Indianapolis Downtown – Indy’s Sightseeing Centerpiece
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Downtown Indianapolis is where the magic happens. Whether you live here or are just visiting, downtown Indianapolis has venue after venue of any and all things entertaining. The second most populous state capitol in the US, Indianapolis boasts a rich history as the Crossroads of America, and at the heart of it all is the downtown sector. With its hip urban scenes, cultural settings, and historical landmarks, this is no sleepy little midwestern town.
Downtown Indianapolis during the Holidays.
Indianapolis became Indiana’s state capitol after the capitol was moved from Corydon, Indiana in 1825. Indianapolis, also known as the Circle City, was originally designed as a city of one square mile with the Governor’s mansion sitting in the middle of what was once known as Governor’s Circle. Today, that circle is Monument Circle, aptly named for the state’s Soldiers and Sailors Monument completed in 1902. Erected where the Governor’s mansion once stood, the monument honors Hoosier Veterans prior to World War I and is an iconic symbol of downtown Indianapolis.
Also of historic relevance is the seven-block radius of the Indiana War Memorial Plaza historic district. Along with the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Indiana War Memorial, Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, and the USS Indianapolis Memorial, are all located in the Plaza and each pays its own homage to those Hoosiers who lost their lives serving during the World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The State Capitol Building located on West Washington Street was completed in 1888 and is one of the few historic state capitol buildings in the country where all three government branches operate today. Similarly, the Indiana State Public Library, founded in 1825, is a building of historic importance as it serves as a depository for state and federal documents.
Indianapolis Cultural Districts
Watch a Video about the Indianapolis Cultural Districts
Cultural and art venues are abundant and proof that Indianapolis performing arts are alive and well in this active community. The Stutz Business Center at Senate Avenue and 10th Street houses more than 150 artists and small business in one city block. With a range of options from music and dance to theatre and museums, downtown Indianapolis is as rich in culture as history. Take in a Broadway performance by Broadway Across America or enjoy the music of the 
Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra at the 
Indiana History Center and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Hilbert Circle Theatre. The nationally recognized Indianapolis Opera also resides downtown, as does The Phoenix Theatre, The Mystery Cafe, The Theatre on the Square and the Indiana Ballet Company.
Along with this sampling of live performances, Indianapolis also affords the opportunity to delve into the past at an array of history and well-respected Indianapolis art museums. 
At the top of the list are The Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Indiana Transportation Museum, the Carter Toy Museum, which showcases the largest collection of vintage toys in the Midwest, and the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum located on the lowest level of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
Still more information about the six fabulous Indianapolis cultural districts.
Sports & Entertainment Venues
With across-the-board sporting action, Indianapolis is no stranger to spectator sports. From field to court, ice to track, Indianapolis houses many major sporting venues and while Indianapolis Motor Speedway may be the most famous, downtown Indianapolis maintains its share of the action.
Conseco Fieldhouse hosts both The NBA’s Pacers and the WBNA’s Indiana Fever, and the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts kick off at Lucas Oil Stadium, the former RCA Dome.
Victory Field is home to minor league baseball’s Indianapolis Indians and the Indianapolis Tennis Championships take place each summer at the Indianapolis Tennis Center.
For those who enjoy participation as much as observation, Indianapolis has recreational opportunities and facilities that rival some of the best in the country. Indiana University Natatorium, Indianapolis Tennis Center, and Indiana/World Skating Academy are but a few. Indiana Parks & Recreation and Indianapolis YMCAs also offer a wide variety of sports and recreational programs.
Even more information on ever-popular Indianapolis sports.
Nightlife
There is no shortage of happenings for the night owl in Indianapolis. Diversity is the key to downtown Indy’s successful night scene with dance clubs, cigar bars, live music, and more, bringing Indianapolis nightlife alive.
Hot spots include the Slippery Noodle Inn, Indiana’s oldest bar with live blues every night; The Vogue, Indy’s number one dance club; and Howl at the Moon, a genuine dueling piano bar.
Get your drinks at a number of downtown bars, including 8 Seconds Saloon featuring a country music atmosphere or the Alcatraz Brewing Co. where on-site brewing is a specialty. Cigar and fine wine aficionados will appreciate Nicky Blaine’s or Olive’s Martini and Cigar Bar at Omni Severin Hotel.
More about sparkling Indianapolis nightlife and irresistible Indianapolis music for every taste.
Dining
No matter what cuisine your pallet craves, downtown Indianapolis’s restaurants serve it up in style. With a cornucopia of comestibles to whet your appetite, the selection of Indianapolis eateries will fill you up, but might leave you hungry for more. Grab a pizza at Bazbeaux or a burger at Harry & Izzy’s. St. Elmo Steak House delivers a great steak, while Sawasdee is the place for Thai. Sakura serves the perfect sushi and Japanese style fare and those who appreciate the simplicity of a salad will truly appreciate When Eddie Met Salad’s downtown location.
Family Fun, Attractions, and Shopping
Looking for something fun for the whole family? Look no further than Indy for entertainment and Indianapolis attractions that are pleasing to all ages. In the spotlight of course are the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and the Indianapolis Zoo, both of which are worthy of their popularity with Indianapolis kids, but there’s much more to the city than these well-known family attractions.
Climb Time Indy, Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium, and White River State Park are just a few family-friendly destinations located downtown. Additionally, the Indiana State Fairgrounds play host to a myriad of events and expositions year round, including the annual Indiana State Fair.
If shopping at the Circle City malls is on your agenda, Circle Centre Mall, anchored by Nordstrom and Carson Pirie Scott, has over a hundred destinations to choose frm and includes, specialty stores, dining options, and games. Many other smaller, independent shops downtown, including those in the historic Fountain Square District, offer unique and uncommon shopping experiences. Parking in downtown Indianapolis is easy and affordable too.
Tons more information on Indianapolis attractions to create a perfect family Indianapolis vacation.
Hotels
Downtown Indianapolis hotels are some of the finest in the world. Savvy Indianapolis tourists do their research and often find excellent deals on Indianapolis travel, Indianapolis tourism and hotels in Indianapolis. You’re likely to have an unforgettable experience at one of these upscale establishments. Check out the formidable and noble Crowne Plaza Hotel, built in and around the still-functioning Union Train Station. Or the magnificent Embassy Suites Downtown Hotel, connected via skywalk to the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome. Grab one of the carriage rides downtown, rather than hassle with downtown Indianapolis parking, and ease your way into the good life.
With so much to see and do, downtown Indianapolis is possibly the most vibrant sector of the energetic, growing metropolis that is Indy.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Absolutely right! Thanks for pointing it out.
CP
“and while Indianapolis Motor Speedway may be the most infamous, ”
suggest you look up the word ‘infamous’