StayAreasIs Downtown a good place to stay in Indianapolis?
Yes, especially for a first visit, a game or a convention. Everything is walkable, though prices jump for big events.
Stay here if
- First-time visitors
- Sports fans
- Convention visitors
Look elsewhere if
- You're on a tight budget during big events
- You want a quiet neighbourhood
- You want to walk to the Speedway
Hotels in Downtown
All Downtown hotels on Booking ↗Typical rates for a double outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Oct 2026 · How we rate areas · Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Staying in Downtown
Downtown is the most convenient place to stay in Indianapolis. Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the convention centre and Monument Circle are all within a few blocks, and the Canal Walk leads to the zoo and museums of White River State Park.
The centre is built for events. Skywalks link hotels to the convention centre and the mall, fans fill Georgia Street before games, and the Cultural Trail makes it easy to walk or cycle between districts. Monument Circle is lit up with lights for the holidays, and the canal is a pleasant place for an evening walk.
The downside is the price during big conventions and games, when rooms cost much more. Outside events, some streets go quiet at night.
What makes downtown worth it is how compact it is. You can walk from your hotel to a Colts game, a museum and dinner on Mass Ave without ever needing a car.
Getting around
- Indiana Convention Center6walk
- Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument7walk
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse9walk
- Eiteljorg Museum13walk
- White River State Park14walk
- Lucas Oil Stadium15walk
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)58
Downtown questions
Is Downtown a good area to stay in Indianapolis?
Yes, especially for a first visit, a game or a convention. Everything is walkable, though prices jump for big events. It suits first-time visitors, sports fans and convention visitors.
How much does a hotel in Downtown cost?
A typical double is around $310 a night at a budget hotel, $330 mid-range and $360 for luxury, outside peak events.
How do I get from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to Downtown?
About 58 minutes door to door: IndyGo bus 8 or a taxi from the airport to downtown.
How far is Downtown from the main sights?
Door to door from Downtown: Indiana Convention Center 6 minutes on foot, Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument 7 minutes on foot, Gainbridge Fieldhouse 9 minutes on foot and Eiteljorg Museum 13 minutes on foot.