A Local’s Guide on How to Plan the Perfect Weekend in Indianapolis Itinerary

As an Indianapolis local, I felt compelled to share my favorite way to spend a weekend in Indianapolis!

Rather than laying out a strict itinerary, I thought a more casual approach would be better.

I have organized this blog post around recommended places to stay, best things to do in Indianapolis, and then my favorite places to eat for breakfast, lunch, & dinner (& of course coffee shops 😍).

This way, you can customize your Indianapolis itinerary based on your preferences and length of stay!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will get a commission if you decide to purchase through those links, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Indianapolis

Let’s dive into how you can spend the perfect weekend in Indianapolis, covering where to stay in downtown Indianapolis, my favorite things to do in the city, and of course we can’t forget the best places to eat 😍!

Since I have in lived Indianapolis my whole life, I have been able to narrow down some of the best things to do in the city!

Be sure to download this handy map below to find all of the spots mentioned in this blog post so you can visit them during your weekend in Indianapolis! 😊

Best Places to Stay in Indianapolis

I recommend staying close to the downtown area of Indianapolis since it is a walkable city due to its smaller size.

If you’re looking for places to stay during your weekend in Indianapolis, check out my recommendations below:

• JW Marriott – great option if attending an Indians game or Colts Game
• Conrad – perfect option if attending a Pacers Game or concert at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• Bottleworks Hotel – great location next to the Garage Food Hall

Best Things to Do During Your Weekend in Indianapolis

1. Try Out Bouldering at North Mass Boulder

If you’re into bouldering, you must try out North Mass Boulder!

A day pass costs $20 for an adult and $16 for youth/students.

They even have a cafe here too, Top Out Cafe, that serves food and coffee when you need a break from bouldering.

It is a fun thing to do in Indianapolis with a group of friends!

2. Back 9 Golf and Entertainment

If you’re familiar with Top Golf, Back 9 Golf and Entertainment is almost the same thing!

It is a fun thing to do with a group of friends, and you rent by the hour.

They serve food & drinks as well to enjoy while you golf!

Be sure to check out their events calendar to see if they will have any concerts while you’re there!

3. Walk Along the Canal

Enjoy a walk along the Canal in downtown Indianapolis.

In total, it is a 3-mile loop offering views of downtown and a great way to get some exercise in on a nice day!

If you’re interested, many people rent pedal boats or kayaks during the summer through Wheel Fun Rentals!

4. Make Candles at Penn & Beech Candle Co.

Make your own custom candle at Penn & Beech Candle Co. choosing from a variety of over 120 scents!

They even offer a beverage menu to enjoy a glass of wine or beer while making your candle.

Once you’re done making your candle, it takes around 2 hours to cure before it is ready to take home with you. So, I recommend doing this in the afternoon so you can come by and pick up your candle after dinner.

Reservations are highly recommended!

5. Go-Kart Racing

Where better to enjoy go-karting than in Speedway, Indiana (home to the Indy 500 race)!

Speedway is a little further outside of the downtown Indianapolis area but worth a visit if you’re into go-karting and the Indy 500!

Speedway Indoor Karting offers multiple tracks to choose from based on your skill level and preferences.

6. Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

If you’re planning to visit Speedway for go-karting, then you can’t miss out on visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum!

The Museum is currently closed for renovations until April 2025, but you can still take a tour of the track!

Tours of the track cost $15 per adult (16 years or older).

7. The Hangar

The Hangar is an excellent event venue in Indianapolis offering a variety of fun things to do during your weekend in Indianapolis!

Whether you want to grab a group to enjoy a Handlebar pedal pub tour, try your hand at indoor golf simulators, or have fun at a DIY Crafting workshop.

8. Duckpin Bowling

If you’re staying in Fountain Square during your weekend in Indianapolis, don’t miss out on visiting Atomic Bowl – a retro style duckpin bowling alley.

Duckpin bowling is slightly different from regular bowling. It is smaller pins and smaller balls but just as fun as regular bowling to me!

I love the retro vibes of this place as well! I recommend making reservations ahead of time if you can.

If you’re visiting Indianapolis during the Fall, be sure to check out my blog post all about the best fall things to do in Indiana!

9. Cider Tasting at Ash & Elm

If you enjoy ciders like me, be sure to check out all of the ciders offered at Ash & Elm Cider Co.

My favorite cider there is the Sunset Tart Cherry!

Also they are located close to my favorite pizza in Indianapolis, Futuro! 

You seriously NEED to check out this place if you’re in this area. It is the best pizza I have had in my whole life (no exaggeration). My favorite is the Tavern Bacon & Basil!

10. Browse Local Bookshops

Indianapolis is stepping up its game with local bookstores!

