Indianapolis Visitor FAQ
Updated March 7, 2026
Answers to the questions we get asked most often. Parking, hotels, restaurants, getting around, and what to know before you arrive.
Do I need a car to get around downtown Indianapolis?
No. If you're staying within a mile of the Convention Center, you can walk, use rideshare, or take advantage of the downtown skywalk system for indoor travel. Biking and scooters are also available. A rental car is only useful if you're visiting attractions outside the downtown core — like Indianapolis Motor Speedway or the State Fairgrounds.
What is the Indianapolis skywalk system?
The downtown skywalk is a network of enclosed pedestrian bridges and tunnels connecting the Indiana Convention Center to several hotels, Circle Centre Mall, and Lucas Oil Stadium. You can walk from the JW Marriott to the Convention Center to Gainbridge Fieldhouse without ever going outside. It's especially useful in winter and during summer heat. See our full Skywalk Guide for routes and connected buildings.
Which hotels are connected to the Indiana Convention Center via skywalk?
The primary skywalk-connected hotels are: JW Marriott Indianapolis (largest, most direct), Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Westin Indianapolis, Marriott Indianapolis Downtown, and Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre. The Conrad Indianapolis is connected via Circle Centre Mall. Always verify the connection before booking — see our Hotels Near the Convention Center guide for details.
When should I book a hotel for a major Indianapolis convention?
As early as possible — ideally 6 to 12 months in advance for major events like Gen Con, the FFA Convention, and NCAA Final Four. The skywalk-connected hotels (JW Marriott, Hyatt Regency) sell out first. For smaller events, 3 to 6 weeks out is usually sufficient.
What is the best parking option near the Indiana Convention Center?
Pre-book on SpotHero or ParkWhiz before event days — walk-up rates can hit $40–60+ during large conventions. The Circle Centre Garage and Blue Garage both connect to the skywalk system for indoor access. If you're comfortable walking 8–10 minutes, the Market District Garage and Regions Tower Garage offer much lower daily rates and rarely sell out.
Is downtown Indianapolis walkable?
Yes, more than most visitors expect. The core convention district — Convention Center, Monument Circle, Georgia Street, Mass Ave entrance, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse — is all within a 15-minute walk. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail provides a safe, separated pedestrian path connecting all downtown neighborhoods. Fountain Square is about 20 minutes on foot.
What is Mass Ave and how do I get there from the Convention Center?
Massachusetts Avenue (Mass Ave) is Indianapolis's main restaurant and arts corridor — a dense strip of local restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops, and boutiques about 12 to 15 minutes on foot from the Convention Center. During major conventions, it's the best escape from the event-area restaurant rush. Rideshare from the Convention Center takes 3–4 minutes.
What is the parking situation during Gen Con?
Gen Con brings 70,000+ attendees to downtown Indianapolis and parking becomes extremely competitive. Walk-up garage rates near the Convention Center can reach $50/day. Best strategy: pre-book via SpotHero 2–4 weeks out, or stay in a skywalk-connected hotel and skip driving entirely. Budget parking further out (Market District Garage, $8 max) is usually available even during Gen Con.
Is downtown Indianapolis safe for visitors?
The convention and entertainment district — Monument Circle, Georgia Street, the Convention Center, Mass Ave, and the Canal Walk — are safe, well-lit, and heavily trafficked during events. Standard urban caution applies (watch your belongings, be aware of your surroundings). The Cultural Trail and Canal Walk are pleasant for evening walks.
Are Indianapolis restaurants convention-crowd friendly?
Yes, but plan ahead. During major events like Gen Con and the FFA Convention, restaurants within 5 minutes of the Convention Center can have 45–90 minute waits at peak times. Strategies: eat before 11:30 AM or after 2 PM for lunch; eat before 5:30 PM or after 8 PM for dinner. Mass Ave and the Wholesale District are less crowded than the immediate Convention Center area.
What is St. Elmo's and do I need a reservation?
St. Elmo Steak House is Indianapolis's most iconic restaurant, open since 1902 on South Illinois Street. It's famous for a genuinely intense spicy shrimp cocktail. During major events, it books solid weeks in advance. If you want to go during a convention weekend, make an OpenTable reservation the moment you know your dates — don't wait.
What are the best restaurants within walking distance of the Convention Center?
For quick meals: Yoshi (sushi, 5 min), Café 251 (café/breakfast, 4 min), Jimmy John's Market Tower (sandwiches, 4 min). For sit-down dinner: St. Elmo's (steakhouse, 3 min), Ruth's Chris (steakhouse, 4 min), Old Spaghetti Factory (Italian/budget, 5 min). For late night: Kilroy's (bar food, 5 min), Tin Roof (live music/3 AM, 5 min). See our full Restaurant Guide for the complete list.
How far is the airport from downtown Indianapolis?
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is about 15 minutes from downtown by car — unusually close for a major city. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) runs $18–25. IndyGo Route 8 (Green Line) connects the airport to downtown for $1.75 but takes about 40 minutes. Taxis charge a flat rate of approximately $35.
What should I do if I have a few extra hours in Indianapolis?
The Indianapolis Canal Walk is free, scenic, and steps from the Convention Center. White River State Park has free entry and connects to the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum, and NCAA Hall of Champions. Mass Ave is the best neighborhood for wandering, eating, and shopping. Victory Field (minor league baseball) is a short walk from downtown and one of the best ballparks in the country for a casual afternoon game.
More detailed guides
These FAQs link to the full guides — each one goes much deeper on its topic.