When in Indianapolis Formula 1 races were held, I never made it to one of the most famous racetracks in the world. Now the American Grand Prix has moved to Texas, and Indiana specializes exclusively in the American series. And it so happened that I arrived here on the eve of the Indy 500, the famous 500 miles of Indianapolis, when the city lives with a race of little interest to me, and on the eve of Memorial Day. Contrary to expectations, the city was empty!

Situated in the center of Indiana on the White River, Indianapolis is geographically at the crossroads of America, with roads leading from both north to south and east to west. Therefore, the main US trade routes pass through Indianapolis. Moreover, it is not only the commercial and financial center of the state, but also has industrial production. And, as I already said, the world famous auto race, the Indianapolis 500, is held here.

Indianapolis on the map

How to get to downtown Indianapolis from the airport

Planes fly into Indianapolis from all over the world, and there are probably as many international flights as local ones. You can view flights from New York.

So, from the Indianapolis airport, located 11 kilometers southwest of downtown (almost within the city limits), you can easily get to the city center:

• by taxi.
  • The cost is calculated according to the taxi meter in Yellow cab. Landing cost is $3, each mile is $2. Waiting time in traffic is $0.40 per minute. Also, $0.65 is added to the cost for each passenger. Thus, the approximate cost from the Indianapolis airport to the city center without traffic jams will be $25.
  • In a taxi Uber other prices. Base price - $1.25, per minute - $0.15, per mile - $0.75, per service - $1.5.
• by rented car. You can see the best prices.
• on the Indy Airport shuttle. Buses run every half hour from 5:00 to 23:00. The cost of travel from the airport to the center is $10.
• by IndyGo bus. This is the so-called green line, bus No. 205, which only runs between the airport and the center. The trip will take only 20 minutes (if there are no traffic jams) and 7 dollars.

Indianapolis City Transportation also well developed. From the center you can change to any bus and go wherever you need to go. There are a lot of routes, and the final stops for each of them are located in the center, mainly at the intersection of Ohio and Capital.

• One trip costs $1.75
• day pass – $4
• for a week – $20.

Hotels in Indianapolis - where to stay

Downtown Indianapolis is home to many hotels as business and leisure travelers flock to the city during the Indy 500.

Here are examples of good ones hotels in downtown Indianapolis:

• Luxury 4-star hotel in Downtown at Monument Circle with business center, pool, fitness center and elegant, spacious rooms Conrad Indianapolis >>
• 3 star hotel next to the Canal with excellent breakfast, spacious rooms and kitchenette and swimming pool - Residence Inn Indianapolis Downtown on the Canal >>
• Indianapolis' finest hotel with bright, spacious rooms close to the stadium and Hall of Champions. Guests praise the excellent breakfast, state-of-the-art fitness center, pool and business center. The name and four stars speak for themselves - JW Marriott Indianapolis >>
• A small and cozy 4* hotel in the historical center, but close to all other attractions. With breakfast, restaurant, fitness center and spa - Inn at The Villa >>

Indianapolis at Memorial Day

Shops and even almost all supermarkets in the city center during the auto race 500 miles of Indianapolis were closed. People interested in the race were either at the race track or clustered around their companies in places unknown to me. Those who were not interested went out of town, went in cars, traveled in vans to national parks, of which there are enough for everyone in the USA. But it’s a three-day weekend at the end of May with such good weather! Well at least there were buses! Not a total Shabbat.

City of Indianapolis - my review and photo

The city center is very small. You can walk around it in about fifteen minutes. And as soon as you step outside Michigan Avenue, you'll be amazed at how quickly Indianapolis has changed its face. Just now it was a business center with skyscrapers of various companies (like in Los Angeles), beautiful historical government buildings, and you took a few steps and before your eyes were cozy houses! Okay, there is still a small layer of three-story buildings like the Indianapolis star office. But then immediately beautiful, cozy houses. It's like a fairytale! And greenery all around!

Walk from the center almost to the outskirts

Downtown

Beautiful street clock

A huge stele in the center of Indianapolis is visible from afar

Quality homes and lawns everywhere

Downtown in Indianapolis

Downtown. The Red Building - The Indianapolis Star

High quality brick house

Simpler houses

Broad Ripple area

There is a neighborhood called Broad Ripple in Indianapolis - it's a fairy tale within a fairy tale! Located in the north of the city, it is a hub of alternative designers, organic food stores, jazz cafes and vinyl record distribution centers. In general, vegetarians like me like it here. Nearby is the long Monon Trail for cyclists and those who like to run or just walk.

