Indy On A Budget: Adventures, Eats & Racing

Discover Indianapolis without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Traveling to Indianapolis on a limited budget is a great way to experience the city's rich culture and history without breaking the bank. Be sure to check out free attractions like the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Indiana State Capitol, and explore local neighborhoods like Fountain Square and Mass Ave for affordable dining and entertainment options. Consider staying in a budget-friendly hotel or hostel near downtown to maximize your sightseeing opportunities.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Indy Introduction

  • Stay at the Fountainview Inn, with cozy rooms and affordable prices
  • Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art for a mix of contemporary and classical art
  • Take a stroll in White River State Park, with beautiful gardens and water features
  • Grab lunch at Milktooth, a trendy brunch spot with creative dishes
  • Explore the Canal Walk, a 3-mile loop with gondola rides and scenic views
  • Enjoy dinner at the City Market, with a variety of local eateries to choose from
Day 2

Racing Passion

  • Start the day with breakfast at the famous Cafe Patachou, serving fresh and organic food
  • Head to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to learn about the history of racing
  • Take a bus tour of the track and ride in a race car simulator
  • Stop by the Dallara IndyCar Factory for a behind-the-scenes look at race car engineering
  • Have lunch at Shapiro's Delicatessen, serving delicious sandwiches and homemade desserts
  • End the day with a visit to Monument Circle, the heart of downtown Indianapolis
Day 3

Culture & Food

  • Begin with a tour of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, a beautifully preserved mansion
  • Next, check out Mass Ave for local boutiques and art galleries
  • Grab lunch at Bakersfield, known for their gourmet tacos and tequila selection
  • Visit the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art for a unique perspective on western culture
  • End the day with a dinner at St. Elmo Steak House, a historic restaurant with famous shrimp cocktail and juicy steaks.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Indianapolis by plane is to fly into Indianapolis International Airport, which is located approximately 16 km southwest of downtown Indianapolis. There are several major airlines that offer flights to Indianapolis, including American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, among others.

Car

The best way to get to Indianapolis by car is to take one of the main highways that run through the city, such as I-65, I-70, or I-74.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no direct trains that run to Indianapolis, so the best way to get there by train would be to take Amtrak to a nearby city, such as Chicago or Louisville, and then take a bus or drive the rest of the way to Indianapolis.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no major waterways that run through Indianapolis, so it is not possible to get there by boat.

Bus

The best way to get to Indianapolis by bus is to take Greyhound or Megabus, both of which offer service to Indianapolis from various cities throughout the United States.

Destination

Indianapolis

Welcome to the land of car racing, cornfields, and surprisingly delicious tenderloin sandwiches. Whether you're here to cheer on your favorite driver or stuff your face with fried pork, Indianapolis has something for everyone.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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