I really enjoy browsing local bookstores with a coffee in hand – one of my favorite things to do!

Here are some local bookstores in Indianapolis worth checking out:

1. Loudmouth Books
2. Tomorrow Bookstore
3. Dream Palace Books & Coffee – a bookstore & coffee shop in one – say less! 😍

11. Walk the Monon Trail in Broad Ripple

Broad Ripple is a little further outside of the downtown Indianapolis but worth a visit during your weekend in Indianapolis if possible!

I love to walk along the Monon Trail in Broad Ripple on a nice day to enjoy the weather and scenery.

If you do visit the Broad Ripple Area, be sure to grab a coffee from Java House and/or a breakfast or lunch bagel from Ripple Bagel Deli – some of my favorite spots!

12. Enjoy Indianapolis Nightlife

Visit a Cigar Bar

If you enjoy cigars, check out Burn cigar lounge!

It is one of the most popular cigar bars in Indianapolis.

The Dugout

If you’re staying near the Fountain Square neighborhood for your weekend in Indianapolis, consider checking out The Dugout Bar if you’re looking for a more relaxed bar.

I enjoy visiting here during the summer since they have a lot of outdoor seating and live music.

Live Comedy Show

If you’re interested in attending a live comedy show in Indianapolis, check out upcoming events at Helium Comedy Club!

Slippery Noodle Inn

Slippery Noodle Inn is the oldest bar in Indianapolis dating back to 1850!

I really enjoy the vibe of this place, and it is a great place to enjoy drinks and live music.

Be sure to check out their events calendar for live music.

Whiskey Lounge

If you’re looking for a great whiskey bar in Indianapolis, check out The Exchange Bar located on Mass Ave,

They have a basement and upper level – both are decorated very well adding to the cool atmosphere!

Best Places to Eat in Indianapolis

Best Coffee Shops in Indianapolis

1. Java House 

If you are a cold brew lover, you must check out Java House since it is their specialty!

My husband loves cold brew, and this is his favorite coffee shop. He gets the Ethiopian brew.

I enjoy their specialty & seasonal drinks! They always have some unique seasonal drinks so be sure to check out their Instagram for their up-to-date menu.

I love the Neapolitan in the Summer and the Bonfire Brew in the Fall. For year-round specialty drinks, I enjoy the Tedster (salted caramel).

2. Mansion Society

Mansion Society is such a unique coffee shop in Indianapolis worth checking out.

It is located on the ground floor of an apartment complex which actually used to be home to the Old Central State psychiatric hospital.

The French Toast latte is my absolute fave!

They are definitely smaller size drinks & more expensive than other coffee places I have been to, but it is well worth it to me due to the quality & charm of the place!

Please note they are closed on Mondays.

3. Amberson Coffee & Grocer

Amberson Coffee & Grocer is a very cool coffee shop in Indianapolis, located in the Fountain Square neighborhood.

They are big promoters of sustainability, and therefore, serve their drinks in glass jars that you can reuse later on or bring back into the shop on your next visit to get $1 off your order.

Due to this, they are definitely more pricey, and their drinks only go up to 12 oz which is quite small (at least for me haha!) but still worth a visit!

I recommend the Date Latte.

4. Bovaconti

Bovaconti is another coffee shop located in the Fountain Square neighborhood.

I really enjoy their Spanish Latte, and my husband loves the Tiger’s Eye (dirty chai).

5. Mocha Nut

Mocha Nut is hands down my favorite coffee shop in Indianapolis, but it is quite a bit further away from downtown Indianapolis sadly.

If you find yourself near this area though, it is so worth checking out – trust me!

When I lived near here, I came here every morning and got an iced Caramel Macchiato. I was a regular for over a year before I moved – so if that doesn’t prove my love for this place I am not sure what else will 😂.

If you do venture here, you MUST also try a donut from Long’s Bakery located just down the street.

These are arguably the most famous donuts in Indiana and are the best donuts I have ever had. You can’t go wrong with their classic glazed yeast donuts – the BEST!

6. Blue Mind Coffee

Blue Mind Coffee is a popular coffee shop in Indianapolis serving up some really good coffee.

They have a big parking lot behind the shop as well making parking easy which is a plus!

They have a variety of yummy latte options, featuring an amazing honeycomb latte.

Please note they are closed on Sundays.

7. Parlor Public House

Parlor Public House is a super unique coffee shop in Indianapolis that actually turns into a cocktail bar in the evening!

I love the vibe of this coffee shop. It is super aesthetic and cute!

They have a wide range of seasonal & specialty drinks with some unique flavors such as butterfly pea flower powder.

