How a Local Would Spend One Day in Indianapolis: What to See, Do, & Eat
As an Indianapolis local, here’s how I would spend one day in Indianapolis to hit my favorite spots!
Even with just one day, you can cover a lot—from great local food to scenic walks and exploring some of the city’s best neighborhoods.
This itinerary includes my top picks for where to eat and what to do to make the most of your time in downtown Indianapolis.
If you have more time to spend in Indianapolis, check out my weekend in Indianapolis itinerary for more things to do!
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One Day in Indianapolis Itinerary
As a local who’s visited downtown Indianapolis countless times, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite things to do in the city.
This is what I would prioritize doing if I only had one day in Indianapolis to explore!
Be sure to download this Google map below where I have saved the locations of all the spots mentioned in this blog post.
Grab Breakfast from Side Door Bagel Co
Bagel sandwiches are easily my favorite breakfast food—I am obsessed with them!
If you’re in downtown Indianapolis, Side Door Bagel Co is the best place to grab one.
This spot is super popular, especially on weekend mornings, so expect a bit of a wait. The wait is 100% worth it though!
The shop itself is pretty small, and there’s usually a line out the door.
Its indoor seating is limited to a few bar stools, but if the weather is nice, there are a couple of outdoor tables where you can sit.
My go-to order is the BECCY, which comes with bacon, egg, and cream cheese.
They also have a great selection of unique bagel and cream cheese flavors.
If you’re wanting a more traditional sit-down breakfast, here are some great options:
- Cafe Patachou – The Patawich and Cinnamon Toast are both must-tries.
- Wild Eggs – My favorite of the three! I’m obsessed with their Potato Head Casserole—it’s seriously so good.
- Yolk – Another solid choice. Their Cheesy Egg Sandwich is my go-to here.
No matter which one you pick, you can’t go wrong!
Get a Coffee from a Local Coffee Shop
Downtown Indianapolis has an awesome coffee scene, and if you love coffee, I highly recommend hopping around to a few local coffee shops to try them out.
Here are some of my favorite coffee shop in Indianapolis:
- Parlor Public House – A beautiful space that doubles as a coffee shop and cocktail bar. If you like unique specialty drinks, this is the place to go.
- Coat Check Coffee – Unique interior with cozy vibes. Their Butterscotch Latte is a must-try!
- Chronic Coffee – They make some seriously good specialty drinks.
- Neidhammer Coffee Co – A beautiful coffee shop with a great drink menu and delicious crepes. I also love their mission—they provide jobs and development opportunities to at-risk and unhoused young adults.
- Mocha Nut – This one is a bit outside of downtown in Southport, but it’s my favorite coffee shop in Indianapolis. When I lived nearby, I went there every single day (not exaggerating) for their Iced Caramel Macchiato, and I still haven’t found anything that compares since moving away!
If you make the trip to Mocha Nut, don’t leave without grabbing a donut from Long’s Donuts nearby—they’re the best donuts I’ve ever had! Have some cash on hand though since they are cash-only.
Looking for a Hotel?
Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!
Need a Rental Car?
For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!
Guided Tours/Activities
When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!
Walk Along the Canal
Walking along the Canal is one of the best things to do in downtown Indianapolis, especially on a nice day.
The 3-mile loop offers great views of the city and is the perfect way to get some steps in while enjoying the weather.
If you’re visiting in the summer, you can also rent pedal boats and kayaks from Wheel Fun Rentals to get out on the water.
Grab Lunch from the Garage Food Hall
The Garage Food Hall is the perfect lunch spot in Indianapolis, offering a wide variety of food options all in one place.
It’s especially great if you’re with a group since everyone can pick something different.
Here are some of my favorite vendors:
- Twenty Two Juicery – Fresh acai bowls, smoothies, and juices
- Clancy’s – Great burgers
- J’s Lobster & Fish Market – Amazing lobster rolls
No matter what you’re craving, there’s something for everyone here!
Walk Along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an 8-mile trail that connects downtown Indianapolis to several cultural districts, making it one of the best ways to explore the city on foot or by bike.
You can find the route and walking directions for the trail here.
The trail is perfect for biking, with multiple rental stations available through the Pacer Bike Share program, making it easy to grab a bike.
Depending on where you are, you can start the trail near Mass Ave or in Fountain Square, an artsy district full of great shops, coffee spots, and food.
Here are a few spots in Fountain Square that I recommend checking out:
- Bovaconti – A great local coffee shop with awesome drinks. I love their Spanish Latte, and my husband likes the Tiger Eye (dirty chai).
- Square Scoop – The best ice cream in downtown Indianapolis! I’m a big fan of their milkshakes, especially Graham Central Station or Strawberry.
- Siam Square – If you’re craving Thai food, this place is a must. I love their Drunken Noodles with Beef and their Crab Rangoons.
- Square Cat Vinyl – A vinyl record shop with a coffee shop inside.
- Zodiac Vintage – Great for finding unique, vintage clothing.
- Indy Reads – A local bookstore with new and used books.
- Commodore – A speakeasy serving up craft cocktails
- Black House Cafe – Horror-themed coffee shop.
- Atomic Duckpin Bowl – Duckpin bowling with a retro vibe.
- Tuggle’s Gifts & Goods – A local gift shop with cool finds.
Dinner at The Eagle
To wrap up your one day in Indianapolis, I highly recommend grabbing dinner at The Eagle—one of my favorite restaurants in Indianapolis!
Their Grilled Cheese, Southern Chopped Salad, Fried Chicken Sandwich, and Mac & Cheese (which you can top with fried chicken!) are all amazing.
Here are some of my other favorite Indianapolis restaurants:
- FortyFive Degrees – A great spot for sushi. My go-to is the Black Widow specialty roll.
- Futuro – Incredible pizza! I love their Tavern-Style Bacon & Basil pizza.
- Baby’s – A great spot with delicious burgers and a cool retro vibe.
Check out more of my favorite restaurants in my blog post where we discuss the best places to eat in Indianapolis!
Conclusion
As someone who lives near Indianapolis, I can say that one day in Indianapolis is enough to hit some of the city’s highlights, from walking the Canal and exploring Mass Ave.
There’s always more to see, but this itinerary gives you a great starting point if you’re short on time.
Best Places to Stay in Indianapolis
If you’re wanting to stay the night in downtown Indianapolis, here are some of my top recommendations for the best places to stay.
- JW Marriott – Upscale hotel with great city views, connected to the Indiana Convention Center.
- Bottleworks Hotel – Boutique hotel in the Bottleworks District, located in a restored historic Coca-Cola bottling plant.
- Conrad Indianapolis – Luxury hotel with spacious rooms
- Hyatt Regency – Centrally located with easy access to downtown attractions.
Check out this interactive map below for more places to stay in downtown Indianapolis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indianapolis Most Famous For?
Indianapolis is best known for hosting the Indianapolis 500, one of the biggest auto races in the world!
The Indy 500 is usually always held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Is it Worth Visiting Indianapolis?
Yes! Indianapolis has a lot to offer, from outdoor activities to great restaurants.
Whether you’re visiting for a game, walking the Cultural Trail, or checking out the local food scene, there’s plenty to do.
Does Indianapolis Have a Riverwalk?
While it doesn’t have a traditional Riverwalk, the Indianapolis Canal Walk is a great spot for walking, biking, and even renting pedal boats or kayaks.
It’s a 3-mile loop offering views of downtown Indianapolis.
Is Indianapolis a Walkable City?
Downtown Indianapolis is very walkable, with attractions, restaurants, and hotels all close together.
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail also makes it easy to explore different parts of the city on foot or by bike.
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