesome tropical plants. There’s often a festival or concert happening there on weekends at the amphitheater. There is parking on-site.
79 locals recommend
Garfield Park
2345 Pagoda DrBeautiful park on the south side of the city. Beautiful conservatory (great place to warm up on a chilly day) with sunken gardens. Conservatory charges a small fee for entry but they have awesome tropical plants. There’s often a festival or concert happening there on weekends at the amphitheater. There is parking on-site.
If you have an interest in military things, they have an extensive museum in the basement, complete with a helicopter. For me, I like the memorial room upstairs. It’s beautiful and peaceful. I believe it’s donation only. They completed a full exterior renovation in 2019.
66 locals recommend
Indiana War Memorial
55 E Michigan StIf you have an interest in military things, they have an extensive museum in the basement, complete with a helicopter. For me, I like the memorial room upstairs. It’s beautiful and peaceful. I believe it’s donation only. They completed a full exterior renovation in 2019.
Beautifully restored church that’s now a venue/office. Often an art show the First Friday of each month. Check indianalandmarks.org for events.
Indiana Landmarks
1201 Central AveBeautifully restored church that’s now a venue/office. Often an art show the First Friday of each month. Check indianalandmarks.org for events.
Lovely blend of historic and modern architecture. Be aware that there are often vagabonds in the area so I recommend daylight visits.
26 locals recommend
Indianapolis Public Library - Central Library
40 E St Clair StLovely blend of historic and modern architecture. Be aware that there are often vagabonds in the area so I recommend daylight visits.
Not downtown but a close drive. Great exhibits and gorgeous grounds for walking
364 locals recommend
Newfields
4000 N Michigan RdNot downtown but a close drive. Great exhibits and gorgeous grounds for walking
The “circle” is iconic to Indianapolis. In the holiday season, it’s a local favorite.
113 locals recommend
Soldiers & Sailors Monument
1 Monument CirThe “circle” is iconic to Indianapolis. In the holiday season, it’s a local favorite.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
1230 N Delaware StIconic Indiana spot, not far from downtown. If you’re a race fan, you’ll love seeing the track up close and the museum.
322 locals recommend
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
4790 W 16th StIconic Indiana spot, not far from downtown. If you’re a race fan, you’ll love seeing the track up close and the museum.
Restaurants
Interesting places to eat around the city.
The Eagle Mass Ave
310 Massachusetts AveAmazing fried chicken and biscuits.
Great patio right on the water. Good food, gelato and homemade sodas. They do have beer, wine and spiked frozen drinks, too! Hours often shift seasonally so check online!
Fresco Italian Cafe on the Canal
340 W Michigan StGreat patio right on the water. Good food, gelato and homemade sodas. They do have beer, wine and spiked frozen drinks, too! Hours often shift seasonally so check online!
Casual but upscale operated by a local couple. Wonderful food and a cozy neighborhood feel. Don’t skip the homemade chips! Dinner service only.
The Flatiron @ The Point on Penn
605 North Pennsylvania StreetCasual but upscale operated by a local couple. Wonderful food and a cozy neighborhood feel. Don’t skip the homemade chips! Dinner service only.
Yats
885 Massachusetts AveFast, cheap comfort food!
Livery
720 N College AveDon't miss the patio!
Taxman CityWay
310 South Delaware StLocal brewery with great food in a gorgeous historic building.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Giant biscuits and good Southern homestyle meals.
Cafe/Bakery/Brunch
For caffeine, breakfast and baked good-fixes.
Coat Check Coffee
401 E Michigan StGorgeous historic building and comfy seats!
Leviathan Bakehouse
1101 N College AveThe Garden Table
342 Massachusetts AveMore sophisticated breakfast spot
Wild Eggs
314 N Delaware StClassy diner style breakfast
Amelia's The Stutz
Great spot for fresh sourdough, croissants or a breakfast sandwich!
Yolk - Monument Circle
East Ohio StreetAll-star combo to get sweet and savory! Love the crepes.
Groceries
My go-to grocery store. Bakery, deli, hot food bar and salad bar. They also have a little cafe. Parking lot with 2-hr parking.
102 locals recommend
Needler's Fresh Market
320 N New Jersey StMy go-to grocery store. Bakery, deli, hot food bar and salad bar. They also have a little cafe. Parking lot with 2-hr parking.
An alternative to Needler’s. Great lunch option with a wide variety of hot food. They have an indoor and outdoor dining area.
69 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
320 E Market StAn alternative to Needler’s. Great lunch option with a wide variety of hot food. They have an indoor and outdoor dining area.
Shopping
Local spots for gifts/souvenirs.
Pumkinfish
906 Carrollton AveThey’re now located in Garageindy.com. Cute shop, unique cards.
Silver In the City
434 Massachusetts AveMore unique gifts, cards and books
Artisans
429 Massachusetts AveJewelry, gifts and local fare.
Global Gifts
446 Massachusetts AveFusek's True Value Hardware
350 E New York StLocal hardware store for those miscellaneous needs :)
Special Night Out
The Eagle's Nest
1 S Capitol AveGreat views from the rotating restaurant!
The Inferno Room
902 Virginia AveHarry & Izzy's is a great alternative if you're just interested in the shrimp cocktail!
157 locals recommend
St. Elmo Steak House
127 S Illinois StHarry & Izzy's is a great alternative if you're just interested in the shrimp cocktail!
The Fountain Room
830 Massachusetts AvenueThe Flatiron @ The Point on Penn
605 North Pennsylvania StreetSpeakeasy in the basement on Friday & Saturdays. Password: hooch
BODHI : Craft Bar + Thai Bistro
922 Massachusetts AvenueGreat atmosphere and patio