Ready for the Indianapolis 500 Miles!

The fountain shoots up

Waterfowl

Tractor cleaning the canal

There is a lot of greenery in the city

Trees in sunlight

Beautiful Christmas trees along the road

White River Park

Indianapolis occupies approximately the same area as Moscow and has the same ring road around the city. And of course my first expectation was to see something similar to the Russian capital - urban heaps and industrial zones. And what appeared before me? That's right, a fairy tale! My friend said that his city is one of the cleanest in the USA, despite the large amount of manufacturing around. I doubted it. And my friend didn’t lie at all, he’s absolutely right. Maybe they don’t wash the asphalt with shampoo here, but they keep an eye on cleanliness. You can even see this from my photos from Indianapolis.

I don't know if modern Indianapolis can be divided into two parts - the central high-rise and the rest. I don't think this will be fair. After all, it’s so cozy in the city center that it almost brings tears to your eyes. And the White River Park, where most of the museums are located, is a completely different story! The White River was once intended for navigation, but this project failed, but the residents of the city got a beautiful canal along which it is pleasant to stroll.

Exemplary Embankment

You can enjoy strolling along the canal here.

Just imagine: you are walking through the center of a modern city, and suddenly geese cross your path... Very serious geese!

Hand-footed goose!

Geese in the city

The duck watches modestly

Indianapolis residents love their city.

This manual for urban architects

Downtown view

Realistic sculpture - deer in motion

Old style is always in fashion

Contemporary urban architecture in Indianapolis

Kurt Vonnegut, the famous American writer, was born here

My friend also said that Indianapolis is not even a city, but a village. And again he is right. This is a huge, clean village in which it is very convenient to live. Even me, who doesn't have a car. After all, the bus network is fully developed!

Even in the photo, Indianapolis does not look like any other American city. Neither their closest and more famous neighbor will be able to say that they are any better. There is no point in comparing. Indie is unique!

You find yourself in your childhood, in your grandfather’s beloved village, where there is the smell of hay and the birds are singing, where you can breathe well. But this is a city, with all its advantages and temptations. Such things, as one famous native of Indianapolis, Kurt Vonnegut, loved to say. My favorite writer, by the way.

Kurt Vonnegut was born in Indianapolis

Los Angeles also became favorite places.

Then I visited, which also turned out to be possible for a budget tourist.

And finally, she surprised me!

This is how the trip turned out. Want to follow me? Subscribe to the blog and don't miss all the fun!

To travel around the USA by car, it is better to book a car in advance at a low price

Indianapolis is not only the capital of Indiana, but also a major automotive manufacturing center with several famous race tracks, as well as one of the cultural centers of the country, home to popular festivals and events. In addition, the architecture of the city combines beautiful modern buildings and buildings of past centuries, magnificent squares and large park areas. Also, thanks to its numerous historical attractions, Indianapolis is very popular among tourists from all over the world.

Region	Indiana, Marion County
Population	784,242 people (2004)
Population density	822 people/km 2
	U.S. $
Timezone	UTC-4 in summer
Postal code
International dialing code

Climate and weather

Indianapolis has a temperate continental climate with a clear division of all four seasons. Summer here is characterized by hot weather ( +21...+26 °C) and fairly high humidity. And winter in this region is quite cool ( -3...+1 °C), with an average annual precipitation of about 10020 mm.

Nature

Indianapolis is located in central Indiana, which is on Midwest US A . The White River flows within the city, the terrain is quite flat and uniform. Although it is worth noting that in urban areas you can see a variety of types of terrain: from gently sloping plains to rugged terrain.

Attractions

Indianapolis is rich in architectural attractions and various museums, so the excursion program here is quite rich. One of the main architectural monuments of the city is the Indiana State Capitol, which is a beautiful building in the Renaissance style. Moreover, it is open to visitors, and entry to its territory is free. Another important excursion site in Indianapolis is the large cathedral. Scottish Rite, which became the location of several exhibition and concert halls. Also worth paying attention to is the mansion Benjamin Harrison, which has now been converted into a popular museum, the main exhibits of which are books.

Among other interesting places and buildings in Indianapolis, it is worth noting the majestic square Monuments with a monument to soldiers and sailors who died in the 20th century, Theater Center Madame Walker,War Memorial Plaza, concert venues for the symphony orchestra and opera, as well as a huge park Eagle Creek.

