Ranked the Best Boutique Hotel of 2025, Bottleworks Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Indianapolis – Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
It may best be known for the iconic Indy 500, but Indianapolis, Indiana, is much more than the Motor Speedway. Affectionately known as “Indy” or “Circle City” to many, Indianapolis is a vibrant destination with a surprising mix of culture, history, and fun. From dynamic museums to a lively dining scene and walkable neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into sports, art, or family-friendly adventures.
The hospitality team at Bottleworks Hotel, winner of the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Boutique Hotel 2025, gave us suggestions on what to do and where to eat if you’re only in town for a weekend. It’s like having a personal concierge guide you through the best experiences for your Indy bucket list.
Things to do in Indianapolis
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Indiana Pacers Bikeshare has stations positioned along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, making it easy to do as much as possible in Indianapolis – Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
One of the best ways to get to know the city is via the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which connects Indy’s central downtown neighborhoods with over 10 miles of pedestrian and cyclist-friendly pathways. In addition to greenways, you’ll find boutique shops and popular attractions, including the Madam Walker Legacy Center, Indianapolis Zoo, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Victory Field.
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Bottleworks senior event planner Madeline Burgher encourages guests to spend time at The Canal Walk, which offers a bit of serenity in the middle of the city. Those with kids will especially love the Indianapolis Colts Canal Playspace.
Visitors can cover more ground by renting a bike from Pedego Electric Bikes or the Pacers Bike Share program.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is a must for history buffs looking for things to do in Indianapolis – Photo courtesy of Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site invites visitors to step inside the beautifully restored Victorian home of Indiana’s only president. Guided tours reveal the mansion’s original furnishings and personal memorabilia. At the same time, knowledgeable docents share fascinating anecdotes about our 23rd president’s life and his family’s legacy.
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Loudmouth Books
Loudmouth Books is a great spot to connect with other bibliophiles or pick up a unique gift while in Indianapolis – Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
Loudmouth Books, an independent bookstore proudly owned by a Black, queer woman and author, is ranked as one of the 10 best independent bookstores of 2025. Loudmouth is all about celebrating banned books and “loudly and proudly proclaiming (their) passion for stories by, for, and about marginalized people.”
Newfields
The “Funky Bones” sculpture is a popular spot to visit with a picnic – Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
Home to the award-winning Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, and the historic Lilly House & Gardens, Newfields celebrates art, history, and nature across its 152-acre cultural campus. Whether visiting the contemporary galleries, hiking the trails of the nature park, or wandering through the gardens, there’s plenty to see and do.
Admission is free at the art and nature park, ranked among the nation’s 10 best sculpture parks. Karissa Krou, Bottleworks’ director of rooms, loves walking the park trails with her dog and seeing the “Funky Bones” art installation (made famous by the novel and movie “A Fault in Our Stars”) and other art exhibits.
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The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Dinosphere is a popular exhibit for visitors of all ages – Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
There’s a reason why readers consistently pick the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as one of the best children’s museums in the country. Bottleworks’ guest services agent Sarah Conklin says it’s as much fun for adults as kids. “They routinely have different exhibits rotating in and out of the museum, so there is always something cool to see,” she adds.
Where to eat in Indianapolis
Whether you’re craving a refined chef-driven meal, a classic pork tenderloin sandwich, or craft brews paired with inventive bites, Indy has a table for every appetite.
Garden Table
Garden Table on Mass Avenue is just one of three locations for this popular Indy brunch spot – Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
Fuel up for a day of exploring Indy at one of Mass Ave’s most popular brunch spots, The Garden Table. Loved by many on the Bottleworks’ hospitality team, Garden Table sources its ingredients from area farms to serve fresh, seasonally inspired dishes and cold-pressed juices. Don’t miss the juice flights!
Love Handle
James Beard-recognized Love Handle is a favorite of Bottleworks’ general manager Josh Rodgers. “There is only one place you can play Mortal Kombat, rent VHS tapes, drink a Miller High Life, and enjoy some of the best damn biscuits and gravy you’ve ever seen by 9 a.m.,” he says.
AMP at 16 Tech
Punkin’s Pies is just one of the tasty food stalls at the AMP food hall – Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
When hunger strikes, head to AMP at 16 Tech. This local food hall and artisan marketplace features imaginative culinary concepts and creates opportunities for local minority- and women-owned businesses. Whether you’re looking for wings, burgers, pizza, cheesesteaks, tacos, fresh-squeezed juice, or tasty treats, the AMP has it!
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The Garage Food Hall
The Garage Food Hall is full of tempting places to eat – Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
Consistently ranked as one of the 10 best food halls in the U.S. in the 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, you’ll find more than 20 food stalls and vendors at The Garage Food Hall. Bottleworks’ sales manager Chrissa Freese is “absolutely obsessed” with the Picanha steak at Sal & Pimenta, while guest services agent Morgan Elizabeth Ling prefers Abbiocco’s “for their huge slices of pizza and large shareable-size salads.” Guest services agent Auston Martinez gives a shout-out to Clancy’s Burgers, calling it “an amazing staple” at The Garage.
Bodhi
The Thai craft cocktail bar and bistro Bodhi is one of the most popular places to eat in Indianapolis – Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
Thai craft cocktail bar and bistro Bodhi is locally owned and operated by three generations of women who enjoyed cooking together for decades and now share those family recipes and flavors with their community. “They are walk-in only, but it’s completely worth the wait,” Conklin says. “They have amazing Thai food and incredible cocktails. The servers always have wonderful suggestions for a great cocktail to go with whatever you have ordered for dinner!”
Bluebeard
Named after a Kurt Vonnegut novel, Bluebeard’s aesthetic resembles a library with old books and typewriters – Photo courtesy of Viist Indy
Bluebeard is a James Beard Award-recognized restaurant offering a thoughtfully sourced seasonal menu from Indiana farms. Savor handmade pastas, inventive cocktails, and wood-fired dishes with a modern, rustic vibe. “The food is wildly good, and the vibes are immaculate,” Rodgers says, noting the incredible cocktail list, eclectic wine selection, and excellent zero-proof cocktails.
Nightlife in Indianapolis
Indy at night is a mix of Midwestern warmth and surprising vibrancy. It doesn’t compete with the coasts for sheer size, but what it lacks in scale, it makes up for in character and variety.
Kan-Kan Cinema
Kan-Kan Cinema is run by the Indianapolis Film Project – Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
Guest services agent Renee Mitchell loves to point visitors to the “fun, low-key” Kan-Kan Cinema. This local arthouse cinema offers unique film-going experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
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Dorman Street Saloon
Historically known as The Hog, Dorman Street Saloon has been a neighborhood bar for more than a century, with ties to Prohibition and a reputation as a popular spot for local laborers. Bottleworks’ marketing specialist Tyler Babbitt describes it as “a longtime neighborhood bar with vibes that are just divey enough.”
Massachusetts Avenue (Mass Ave)
Seeing a live performance amidst the grandeur of Old National Centre in Indianapolis can’t be beat – Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
“I love Mass Ave because it’s really fun to hop from place to place,” says Conklin. “Ball & Biscuit has a lot of great cocktail options and is really close to Old National Centre. I am a sucker for live shows, from concerts to live theater to comedy, and the Old National Centre always has something worth seeing.”