Downtown Indianapolis: Bustling Heart of the Circle City

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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 capital in the United States, 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.

Doing Indy video about what it would be like to live in downtown Indianapolis. Search downtown condos and real estate

Indianapolis became Indiana‘s state capital after the capital 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.

Home video of fireworks skyrocketing over Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis

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 Central Library, founded in 1825, is a building of historic importance as it serves as a depository for state and federal documents.

Downtown Indianapolis Arts and Culture

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 Indianapolis businesses in one city block. With a range of entertainment options, from Indianapolis music and dance to theatre and museums, downtown Indianapolis is as rich in culture as history.

Video of a performance by the Indiana Ballet Company in downtown Indianapolis

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.

Downtown Indianapolis 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 the Indianapolis Motor Speedway may be the most famous, downtown Indianapolis maintains its share of the action.

Conseco Fieldhouse hosts both the Indiana 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.

A WANE Channel 15 video tour of Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis

For those who enjoy participation as much as observation, Indianapolis has recreational opportunities and facilities that rival some of the best in the country. The Indiana University Natatorium, Indianapolis Tennis Center, and Indiana/World Skating Academy are but a few places Indianapolis residents can go to compete in their favorite sports. Indianapolis parks and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis also offer a wide variety of sports and recreational programs.

Downtown Indianapolis 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. Residents of the Circle City can dance the night away, enjoy a cozy drink at an downtown Indianapolis bar, or indulge in one of the many fine dining options in downtown Indianapolis.

Doing Indy video about the Slippery Noodle Inn in downtown Indianapolis

Hot spots in Indianapolis nightlife include the Slippery Noodle Inn, Indiana’s oldest bar, which features live blues every night; The Vogue, one of the most famous Indianapolis music venues; 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 Company, 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 the famous Omni Severin Hotel.

Downtown Indianapolis Restaurants

No matter what cuisine your pallet craves, downtown Indianapolis 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 Pizza Restaurant or a burger at Harry & Izzy’s. St. Elmo Steak House delivers a great steak, while Sawasdee Restaurant 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.

Video review of Sakura, a sushi restaurant in downtown Indianapolis

Family Fun, Attractions, and Shopping in Downtown Indianapolis

Looking for something fun for the whole family in downtown Indianapolis? Look no further than the Circle City 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.

Doing Indy video about the Indianapolis Children’s Museum in downtown Indianapolis

Climb Time Indy, Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium, and White River State Park are just a few family-friendly destinations located downtown. Children will even love wandering around all the shops and displays in downtown Indianapolis. 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 an Indianapolis shopping mall is on your agenda, Circle Centre Mall, anchored by Nordstrom and Carson Pirie Scott, has over a hundred destinations to choose between 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.

Downtown Indianapolis 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 in downtown Indianapolis rather than hassle with downtown Indianapolis parking, and ease your way into the good life.

Promotional video for the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Indianapolis

With so much to see and do, downtown Indianapolis is possibly the most vibrant sector of the energetic, growing metropolis that is Indy. Check out the next page for a concise index of downtown Indianapolis attractions, cultural districts, bars, and more!

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