In addition, the cultural program must include a visit to the Arts Center with 13 art studios, 3 exhibition galleries, a library and a concert hall. Well, you can get acquainted with the history of the state and city at the Indiana State Museum. It is also recommended to visit the Children's Museum, the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, the Medical Museum and the Museum of American Indians and Western Art.

Nutrition

In Indianapolis, there are absolutely no problems with finding a suitable restaurant, since the city is simply replete with a variety of cafes, snack bars, bistros, bars and restaurants offering to taste almost any cuisine in the world - from European to Chinese. In addition, there are many small pizzerias and fast food establishments where you can have a sandwich, hot dog, hamburger or crispy potato very inexpensively. Indianapolis is also famous for its ethnic restaurants, where the main menu items include charcoal-grilled beef steak, rare roast beef, baked potatoes, stuffed turkey, corn casserole and an apple and celery salad called "Waldorf". In addition, the culinary features of the city were strongly influenced by Italian cuisine, so you can often find closed pizza, fried ravioli, etc. here.

For dessert, local chefs also offer a large selection of treats: waffles with maple syrup, blueberry and apple pies, chocolate brownies and cakes, puddings, donuts and muffins (small cupcakes). Well, after dessert it is customary here to drink a cup of coffee with cream or milk. Drinks such as Coca-Cola, ginger beer, cold unsweetened lemon and ice tea, milkshakes and various juices are also ubiquitous. If we talk about alcohol, then in local bars and restaurants you can easily find literally any alcoholic drink, even the most exotic.

Accommodation

Indianapolis has a large number of hotels and inns offering rooms to suit every taste and budget. There are both luxurious luxury establishments, for example, The Villa Inn Restaurant & Spa(from $200), and budget options for budget travelers: Indy Hostel(from 25 $) Americas Best Value Inn-Indy South(from $34), etc.

In addition, the city has many hotels in the mid-price category, which are designed for the bulk of tourists - Americas Best Value Inn-Indy South(from 46 $), Ramada Inn Indianapolis East(from 50 $), Wingate by Wyndham Airport(from $67) many others.

Entertainment and relaxation

Indianapolis is ready to offer its guests a lot of options for an exciting and unforgettable pastime. The main feature of the city is the abundance of entertainment complexes and beautiful parks, making it perfect for family holidays. First of all, it is recommended to visit a beautiful tropical park "Butterfly Paradise", home to many species of exotic butterflies and miniature birds. In addition, the park has a huge number of walking paths and a picnic area. It is also worth taking a stroll through the huge Fort Park Harrison, on the territory of which there are sports grounds, play areas for children, pedestrian and bicycle paths, as well as special fishing spots. A visit to the local zoo will be no less interesting. Indianapolis Zoo, where you can see elephants and bears, dolphins and zebras, giraffes and rhinoceroses, as well as other species of rare animals from all over the Earth. Well, wine connoisseurs will enjoy a tour of the city winery Buck Creek Winery. Moreover, on its territory there is a large store with a huge selection of a wide variety of wines and, of course, a tasting room.

Indianapolis will not disappoint lovers of nightlife, for whom trendy clubs and noisy bars open their doors every night. Moreover, live music is especially popular in the city, so finding a place where jazz or blues is played will not be difficult here.

Indianapolis is famous for its many festivals and events, so there is a festive atmosphere here literally all year round. For example, the city hosts a famous car race Indy 500, which attracts a huge number of fans from all over the world.

Events such as the wine festival are also popular Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Fest, Indian festival Eiteljorg Indian Market, International Film Festival, Game Gathering, African-American Festival Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, festivals Rib America Fest And Oktoberfest, Irish Festival, Black Football Tournament and Grand Festival Bands of America Grand Nationals.

Purchases

Indianapolis has a wide variety of shops, shopping centers, boutiques and supermarkets, so shopping lovers will definitely enjoy it here. One of the most popular shopping centers in the city is Castleton Square Mall. This is not surprising, because within its walls there are a huge number of clothing stores of such popular American brands as H&M, Gap, Limited, American Eagle, Ann Taylor Loft, Hollister etc. In addition, there are jewelry and perfume salons and fashionable European boutiques and shops. Moreover, here you can not only enjoy a wide selection of purchases, but also have a pleasant rest in one of the restaurants or in the cinema. Among other large shopping centers it is worth noting Circle Center And Glendale Town Center.

