10 locals-recommended things to do in Indianapolis, IN

In 1821, state leaders designed Indianapolis to serve as Indiana’s new state capital because it offered a central location in a geographically beautiful area. Not long after, its first residents added their own vision and flair to the city, turning it into a bustling center for culture, trade, manufacturing, and migration. That nurturing spirit has carried over into recent decades, making Indianapolis a destination for logistics, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries, among others.

But beyond its productivity and commerce, Indianapolis offers a lot of heart and soul. People who know the city—residents and visitors alike—often describe it as polite, community-focused, and midwestern-friendly. It has an exciting arts and culture scene, four true seasons, and a growing foodie scene, offering a wide range of fun activities for all ages to see and do. Compared to its coastal counterparts, Indianapolis has a lower cost of living, making it an excellent place to put down roots, too!

So, what do those who know it best like to do in their fair city? Read on! We’ll share some suggestions from the locals for things to check out while you’re here.

1. Check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

“Indianapolis offers a dynamic mix of culture, history, sports, and food—making it an engaging destination for every type of traveler,” says local events planner Jean Rivers. “Start with a visit to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500. Even outside race season, the museum and track tour are a must.” Also known as “The Brickyard,” the speedway seats more than 250,000 people, making it one of the world’s largest sporting venues. Something else that may draw your attention: it’s also said to be haunted by  former Speedway president/three-time Indy 500 winner Wilbur Shaw.

2. Immerse yourself in art at Newfields

Formerly known as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Newfields was recommended by a couple of our contributors, including Rivers, who says that it is Indianapolis’s most iconic wedding choice for their couples. The museum’s permanent collection comprises more than 50,000 works from around the world and across history, including European, Asian, African, Oceanic, and Indigenous pieces. And it isn’t just a museum, it’s also a cultural campus with over 50 acres of formal gardens, pathways, and outdoor art installations!

Good to know: Newfield’s is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM, but hours may vary depending on the events they’re hosting. Also, some outdoor sections remain open daily at no charge.

3. Catch an event at Lucas Oil Stadium

Rivers also pointed us to Lucas Oil Stadium, a must-see for NFL fans visiting Indy during football season! Home to the Indianapolis Colts, the stadium fills with lively crowds on game days and offers pre-game festivities, live music, tailgating, and lots of dining and beverage options. The retractable roof and giant video boards help make it exciting regardless of the weather. If football’s not your thing, check the calendar—they also host big-name tours and shows, as well as other sporting events.

4. Eat your way around Indy

Who better to give us the inside scoop on the best places to eat, drink, and be merry than the people who literally do it for a living? “Because we are event planners, we work closely with the city’s hospitality scene; some of the best restaurants in town include Bluebeard for elevated seasonal fare, Vida for refined fine dining, Livery for Latin-inspired dishes, St. Elmo Steak House for a classic Indy experience, and Geraldine’s Supper Club for dinner with live jazz,” says Rivers. “Together, they showcase Indianapolis’ warmth, creativity, and exceptional culinary scene!”

5. Marvel at Monument Circle

Indianapolis is relatively spread out and car-friendly, but its downtown is extremely walkable, so many of the locals encouraged us to get out and explore it! “A great place to start is downtown, where visitors can explore Monument Circle, the heart of the city,” says Claudia Stephenson of Brandnook, a company offering private and co-working offices in the city.

Visit during the day to sightsee and climb the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, dedicated in 1902 to Hoosiers who served in the Revolutionary War through the Civil War. In the evenings, catch “Shining A Light,” a nightly light-and-music presentation that highlights the Monuments and surrounding buildings with projections and a score. Whether you visit during the day or at night, there’s plenty of live music, art installations, cafes, bars, restaurants, and more. “Monument Circle is so dear to us, we have our office located right off of the circle,” added Rivers. The Circle also links to other downtown attractions, like museums and shopping districts.

6. Stroll the Canal Walk

The Central Canal is also a short walk from Monument Circle, excellent for a romantic backdrop or just a different visual perspective on the city. “For a quieter break, the Indianapolis Canal Walk is perfect for a stroll,” says Stephenson. There are paths along the water for walking, biking, or running. Benches along the way make great spots to enjoy a coffee, relax, and check out the urban wildlife that inhabits the waterway and greenway.

