Indianapolis walking tour & city guide

Monument Circle, a canal walk and the home of the Indy 500.

6 videos · uploaded 2021–2026

Downtown Indianapolis Walking Tour

Video by TravelUSA_withme · Oct 2023 · All rights belong to the creator

All rights belong to the creator.

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Explore Indianapolis

City guide

Indianapolis on foot

Indianapolis, Indiana's capital, was planned from scratch in the 1820s around a circle at its centre, and the grid of broad streets still radiates from it. The city is best known for the Indianapolis 500 motor race, but its compact downtown is easy to walk, with a canal, riverside parks, lively side streets and an eight-mile walking and cycling trail that loops through the neighbourhoods.

Monument Circle and downtown

At the heart of the city, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument rises from Monument Circle, with an observation deck near the top and fountains at its base. The Indiana Statehouse, the city's big museums and the football stadium are all within a short walk. West of the centre, the Canal Walk follows a tree-lined waterway to White River State Park, the state museum and the zoo.

Mass Ave, Fountain Square and the Cultural Trail

Massachusetts Avenue runs diagonally north-east from downtown, a street of theatres, bars, galleries and restaurants in old brick buildings. Fountain Square, to the south-east, is a historic neighbourhood of vintage shops, music venues and a famous duckpin bowling alley. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a wide paved path separated from traffic, links both with downtown and the canal.

A classic Indianapolis walk

Start at Monument Circle, then follow the Cultural Trail north-east up Mass Ave. Loop back through downtown and head west along the Canal Walk to White River State Park. On another day, take the trail south-east to Fountain Square. The circle-to-park route with Mass Ave is about 6 kilometres; bike share stations sit all along the trail.

Visiting tips

May is race month: the Indianapolis 500 is held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at the Speedway west of downtown, and hotels fill and prices rise. Spring and early autumn are pleasant for walking; summers are warm and humid, and winters cold.

Don't miss

Top sights in Indianapolis

1
Monument Circle
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument at the city's centre.
2
Canal Walk
A waterside promenade through downtown.
3
White River State Park
Museums and green space by the river.
4
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Home of the Indy 500, with a museum.
5
Massachusetts Avenue
Theatres, bars and galleries.
6
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
One of the largest children's museums in the world.

Eat

Food markets & where to eat in Indianapolis

Massachusetts Avenue
Restaurants and bars along Mass Ave.
Fountain Square
Casual eateries and music venues.
Indianapolis City Market
A historic market hall downtown.

Taste

Food to try in Indianapolis

Breaded pork tenderloin sandwich
A thin fried cutlet much bigger than its bun.
Sugar cream pie
Indiana's official state pie.
Shrimp cocktail
Served with a fiery horseradish sauce.

Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.

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