Top 21 Things To Do in Indianapolis in 2021
We are so excited that Indianapolis just got listed in Conde Nast’s 21 Best Places to go in 2021! There were many new attractions in 2021 (hello Bottleworks!) that will really set Indy apart. All this hype got us thinking about some of our favorite places, events and things to do here in the city. So, here are our top 21 things in Indianapolis.
**Disclaimer: These recommendations are based on our experiences since moving to Indy in 2018 and are recommendations for 2021. These attractions may be temporarily or permanently suspended or closed due to COVID-19. We cannot guarantee that these locations or events will operate in the future.
Restaurants
Livery: Hands down this is our TOP favorite restaurant. We’ve loved every dish we’ve ever had, the decor is on point and the location is right at the beginning of Mass Ave. Try the street corn (off the cob), cauliflower and empanadas!
Fresco Italian Cafe: This is the only cafe on the canal and makes for a great atmosphere right by the water. Their spiked lime Italian ice drink is the perfect summer pick-me-up and you can’t go wrong with their flatbreads or caprese sandwiches.
Slapfish: Also a new hotspot on Mass Ave, this casual seafood joint replaced Louie’s Wine & Dive Bar (RIP) and has impressed with everything from its lobster dishes to power bowl (a personal favorite).
Thaitanium: Great thai food, prime location on Mass Ave, good service and a catchy name – enough said.
Gallery Pastry Bar: Looking for a little getaway to France in the heart of downtown? This brand new brunch spot has bottomless mimosas, crepes & other unique dishes.
Bars
The Exchange on Mass Ave: This bar is the perfect blend of sophisticated whiskey bar and modern hotspot. Cozy up in one of their leather chairs, grab a drink and settle in for a night full of conversation.
The Patron Saint: This downtown club was one of the last places we went out before COVID and boy do we miss it. It gave us some real European vibes and is the perfect place to dance the night away with friends.
Burnside Inn: A fun pitstop while bar-hopping, this three-story renovated house holds super fun karaoke nights, live music and fun drinks that go along with the eclectic vibe.
The Rooftop Garden: It’s hard to find a better view of the Indy skyline than from this rooftop bar located on top of the Fountain Square Theatre Building. It’s one of our favorite spots to enjoy some fresh air and beautiful Summer views.
Inferno Room: Nothing transports you away from Indy more than a rum-based drink in a tiki cup. This tiki bar in Fountain Square has a spacious outdoor patio and amazing nachos. The ambiance is fun and the drinks are tasty – the Mai Thai is a classic, but the Fire Dance actually comes lit on fire.
Attractions
Get your anger out at Bad Axe Throwing: What better way to get rid of all your frustrations than throwing an axe? Before long, you’ll be hitting bullseyes and feeling like a badass. Even better? They serve drinks too.
Make a candle at Penn & Beech: Any candle lovers out there should put this on their Indy bucket list. You get to sample tons of scents – everything from lavender to bacon – and come up with your favorite scent combos to pour into your own candle. The store is instagramworthy and you get to take home a gift that keeps on giving.
Take a ride on a pedal bar: Bop down the streets of Indy with your friendly neighborhood pedal bar driver (ask for Lucas!) who will yell at strangers and encourage you drink. Stop at your favorite bars along the way while jamming out. It’s a blast to do with a large group.
Catch a Concert at Hi-Fi/The Vogue: If you didn’t know, Indy has a pretty great music scene. We’ve gone to some great concerts by local favorites like Huckleberry Funk and Rodd Tuffcurls and the Benchpress. Hi-Fi (in Fountain Square) and The Vogue (in Broad Ripple) are both smaller, more intimate venues that showcase a range of musical genres.
Must-Do Events
Take a ride down the Cultural Trail: One of the best things about Indy is how you can get from district to district just using the Cultural Trail. We love riding our bikes through downtown and around Fountain Square.
Watch a Butler Men’s Basketball Game: There’s just something magical about watching a game in historic Hinkle Fieldhouse with thousands of other fans. The Dawgs are scrappy and Butler’s games always get you on the edge of your seat.
Go to Newfields: This innovative museum and gardens is always coming up with out-of-the-box exhibits and events. Highlights: Harvest Nights in the Fall, Winterlights in the Winter and The Lume Indianapolis, which is creating a ton of buzz as a top attraction nationwide.
Indy is a bustling city that we believe will grow and thrive over the next few years. Looking for more recommendations and ideas for exploring Indy? You can find all of our favorite local things on our Thriving in Indy page.