We also recommend taking a walk along the street Massachusetts Avenue where there are numerous shops, boutiques, art galleries and souvenir shops. It's also worth checking out the city's main market, the Indianapolis City Market, where vendors offer fresh produce and a wide variety of goods. Well, those with a sweet tooth need to visit the market Goose The Market, famous throughout the state for its colossal selection of sweets and all kinds of confectionery products.

When visiting stores, you must remember that on all price tags the cost of goods is indicated without taxes. Therefore, when paying for purchases, a tax fee is automatically added to their cost.

Transport

In Indianapolis, the main form of urban public transport is city and suburban buses. They travel quite often and strictly adhere to the schedule, and the cost of one trip within the city is about $2. Also here, as in almost any major American city, you can always take a taxi or rent a car.

In addition, it is very convenient to get around the city on a bicycle, which you can also rent. Well, if you don’t want to pedal, then it is recommended to use the services of a pedicab.

Connection

For international calls, it is recommended to use one of the pay phones located on all main streets, as well as in government offices and shopping centers. They work with small coins (cents) and telephone cards, which can be purchased at newsstands and post offices. You can also make any call from a hotel, some restaurants and bars, however, in this case the cost of the call may be much higher.

Cellular coverage in Indianapolis is smooth and of high quality. Roaming is available to all subscribers of major operators, but the tariffs for calls are quite high. Therefore, for calls within the country, it is recommended to purchase an American SIM card.

Internet access is provided in most hotels, as well as in many public places ( WiFi i).

Safety

In Indianapolis, the level of security is quite acceptable, and the peace of citizens is protected by numerous police patrols.

Business climate

Indianapolis is the third largest city in the Midwestern United States and the capital of the state of Indiana. At the moment, Indianapolis is rightfully considered a major financial, industrial and commercial center of the entire country, as well as the largest automotive manufacturing center in the region. In addition, the headquarters of several important national corporations are located here ( Eli Lilly and Company, ATA Airlines, Peerless Pump Company and etc.).

Real estate

Not long ago, according to one large-scale study, Indianapolis real estate was recognized as the most affordable of all major US cities. Moreover, analysts were based on factors such as housing costs, average income levels and mortgage rates. It is worth noting that the Indianapolis real estate market has always been famous for its stability and low prices.

Moreover, at the moment there is a slow growth in sales of residential real estate, which increases the competitiveness of this market. Well, prices for residential real estate in Indianapolis start at $120,000.

Indianapolis is the capital of the state of Indiana, often abbreviated as Indy. According to 2013 estimates, Indianapolis has 843 thousand residents. It is the largest city in Indiana and one of the top 20 cities by population in the United States. In addition, Indianapolis is the third largest city (after Chicago and Detroit) in the Midwest and the largest state capital east of the Mississippi River.

Greater Indianapolis is home to more than 1.7 million people and is the 33rd largest metropolitan area by population.

In 1898, the 87-meter Soldiers and Sailors Monument was erected in Indianapolis. According to city rules, no building could be taller than this monument. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is located in the center of Monument Circle.

The City Hall building, erected in 1962, was the first structure to exceed this height. Notable buildings built later include the One Indiana Square skyscraper (1982) and the city's tallest building, Chase Tower (214 meters, built in 1990).

Indianapolis officially has 6 districts that are cultural attractions and centers of tourism attraction: Fountain Square, Massachusetts Avenue, Indiana Avenue, Canal and White River State Park, Broad Ripple Village, The Whole Sale District. By 2011, the city plans to complete the construction of the Cultural Trail, which will connect 5 main attractions of the city.

In Indianapolis, there is a colossal memorial dedicated to American soldiers who fought in the wars. The War Memorial Plaza was originally planned as a memorial to Indiana soldiers who died in World War I. Construction of the war memorial was frozen during the Great Depression and was finally completed only in 1951. The prototype of The War Memorial was one of the wonders of the world - the Mausoleum of Mausolus (Mausoleum in Halicarnassus). The memorial is 64 meters high and is believed to be a third higher than the ancient wonder of the world.

Indianapolis is home to about 200 municipal parks, the largest of which is Eagle Creek Park. The Indianapolis Zoo is located west of downtown in White River State Park. Indianapolis is the largest city in the United States without a subway system.

Every year, Indianapolis hosts one of the most famous events in the world of motorsports. The Indy 500 is a legendary automobile race and the largest one-day sporting event in the entire world. The track is often referred to as the "brick road" due to the fact that it was paved with 3.2 million bricks after its construction in 1909. Currently, the surface is made of asphalt, although in order to maintain tradition, the 1 yard at the starting line is made of bricks. The famous race takes place on the oval track The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which can accommodate 257 thousand spectators.

