Indianapolis holidays

Get set to explore Indiana’s lively capital during your Indianapolis holiday. This city is home to both the largest children’s museum and the largest single-day sporting event in the world. Embrace the city’s passion for sports by catching a Colts football game, cheering the Pacers in basketball or witnessing the greatest spectacle in racing — the Indianapolis 500.

Indianapolis: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

June – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Indianapolis

Weather in Indianapolis

March – May: If you don’t like the weather, as locals say, just wait a few minutes and it’ll change. Never is that more true than in spring. It can be warm and sunny one day and windy and snowy the next.

June – August: Summer is hot and humid, with heat waves hitting over 38°C. But if you don’t mind a little sweat, there’s plenty to do, from outdoor concerts to the Indiana State Fair.

September – November: Autumn is Indianapolis at its best. The days are crisp and mild, the nights are cool, and the autumn leaves are spectacular. Plus, it’s football season!

December – February: Winter is chilly, with nights that dip below freezing. Bundle up for a mix of snow and rain.

Events in Indianapolis

Indianapolis 500 (May): Cheer on the world’s best drivers as they race to complete 200 laps on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For motorsports fans, it’s an unmissable, heart-pounding experience. Count down to race day with the 500 Festival, featuring a parade, community events and a half-marathon.

Indiana State Fair (August): The ‘Hoosier State’ throws a massive party with rides, games and live music. Be sure to save room for some fair food. Every year, vendors compete to offer the most unusual snacks, from spicy pickle pizza to peanut butter and jelly chicken wings.

Christkindlmarkt (November to December): Shop for handmade crafts while enjoying mulled wine and other European treats at this outdoor market, which honours the region’s German heritage.

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The best neighbourhoods in Indianapolis

Downtown

Looking for the best neighbourhood to stay in Indianapolis? Downtown’s excellent transport links and major hotel chains make it a perfect choice for first-time visitors. Mile Square is in the heart of the action and close to popular attractions like the Indiana War Memorial and Museum and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Good for: History, monuments, museums

Carmel

Just 15 minutes north of Indianapolis, Carmel is perfect if you love spending time in nature. This family-friendly city is known for its parks, gardens and vibrant arts scene. Take a relaxing walk in the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden, browse galleries and boutiques in the Carmel Arts and Design District, and enjoy endless family fun at The Waterpark.

Good for: Families, green spaces, art

Fountain Square

Fountain Square, known for its vintage and antique shops, is where to stay in Indianapolis to see the city’s creative spirit at work. Step back in time with a game of old-school duckpin bowling at the iconic Fountain Square Theatre Building. After dark, head out for live music, spoken word, drag shows and everything in between.

Good for: Live music, antique shops, art

Things to do in Indianapolis

Visit Indy

Shopping

Satisfy your retail urges when shopping in Indianapolis. Downtown’s Circle Centre Mall holds all your favourite brands, while The Fashion Mall is the place to go for upscale and designer finds. For independent boutiques, make your way to Broad Ripple for vintage clothing, vinyl records and craft stores.

Places to eat

You’ll find many excellent restaurants in Indianapolis, from fine dining to seafood joints to local cafes. Try something new at the Garage Food Hall, a community-focused food and market hall featuring international cuisines such as Mexican, Greek and Spanish. And no visit to Indianapolis is complete without sampling Indiana’s signature lunch — the Hoosier pork tenderloin sandwich.

Take in the culture

Museums in Indianapolis offer something for everyone. Enjoy interactive fun at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Then get up close to masterpieces at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. For something a little different, check out Native American art at the Eiteljorg Museum, or brush up on your racing history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Plan your holiday to Indianapolis

Budget

Don’t miss out on the affordable arts and culture on your cheap holiday to Indianapolis. Museums like the Indy Art Center offer free entry. Or pick up an Indy Attraction Pass for reduced admission to popular attractions. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost about 25 US dollars ($). And you can find a cappuccino for less than $5.

Day trips from Indianapolis

Less than an hour south, Columbus is famous for its diverse architecture. Hop on a bus tour to see landmarks and public art from IM Pei, Dale Chihuly and many more. Nearby Nashville is famous for its handmade arts and crafts. The home of Indiana University, Bloomington also has top-notch craft breweries and restaurants.

Getting around Indianapolis

Thanks to its grid system, Indianapolis is easy to navigate. With its flat terrain and many cycle paths, you can easily get around on foot or by bike. IndyGo buses will take you around the city and downtown. If you want to do some sightseeing away from the centre, it’s best to grab a taxi or hire a car.

FAQs about Indianapolis holidays

You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while on your trip to Indianapolis. Besides your cards, consider bringing some cash for things like minor purchases and public transport.
July is the warmest month in Indianapolis, with temperatures reaching highs of 30ºC (86ºF).
May is the perfect time to witness the world-famous Indianapolis 500 in all its glory. If you’d like to experience unique summer festivals, come during July or August. Looking for a cheap holiday
English is the language you'll encounter most often during your city break in Indianapolis.
January delivers the coolest conditions for an Indianapolis holiday. Go during this time and you'll experience lows of -12ºC (10ºF).
Indianapolis is generally safe for travellers, especially the city centre. Take the common-sense precautions you would take in any large city. Don’t leave valuables on show and avoid walking in quiet, poorly lit areas at night.
No matter how many times you visit, no trip to this city is ever the same. If exploring attractions is on your list of things to do in Indianapolis, be sure to include The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Museum of Art.
If you’re here to catch a sporting event and check out a couple of museums, then a short holiday in Indianapolis is just fine. Want to explore the neighbourhoods and soak up some pure Indy culture
Your city break in Indianapolis can vary in price based on anything from your trip length to travel dates. To land the best deals on Indianapolis flights and hotels, avoid locking yourself into fixed dates and look out for early bird offers and promotions.
With an average rainfall of 13 cm, April is the rainiest month to go on an Indianapolis holiday. When the drizzle sets in, venture indoors and enjoy the city's cafes, galleries, museums and more.