The historic streets of Indianapolis reveal themselves best through its excellent guided experiences. Well-researched walking tours cover downtown’s landmarks while sharing practical dining tips. Food lovers should target two standout options: the thorough Massachusetts Avenue tour (featuring hearty Midwest dishes over 4 hours) and the more exotic flavors along the Fountain Square route. After dark, a spine-tingling ghost tour provides EMF meters for aspiring paranormal investigators. The organized brewery and winery excursions, complete with reliable transportation, make excellent use of time for craft beverage enthusiasts.
I’m especially fond of the Mass Ave food tour for its perfect mix of local history and memorable tastings. The ghost tour also deserves special mention – it’s refreshingly factual rather than theatrical.
Let’s explore Indianapolis’s most worthwhile guided experiences.
Good To Know
Indy Walking Tours offer a highly rated historical tour with local dining recommendations, at $55 per person for groups up to 20.
The Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour provides a 4-hour culinary experience showcasing Midwestern classics, German fare, and microbrews for £63.99 per person, with wheelchair and dietary accommodation.
The Fountain Square Food Tour is a 3-hour exploration of globally inspired cuisine, historical commentary, and art gallery visits, with small group sizes up to 12 travelers.
The Indianapolis Ghosts Tour offers an evening ghost hunting experience with EMF rentals, receiving an average 4.1 rating from 56 reviews, at $31 per person for groups up to 40.
Top Shelf Brewery and Winery Tours provide a 5-star rated exploration of Indianapolis’ craft beer and winery scenes, with round-trip transportation and bottled water included, at $599 for up to 14 people.
Indy Walking Tours
For visitors looking to explore the heart of Indianapolis on foot, Indy Walking Tours offers an engaging and informative experience.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 38 reviews, the guided walking tour takes participants through the city’s historic streets, sharing tales of its past. Priced at $55 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers and departs from the Taco Bell Cantina downtown.
Along the way, the knowledgeable and friendly guide provides practical recommendations for local dining and activities, as well as a bathroom/beverage break at Tavern on the Point. Reviewers consistently praise the tour’s focus on Indianapolis’ history beyond just sports and alcohol, making it suitable for families.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and public transportation is nearby.
With a convenient cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later, Indy Walking Tours offers an enjoyable and informative way to discover the heart of Indianapolis.
Read our full review: Indy Walking Tours Review
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Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour
Shifting gears from the historical walking tour, the Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour offers visitors an opportunity to indulge in the diverse culinary delights of Indianapolis. This 4-hour experience takes guests on a delectable journey through the city’s vibrant Massachusetts Avenue, sampling dishes from local eateries.
Participants can expect to savor gourmet Midwestern classics, German fare, microbrews, and seasonal desserts, all while learning about the area’s rich history and architectural heritage.
The tour, which accommodates up to 12 travelers, kicks off at the Rathskeller, the oldest restaurant in Indianapolis. Along the route, the knowledgeable local guide shares insightful commentary on the restored heritage buildings.
Included in the £63.99 per person price tag are all food tastings, lunch, and taxes. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and adjustments can be made for dietary restrictions.
While most reviewers praise the quality of the food and the informative historical aspects, some note that the guide’s level of engagement can vary, affecting the overall group dynamics.
Read our full review: Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour Review
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Fountain Square Food Tour
The Fountain Square Food Tour offers visitors a tantalizing exploration of Indianapolis’ vibrant Fountain Square district.
Over the course of three hours, guests can sample globally inspired cuisine, including French, Greek, and Thai specialties, as well as local treats like small-batch mead and savory barbecue.
Along the way, they’ll learn interesting tidbits of Indianapolis history and appreciate the neighborhood’s beautifully restored heritage buildings, art galleries, and theaters.
The tour is a small-group experience, with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate outing.
It’s also wheelchair and stroller accessible, and conveniently located near public transportation.
All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included, as is the food tasting and lunch.
A local guide is provided, and gratuities are covered, making this a hassle-free and enjoyable way to discover the culinary and cultural delights of Fountain Square.