Indianapolis Photos

Welcome to the United States of America!

General information:

Full title: Indianapolis
State:
Year of foundation: 1819
Population (with surrounding area): 1.756 million people
Square: 963 sq. km.

In the heart of Indiana is the state capital, Indianapolis. It is the largest industrial and commercial center with a diverse industry. Mechanical engineering, metallurgy, printing, and pharmaceuticals bring considerable income to the city. But it was the automobile industry that made Indianapolis famous. It originated in this city when the legendary Henry Ford was still walking under the table. The city has its own auto track for testing cars. Today it has turned into a race track where the Indy 500 is held and Formula 1 races are also held here. Indianapolis hosts massive cultural events every year.

Indianapolis Photos

Indianapolis has become the largest transportation hub in the Midwest and ranks third in size. Six railways and numerous highways pass through the city. The city has its own airport.

The cultural heritage of the city is carefully protected by its residents. The city has an Art Museum, the headquarters of the American Legion, and the Benjamin Harrison House Museum. In addition, there is a war memorial called War Memorial Plaza. The city is divided into six historical zones, where different examples of architecture are presented. The magnificent architectural structure – the Scottish Rite Cathedral – deserves special attention.

Indianapolis is considered a strong educational center. A large number of ancient universities have been built in the city. For example, Butler University was founded back in 1855. Universities take an active part in the public life of the city. Museums and art galleries operate on the basis of educational institutions. Samples of delicious multinational cuisine are presented everywhere here.

In Indianapolis, the sports sector is at a high level. Sports competitions are often organized here. Indianapolis leaves behind vivid and unforgettable impressions, which is why tourism flourishes here.

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The Midwest of the United States of America is represented by the city of Indianapolis. The large industrial center of Indianapolis is the capital of the state that shares its name - Indiana. The population is more than 800 thousand inhabitants. Together with its satellite cities, Indiana is a large agglomeration - “Greater Indianapolis”, numbering 1.7 million people. The city has a well-developed and diversified industry. Mechanical engineering and printing, metallurgy and pharmaceuticals, all this brings excellent income and considerable fame to the city.

But the city of Indianapolis is famous for another reason. It was made famous by the automobile industry. Its development began long before Henry Ford first thought about his first car. In this regard, the city has its own racing track, which was originally a track for various types of car testing. Now it hosts not only the famous Indy 500 race, but also the world famous Formula 1 race.

Another attraction of the city is the huge, 87-meter-high monument to sailors and soldiers - Soldiers\’ and Sailors\’ Monument. It is famous for the fact that, according to the laws of Indianapolis, this is the highest point of the city and no building under construction should be built higher than this monument. This architectural monument was built in 1898.

However, there are no rules that cannot be broken. In 1962, for the first time, a building was built higher than the famous monument - the City Hall Building. Subsequently, few people paid attention to the old law. Just look at the skyscrapers One Indiana Square and Chase Tower, which have exceeded the 200-meter height mark.

Indianapolis city map

In addition to industry, the city is a major transport hub. Six railroads and many highways pass through Indianapolis. The city also has its own airport.

The city also does not lag behind in cultural development. Many museums, including the Benjamin Harrison House Museum, the American Legion Headquarters, the Art Museum and many others. There are many architectural masterpieces, one of which is the Indiana Soldiers' Memorial to those killed in World War I. It is called The War Memorial Plaza, its height is 64 meters, the prototype for its project was the Mausoleum in Helicarnassus - one of the seven wonders of the world.

Indianapolis is historically divided into six cultural districts, each of which is good in its own way. The Scottish Rite Cathedral occupies a special place among architectural monuments.

Among other things, the city is full of greenery; more than 200 parks are spread throughout the city. The largest of them is Eagle Creek Park.

Along with its cultural achievements, Indianapolis is considered a major educational center. The city is home to many universities, the oldest of which is Butler University, founded in 1855. There are also many small museums and galleries at universities.

Another feature that sets the city apart from others is that Indianapolis is the only major city in the United States that does not have its own metro.

Returning to the mentioned track and auto racing, let's add. Every year the city hosts the world's most famous motorsport race, the Indy 500. This race lasts only one day on a track called the “brick pit” and attracts motorsport fans from all over the world. It is called a brick building because it was originally paved with bricks. More than three million bricks were used to build the road. Of course, the route is currently paved, but in tribute to tradition, the first meter of the route was left paved.