There’s nothing like an Indy visit. This city is a place of history and tradition, a city of art and culture, a place of great food, and a place of fun. With all of this to explore, it’s important to do your research in advance so you can have the best trip possible.

If you’re planning to visit Indianapolis, there are a number of things to consider before you go. In this blog post, we'll share with you 7 tips to make your Indianapolis trip the best it can be.

1. Get to know the city before you go.

Indy is a big city and there’s a lot to see, so make sure to plan your trip well in advance. If you’re planning on visiting a specific venue or event, make sure to buy tickets well ahead of time. There's nothing more disappointing than finding out you’ve missed a sold-out event! 

Investing a little time in learning about Indy’s history, attractions, and neighborhoods is a great way to maximize your time in the city. Plus,  discovering the city on your own will give you a better sense of what to see and where to go.

2. Make your itinerary based on what you want to do.

There are so many things to do in Indianapolis, and this city has something for everyone. So, don’t be afraid to mix and match attractions and experiences and explore different parts of the city. 

If you're looking for something to do, take a look at some of the following fun and interesting Indianapolis attractions:

Rhythm Discovery Center

Overall a pretty interesting place if you like drums and percussions. This place gives you a glimpse into the ancient history of different rhythmic instruments. Be prepared to spend about an hour if you're not going to read all of the wall information and about two hours if you're going to interact and read and watch absolutely everything there.

GetOutPass has also partnered with Rhythm Discovery Center to give you free admission. If you like trying new activities or experiencing new things without breaking the bank, definitely check out GetOutPass!

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

It doesn't matter what your age is when you visit the Children's Museum in Indianapolis. All their exhibits are fantastic, especially if you've brought your kids along on your Indianapolis trip. There's so much to do inside and out, and you can try different kinds of activities. The recent changes to the Dinosphere are awesome and a welcome change to an already cool exhibit.

New Fields

Perfect for artists and enthusiasts alike, New Fields is an art museum that is conveniently located downtown. The different works are displayed well and they have pieces on display that attracts all ages. You'll appreciate that they even have family activities for younger visitors to do.

Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis Zoo is one of our favorite zoos of all time. Their shows are phenomenal and short enough that you won't get bored or tired. The exhibits are also spacious and considerate of each species. This place has lots of interactive opportunities for you to try!

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

As the home of the NTT Indycar Series, you'll not be disappointed with Indianapolis Motor Speedway even when you're not a race fan. You'll get to see some historic old cars along with modern, formula ones. The race and the production are fantastic, and the fact that you can bring in your own food and beverages is super nice and lets you avoid a ton of lines.

3. Use public transportation.

Indy is well known for being a very walkable city. But, if you're going to spend the whole day exploring, it's better to carpool to save gas money and time. 

For the most part, Indy has a pretty good public transportation system. The buses run near-on all day and will get you around the city efficiently. And, the train gives you a unique view of the city and guides you to various places.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Indianapolitans are known for being very friendly and helpful, especially with tourists. When you feel like you're having a little trouble finding your way, just ask for help! They're always more than happy to assist you.

The energy of the people in Indianapolis is amazing. Everywhere you go, people are smiling and friendly and ready to help you out in any way they can. The city itself is full of individuals who really get invested in the culture and community that surrounds it. The people are so friendly and they are also more than happy to give you directions and show you around. 

5. Respect local business hours.

Indianapolis is a 24-hour city. Restaurants, bars, shops, and more close their doors at different hours throughout the day. It's always a great idea to find out what time your destination closes and have an itinerary in mind before you go out.

6. Pack a few essentials and don't overpack.

These are 3 things that people always forget to pack when they're going on a trip:

Tickets

You want to make sure that you have the right tickets before you pack. Depending on the ticket's expiration date, it may be necessary if you plan to board a train or bus. It's also a good idea to check your tickets as soon as you get to the train/bus station. Don't wait until the last minute!

A phone charger and some power banks

Don't forget these essentials! Yes, you can readily buy a charger for your phone while in Indianapolis, but it would take you too long to find the right place to buy one, time that you could have spent exploring this beautiful city. 

Hand sanitizer

This is a good idea for when you're exploring new places. It's important to maintain good hygiene because it's possible to contract many different diseases quickly and easily.

7. Have fun!

Indianapolis is a city that embraces its diversity and all its cultures. Add to this the amazing places and venues where you can spend some quality time with your friends and family. Overall, Indianapolis is filled with so much to offer that you will never get bored of visiting it!