Read our full review: Fountain Square Food Tour Review
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Indianapolis Ghosts Tour
Curious visitors to Indianapolis can embark on a spooky and captivating Indianapolis Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Phantoms Walking Tour. The 8 PM tour explores the city’s haunted history, with a 4.1 average rating from 56 reviews.
For $31 per person, participants can join up to 40 travelers on a wheelchair-accessible, stroller-friendly tour that’s located near public transportation.
The tour includes EMF rental for ghost hunting and ends back at the meeting point.
While some reviewers praised the guides’ enthusiasm and informative storytelling, others found the tour disorganized or lacking depth in the presentation. Some participants felt the tour focused more on historical context than actual hauntings.
The tour operator has acknowledged the feedback and committed to improvement. Guests are encouraged to reach out with any concerns.
Read our full review: Indianapolis Ghosts Tour Review
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Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour
Visitors to Indianapolis can embark on the Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour, a captivating exploration of the city’s vibrant craft beer scene. This 5-star rated tour takes guests on a journey through some of the best breweries in the area, providing an insider’s look at the brewing process and a chance to sample a variety of local craft beers.
The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and gratuity, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Passengers can board the tour at the convenient Monument Circle meeting point or request pickup at any location in the Indianapolis area. The tour returns to the starting point at the end of the experience.
With a schedule that runs daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, the Top Shelf Brewery Tour offers flexibility for visitors to fit it into their itinerary. The private tour allows only your group to participate, providing a personalized and exclusive experience.
Guests can expect to explore the local craft beer scene while enjoying the comfort and convenience of the tour.
Read our full review: Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour Review
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Top Shelf 14-Passenger Winery Tour
Guests can embark on the Top Shelf 14-Passenger Winery Tour, an immersive exploration of Indianapolis’ renowned wine scene.
This 5-star rated tour takes visitors to some of the city’s top wineries, providing an opportunity to discover the region’s vibrant wine culture. Priced at $599 for up to 14 people, the tour offers excellent value, with complimentary bottled water, gratuity, and purchases made during stops included.
The tour is highly flexible, allowing guests to specify their desired pickup location or meet at the designated point at Monument Circle. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey, culminating at the iconic Soldiers & Sailors Monument.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
Operating daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, the Top Shelf Winery Tour is a must-do experience for wine enthusiasts visiting Indianapolis.
With its exceptional reviews and comprehensive inclusions, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the city’s thriving wine landscape.
Read our full review: Top Shelf 14-Passenger Winery Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Free Self-Guided Tours in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis offers several free self-guided tours, including the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, and the Indiana State Museum. These tours allow visitors to explore the city’s history, architecture, and attractions at their own pace.
How Can I Visit Multiple Neighborhoods in One Day?
To visit multiple neighborhoods in one day, it’s best to use public transportation or ridesharing services. This allows you to efficiently explore different areas without the hassle of driving and parking in each neighborhood.
Do Any Tours Offer Transportation to and From My Hotel?
Many tour companies offer transportation to and from hotels, providing a convenient and hassle-free way to explore multiple neighborhoods in a single day. This allows visitors to maximize their sightseeing time and avoid the need for separate transportation arrangements.
Are There Any Family-Friendly Ghost Tours in Indianapolis?
There are several family-friendly ghost tours in Indianapolis that provide transportation to and from hotels. These tours offer a spooky yet educational experience, exploring the city’s haunted history while ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing for all ages.
Which Tour Has the Most Diverse Food and Drink Options?
The Indy Food Tour offers the most diverse food and drink options, featuring stops at a variety of local restaurants, bakeries, and breweries. Guests can sample a range of cuisines and beverages throughout the 3-hour walking tour.
The Sum Up
Indianapolis offers a diverse range of captivating tours that cater to various interests. From walking tours showcasing the city’s historical and cultural landmarks to culinary adventures exploring its vibrant food scene, there’s something for all. Whether you’re interested in the paranormal, beer, or wine, Indianapolis provides an array of guided experiences to make the most of your visit and uncover the city’s hidden gems.