The ultimate weekend in Indianapolis

28.10.2024 - 20:43 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 28, 2024 • 9 min read

Chicago might get all the glory as the unofficial capital of the Midwest, but there’s a little something special brewing in its oft-overlooked neighbor to the east: Indy. Indiana’s largest city, Indianapolis is the queen of sporting events. The NCAA Final Four, Olympic Swim Trials, a certain record-breaking tour stop – it’s all here.

And while the city truly sparkles when the red carpet is rolled out for big occasions, a visit at any time is worthwhile as there’s plenty of creativity brewing in the Corn Belt all year long. 

I love exploring my home region of the Midwest and doing my best to dispel the overdone “flyover country” myth. (I promise, people are doing amazing, unexpected, dynamic things in the Heartland.) And despite traversing the globe, something keeps drawing me back to the quiet cool of Indianapolis.

Maybe it’s the proximity to family or the slew of unheralded eateries plating elevated dishes packed with regional flair. Maybe it’s the culturally diverse and exciting mix of neighborhoods packed with exciting things to see and do. Whatever the reasons, see the best the city has to offer with this ultimate weekend guide to Indianapolis.

When to arrive: I always prefer to arrive on Thursday afternoon or evening to squeeze the most out of a weekend away. That way, you're refreshed and ready to go on Friday morning and can pack more into the weekend.

How to get from the airport: Both Uber and Lyft are easy options to the Circle City from Indianapolis International Airport (IND). In my experience, Ubers are slightly more plentiful, and you can expect to spend $30-$50 on a ride from the airport to the city. It’s only 15-30 minutes away from downtown, depending on traffic. 

Getting around town: The urban core is fairly walkable, but since some major draws are on the edges of the city, renting a car is your best bet. Indy is working to expand its BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), but it’s not quite traveler-friendly yet. 

Where to stay: The Bottleworks Hotel is an Art Deco dream that anchors an eponymous retail and commercial district. It just earned a Michelin Key – one of just two Indy properties to receive this coveted award. Marriott enthusiasts will enjoy the boutique feel of the Hotel Indy. With an excellent location just around the corner from Monument Circle and a fun rooftop bar, it’s a solid choice for any getaway. Stay tuned for the new kid on the block, The InterContinental, which is now accepting reservations from mid-January 2025. 

What to pack: It’s still the Midwest, so casual is the name of this travel wardrobe game. I tend to bring layers as the weather can change on a dime like much of the region. Think sweaters, denim, comfortable boots, scarves and boxy tees. During