Indianapolis

Nicknamed Circle City, Indianapolis is perhaps best known as home to the Indy 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Still, there’s so much more here to see. Explore below-the-surface ruins in the City Market Catacombs, play at the iconic Children’s Museum and amble along the 10-mile Cultural Trail filled with public art. From the Wholesale District to the Bottleworks District, make pit stops at urban parks, scenic riverfronts, culinary gems and cobblestone neighborhoods.

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QUICK GUIDE

WHEN TO GO

If you want to see the Indianapolis 500, the annual event occurs over Memorial Day weekend. If not, visit at less-crowded times. While summer swelters and winter brings cold weather, spring and fall deliver mild temperatures — perfect for exploring Indy’s many bike paths, public parks and outdoor venues.

NEED TO KNOW

Visas: Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.
Money: Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available. Many restaurants and bars (particularly in tourist centric areas) will automatically tack on a 15 to 20 percent tip to your bill. Check carefully before paying and/or double-tipping.
Travel Health: Check with Marion County Public Health Department for the latest health safety information, including travel protocols and requirements like negative COVID-19 tests, quarantines, mask mandates and more in connection with COVID-19. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

GETTING AROUND

Getting Here: Fly into Indianapolis International Airport (IND), and then hop on the affordable Go Green Airport Shuttle to get to downtown Indy. The Indy South Greenwood Airport is also close to downtown Indy.
Getting Around: While parts of Indy are walkable — especially the downtown area — you’ll probably want a car to get around the city easily. IndyGo bus services and the new Red Line (electric bus rapid transit line) provide public transportation in the greater downtown area, as well as taxis, Uber and Lyft. This bike-friendly city also offers the Indiana Pacers Bikershare program (with 50 stations and 525 bikes) and bike rentals from Wheel Fun Rentals and Bicycle Garage Indy.

LOCAL INTEL

Local Lingo: English and Spanish are the two most prevalent languages spoken in Miami. It pays to learn a few Spanish-language favorites. Dale: A catch-all exclamation (think: Pitbull) used to show excitement. Cafecito: Miami’s liquid fuel, it equates to a super-strong, crazy-sweet espresso. The Beach: Miami Beach; under practically no circumstances will a local say “SoBe.”
Must-Have App: UberVisit Florida
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Wynwood neighborhood, it’s home to one of the largest open-air street art installations in the world and you’ll admire art everywhere – in galleries, in restaurants, and even on the sidewalks.