8. Chronic Coffee

Chronic Coffee is a great local coffee shop in Indianapolis serving up some super yummy specialty drinks – featuring Cinnamon Toast Crunch Chai and Girl Scouts Cookies Macchiato (Thin Mint or Samoas) – how unique!

If you’re visiting Indianapolis during the holidays, be sure to check out my blog post all about the best Christmas things to do in Indiana!

Best Breakfast in Indianapolis

1. Wild Eggs

Wild Eggs is one of my favorite breakfast places in Indianapolis!

I highly recommend the Potato Head Casserole – it is seriously so good!

The Breakfast Burrito is also a great choice – my husband’s favorite.

You can make reservations here or join their waitlist before you get there which is convenient to reduce your waiting time at the restaurant.

In my experience, I have never had to wait long to be seated here, and our food always comes out so quickly! 

2. Milktooth

Milktooth is a popular restaurant in the Fountain Square area serving up a delicious and unique menu featuring sourdough waffles and breakfast burgers.

They are currently only open Friday through Monday starting at 10:00 am – so technically more of a brunch spot.

I would describe the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis as more trendy & artsy so this unique restaurant fits the vibe!

I recommend coming right at 10:00 am when they open as a line usually begins to form outside before they even open!

3. Yolk

Yolk is another great place to eat in Indianapolis for breakfast!

If you’re looking for something savory, I recommend the Cheesy Egg Sandwich and the Breakfast Burrito.

If you’re leaning towards something sweet, I love the Nutella Crepes!

4. Sidedoor Bagel

Indianapolis finally has a dedicated bagel shop, Sidedoor Bagel, and it doesn’t disappoint!

I love the BECCY (bacon, egg, & cream cheese) on a flaky salt bagel! 😋

Be prepared to usually have to wait in line outside as it is smaller on the inside, but the line moves fast.

They do have some tables outside where you can enjoy your bagel.

Please note they are closed on Mondays.

Best Lunch Restaurants in Indianapolis

1. Workingman Friend’s

Workingman Friend’s is one of my favorite places to eat in Indianapolis for lunch if you’re looking for a good burger!

If you enjoy smashed burgers with crispy edges, then you must visit this place! I also highly recommend their chili.

Workingman Friend’s opened in 1918, and you can still feel these old-school vibes when you walk into this establishment.

Please note they are cash only.

2. Garage Food Hall

The Garage Food Hall is a great place for lunch if you’re coming with a group of people who all have different taste buds since there are so many options to choose from!

Some of my personal favorites include:

• Lobster rolls from J’s Lobster & Fish Market
• Double cheeseburger from Clancy’s Hamburgers
• Acai bowl from Twenty Two Juice Bar

3. Greiner’s Sub Shop

Greiner’s Sub Shop is a great local establishment in Indianapolis if you’re wanting a yummy sandwich for lunch.

In addition to hot & cold sandwiches, they also serve up a variety of mac and cheese options, pizza, and wings.

It has been in business since 1969 and is one of Indy’s oldest sub shops!

Best Dinner Restaurants in Indianapolis

1. The Eagle

The Eagle is definitely one of my favorite places to eat in Indianapolis for dinner!

If you love fried chicken, it is a must-visit during your weekend in Indianapolis.

I highly recommend the following:

• Grilled Cheese (you can add chicken to it if you want!)
• Mac and Cheese with Fried Chicken added to it
• Fried Chicken Sandwich
• Southern Chopped Salad (so good!)
• Fries with side of Aioli 😍

2. Siam Square

Siam Square is located in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis and serves up the best Thai Food in Indianapolis (in my opinion)!

I really enjoy their Drunken Noodles with Beef, and my husband loves their Chicken Pad Thai.

3. St. Elmo’s

If you’re wanting to enjoy some high-end dining during your weekend in Indianapolis, then look no further than St. Elmo Steak House.

It is arguably the most famous restaurant in Indianapolis due to its famous spicy shrimp cocktail sauce made with horseradish, and of course, it is also well-known for its great steak selection.

It is a great spot to celebrate a special occasion! My go-to meal there is an 8-oz Filet Mignon, Shrimp Cocktail, and the Wedge Salad.

Reservations are recommended.

4. FortyFive Degrees

FortyFive Degrees serves up some of the best sushi in Indianapolis!

I recommend their Godzilla, Black Widow, and Spider sushi rolls.

If you’re interested in checking out more restaurant recommendations, check out my blog post all about the best places to eat in Indianapolis!

Conclusion

This concludes my top recommendations on how to spend your weekend in Indianapolis – from things to do, places to eat, and where to stay!

I hope this will help you plan your Indianapolis itinerary based on your preferences and length of stay!