7. Keep going on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail

If your wanderlust isn’t sated, Stephenson suggests “a walk or bike ride along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which connects many of Indy’s most vibrant districts.” The Canal integrates into the Cultural Trail, making it even easier to continue exploring downtown. The trail isn’t just a sidewalk; it was intentionally built as a public space with greenery, public art installations, and access to theaters, museums, galleries, performance venues, and more.

8. Delight in the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

The Children’s Museum holds the title of the largest kids’ museum in the world, and it’s also one of the city’s most beloved attractions. It features five floors of exhibit halls on a whopping 473,000 sq ft to explore—all designed for maximum immersion and interactivity. There are exhibits designed for all ages and developmental levels, so whether your kiddo is into dinosaurs, space, art, culture, or just exploring and playing, it’s definitely at least a day’s worth of fun!

Good to know: Museum hours are typically Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. They’re closed most Mondays and on holidays.

9. Explore Massachusetts Ave and the Broad Ripple neighborhoods

Indianapolis has its share of interesting and eclectic neighborhoods! Stephenson turned us on to Massachusetts Avenue (Mass Ave) and the Broad Ripple neighborhoods—two of Indy’s most personality-filled districts. “Neighborhoods like Massachusetts Avenue and Broad Ripple offer incredible local restaurants, live music, and independent shops that showcase Indy’s creative energy,” she says. But they do have very different vibes.

Mass Ave is creative, energetic, and artsy with an upscale edge. It’s popular with young professionals and creatives for its independent theaters, art galleries, boutique shops, and public art and murals. Because of its comedy clubs and live music venues, it’s also a fantastic place for date night!

Broad Ripple has historically been a hub for the alternative scene, with indie record stores, tattoo shops, and quirky, vintage storefronts. You’ll find dive bars next to upscale restaurants, giving a more relaxed atmosphere than downtown. It’s also pretty outdoorsy, with canal access, river kayaking, and the Monon Trail—a major walking/biking corridor.

“What truly sets Indianapolis apart, though, is its people — approachable, collaborative, and proud of their city,” said Stephenson. “Whether you’re here for a weekend or an extended stay, Indy makes it easy to feel connected!”

10. Spend the day on the water (then grab some brunch!)

Chris Price, local managing broker and realtor with Keller Williams, wraps it up very nicely: “Indianapolis has a way of surprising people — even those who think they already ‘know’ the city! As a local real estate expert who’s spent years working in neighborhoods all across Central Indiana, I’ve learned that the best parts of Indy aren’t always the most obvious ones. Sure, the big-name attractions are worth visiting, but what really makes Indianapolis special are the experiences that feel a little more personal — the kind of things locals quietly recommend when someone says, “Okay, what do you REALLY like doing here?” And one of my favorite under-the-radar adventures is getting out on the water and seeing the city from a completely different angle.”

“Most people don’t realize you can actually kayak parts of the White River and enjoy a peaceful, scenic, and unexpectedly beautiful side of Indianapolis. Depending on the section and time of year, you’ll float past tree-lined banks, spot wildlife, and get a calm break from the city without ever leaving it! It’s one of those experiences that feels like a quick getaway but fits perfectly into an afternoon — especially if you pair it with brunch, a coffee stop, or dinner afterward in one of Indy’s nearby districts!”

“As someone who’s constantly driving from listing appointments to closings, I love recommending activities like this because it shows what living here is really like: easy access to both city energy and outdoor escape. Indy isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to settle in, explore, and keep discovering new favorites.”

Indianapolis is waiting for you!

Indianapolis may move more slowly than many of its coastal counterparts, but that offers ample opportunity to get to know the people and places that make this city so special. If you’re visiting, we hope we’ve given you some inspiration on where to begin! Once you get to know the city, we’re convinced you’ll be back again and again. But if you decide to take the leap and make Indy your forever nest, you can find the perfect place with these Indianapolis apartments.