An Insider’s Guide to the Best Places to See in Indianapolis

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore the best places to see in Indianapolis, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and unique attractions.

Anchoring the heart of the Midwest, Indianapolis pulses with energy. The Hoosier capital seamlessly blends cosmopolitan chic with small-town charm. From the world’s largest children’s museum to the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the city brims with one-of-a-kind things to do in Indianapolis. As you explore this guide to the top places to see in Indianapolis, you’ll quickly realise why the city ranks as one of the best places to visit in the Midwest.

White River State Park: A Hub of Indianapolis Attractions

Start your Indianapolis adventure at White River State Park. Sprawling across 250 acres in the heart of downtown, the park is a one-stop hub for many of the best things to do in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Zoo, housed within the park, is home to over 3,800 animals across 320 species and 47 acres of artfully designed habitats. Don’t miss the International Orangutan Centre, one of the zoo’s star attractions and a sight to see in Indianapolis.

Other must-visit Indianapolis places to go within the park include:

• The Indiana State Museum: Dive into Indiana’s rich history and ecology through hands-on science and art exhibits.

• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art: This museum houses one of the world’s foremost collections of Native American art and artefacts.

• NCAA Hall of Champions: Immerse yourself in the history of college athletics, complete with interactive exhibits and skill challenges.

• Victory Field: Catch an Indianapolis Indians baseball game at this award-winning Minor League ballpark.

Monument Circle: Indy’s Iconic Centrepiece

No list of places to see in Indianapolis is complete without Monument Circle. Anchored by the soaring 284-foot Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Circle forms the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Climb the monument’s 331 steps (or take the elevator) to the observation deck for panoramic city views.

The Circle bustles with activity year-round:

Nearby Attractions

Within walking distance of Monument Circle, you’ll find more top Indianapolis places to see, including:

• Indiana Repertory Theatre: Catch a play at this acclaimed professional theatre.

• Indianapolis Artsgarden: This stunning glass dome hosts over 300 free arts performances and exhibitions annually.

• Circle Centre Mall: Shop til you drop at this downtown mall featuring over 100 retailers.

Massachusetts Avenue: Indy’s Cultural Districts

Affectionately known as Mass Ave, this five-block stretch in downtown Indianapolis buzzes with eclectic boutiques, art galleries, theatres, and restaurants. The district’s vibrant arts scene makes it one of the most colourful places to go in Indianapolis.

Key Mass Ave attractions include:

• The District Theatre: This intimate venue hosts local theatre productions and live music.

• Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library: Dedicated to the famed Indianapolis-born author, this museum celebrates Vonnegut’s literary legacy.

• Bottleworks District: This former Coca-Cola bottling plant now houses the Bottleworks Hotel, an independent cinema, and a food hall.

For a taste of classic Americana, grab a stool at the 1950s-style Soda Fountain, where handmade phosphates and malts are the specialities of the house. And if you’re visiting over the first Friday of the month, don’t miss the Mass Ave First Friday Art Walk, when galleries stay open late and street performers fill the sidewalks.

Newfields: A Place for Nature and the Arts

Sprawling across 152 acres on the city’s north side, Newfields is a one-of-a-kind cultural campus that combines art and nature. The crown jewel is the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which houses an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. From ancient Chinese ceramics to cutting-edge contemporary installations, the museum’s holdings rank among the Midwest’s finest.

Equally impressive are the campus’s outdoor attractions:

• The Garden: Stroll through this 52-acre complex of manicured gardens, water features, and outdoor art installations.

• The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: This 100-acre park features site-specific artworks interspersed with woodlands and wetlands.

• Lilly House: Tour this grand 26-acre estate, the former home of the Lilly pharmaceutical family, known for its elegant gardens.

With so much to see, Newfields easily ranks among the top places to visit in Indianapolis.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: A World of Wonder

Claiming the title of the world’s largest children’s museum, this Indianapolis institution is a wonderland for curious minds. With five floors of interactive exhibits, the museum takes a hands-on approach to learning. Kids can dig for dinosaur bones, explore an Egyptian tomb, navigate a maze, or experiment in a science lab—all in a day’s play.

Must-see exhibits include:

• Dinosphere: This immersive exhibit transports visitors to the Age of Dinosaurs, complete with full-size fossil skeletons.

• Beyond Spaceship Earth: Budding astronauts can explore the International Space Station and try their hand at space-age challenges.

• National Art Museum of Sport: This unique collection celebrates the intersection of art and athletics.

With so much to discover, it’s no wonder the Children’s Museum consistently ranks among the best places to see in Indianapolis for families.

Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Path Through the City

Winding through downtown Indianapolis, this 8-mile urban bike and pedestrian path connects many of the city’s cultural districts and top attractions. Rent a bike from one of the 29 Pacers Bikeshare stations along the trail and pedal your way through the city. You’ll pass public art installations, green spaces, and some of the best sights to see in Indianapolis, including:

• Canal Walk: This 3-mile loop along the Indiana Central Canal is a favourite for walking, jogging, and paddling.

• Glick Peace Walk: This public art project features 12 luminary gardens, each with a sculpture honouring a historical champion of peace.

• Lugar Plaza: Named for the late Indiana senator Richard Lugar, this plaza features an interactive fountain and views of the downtown skyline.

Fashion Mall Indianapolis at Keystone

For those interested in shopping, the Fashion Mall at Keystone is a premier destination featuring high-end retailers like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. It also has various dining options, making it an ideal Indianapolis place to go for shopping and leisure activities in Indianapolis.

Experience the Best of Indianapolis with Airtel

From world-class cultural institutions to vibrant neighbourhoods humming with activity, Indianapolis offers a wealth of things to see and do. As you explore the city, having reliable connectivity is key to making the most of your visit. With Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming Plans, you can stay connected wherever your Indianapolis adventures take you. From looking up museum hours to booking tickets to the big race, you’ll have the coverage you need to experience the best the Circle City offers.