Monument Circle
Monument Circle
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
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Top ways to experience Monument Circle and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown Indianapolis
Best nearby
Restaurants
464 within 3 miles
The Capital Grille
871
426 ft$$$$ • Steakhouse • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Ruth's Chris Steak House
515
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Vegetarian Friendly
Tony's of Indianapolis
121
0.1 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Seafood
Cafe Patachou
1,003
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Healthy
Nada
527
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
St. Elmo Steak House
3,649
0.3 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
1,089
0.2 mi$$$$ • Steakhouse • Brazilian • Gluten Free Options
Conner's Kitchen + Bar
750
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Contemporary
Harry and Izzy's
1,916
0.3 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Grill
Yard House
541
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Bar
Attractions
123 within 6 miles
Soldiers & Sailors Monument
514
432 ftMonuments & Statues
Rhythm! Discovery Center
167
520 ftSpeciality Museums
Christ Church Cathedral
39
432 ftReligious Sites
Indiana Repertory Theatre
191
0.1 miTheaters
Indiana State Capitol
271
0.2 miArchitectural Buildings
Indiana State Library
1
0.2 miLibraries
Indiana Convention Center
510
0.3 miConvention Centers
Indiana War Memorial
663
0.4 miMilitary Museums • Monuments & Statues
Bankers Life Fieldhouse
635
0.4 miArenas & Stadiums
Circle Centre Mall
254
0.2 miShopping Malls
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
913 reviews
Excellent
588
Very good
271
Average
48
Poor
4
Terrible
2
TheRealJTForReal
Hopkinsville, KY455 contributions
Family
Mesmerizing architecture that you don’t get to see often. The centerpiece of downtown Indy. Wish we could have seen it at night when it is lit up. Simply a beautiful monument.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christiane W
Frankford, Canada327 contributions
Couples
Gorgeous, big , impressive..and at night it lights up with music and a display..it’s in renovation mode at this time so I couldn’t get up to the observation deck.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joseph G
5 contributions
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a breathtaking structure. There is music, great places to eat, and just an amazing sight to behold.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sartorial79
Parkersburg, WV321 contributions
Couples
My husband and I randomly decided to come to Indianapolis this weekend. No real reason. We left our hotel for a walk and ended up here. There’s so much to take in. Each statue and lamp post has so much to take in. I highly recommend checking it out.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve M
Pulaski, TN362 contributions
Couples
This is a beautiful Monument in the center of the city. My wife and I rode the elevator to the top. The elevator is small and cramped. Once you get off, there are some narrow steps you have to climb. If you are a large person you may not make it through the narrow passage way. The views are amazing. Right now admission is free.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maltipoo16
New York893 contributions
Friends
I love Monument Circle in May and how Indy is able to use it as part of the promotion for the 500. We stop by every year to see the driver’s names on the street signs and to check out all the different advertisements they have up for the year. Also, the Starbucks in monument circle is excellent!
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fred B
Kemmerer, WY167 contributions
I love historic places and would have given this place a perfect rating were it not for the disruption by homeless street people and the loud motorcycles that seemed to always be present around the fringes.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sloomis31
Bristol, WI1,027 contributions
We drove down to Monument Circle one evening and were surprised by its sheer size. The lights were on and we circled it a few times. Then we parked and walked around on foot. It isn't on the same tier as the St. Louis Arch, but it is a tremendous tribute and a nice way to spend an hour.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stendel
Eastpointe, MI412 contributions
Couples
It is a beautiful monument. It has a nice fountain and you are able to walk around it. It was worth a visit but there were quite a few homeless people around it. They never bothered us but it take away from the beauty of the fountain.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
emidthor
Boston, MA398 contributions
Couples
We stayed near here and saw it every day and night of our visit. It’s pretty, it’s picturesque, cool and night and in the daylight, but it’s not really something to do, just something to see. Also, even in February there are people around that make the experience more uncomfortable m: people trying to sell you things on the sidewalks, people yelling about life and throwing things, etc. I think we could have gotten the same effect of seeing this monument having just driven around the circle, rather than walked.
Written March 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kristin
San Diego, CA3 contributions
Best places to eat
MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI553 contributions
There are many restaurants within walking distance of Monument Circle. All price ranges, some chain restaurants, some local establishments. Lots of sports bars, since you're not far from the stadium. Quite a variety to choose from. Not knowing your tastes or your budget, I think your best bet is to check the list of restaurants provided near the bottom of the Monument Circle page and read the reviews left by other TripAdvisor users. We certainly enjoyed the meal at the Slippery Noodle Inn when we stopped in Indy last September just as much as previous visits (we go there for the live music). In the past, we enjoyed burgers at the Brothers Bar & Grill. With our kids, we enjoyed pizza a block from the Circle. Hope this helps!!
courtneyelese11
Indianapolis, IN1 contribution
Where is the Monument Gift Shop located?
Pastor
Indianapolis, IN56 contributions
It is inside the Monument, when you walk in the door, look to the left, there's a cashier, there are many items to choose from!
Is it true the monumento circle has underground spaces and passages?Is
DMJA21
Fishers, IN3,263 contributions
I think what you’ve heard about is probably the Eli Lilly Civil War Museum which is located beneath the monument. It has “”tunnels” between exhibit areas and somewhat of a catacombs feel to it. The water leaks have been addressed and it is again open to the public free of charge. Check its website for days and times of operation.
Another possibility is the infrastructure for the water supply to the fountains and pools. The water is fed from underground wells which would require access tunnels of some sort for maintenance and repair.
Where is the best place to park?
Travelerx2-6
Indianapolis, IN571 contributions
We park on the street but if you are there for more than a few hours I would suggest a parking garage. They are close to the circle
Hi. Please Can I have access to Monument circle observatory deck at night after 5:30pm?
Tim D
Danville, IL50 contributions
Sorry that one I don't know. I just sit in steps around it and relax.
urvi_shah07
Franklin, WI68 contributions
Does Monument having oberservatory deck? How much it cost? Do I need reservation for it?
Steve5863
Avon, OH13,020 contributions
The observation deck near the top of the monument is open to the public free of charge Wed – Sun, 10:30am to 5:30pm during the months of May through October and Fri – Sun with the same hours the rest of the year. No reservations are needed but the observation deck may close for severe weather.
BeccaMex
Playa del Carmen, Mexico148 contributions
If I use this as a starting point, what other places are within walking distance that are must see/must do? I'll only be there for one evening so want to make the most of it!
What hotels are on the monument circle trying to plan our stay for my birthday
DougTMesa
Mesa, AZ476 contributions
The only one on the circle is the Columbia Club, but there is no reason to stay right on the circle. The Sheraton, Conrad and Hilton Garden Inn are on the block, but there is the Hilton, Hyatt, Hampton, Westin, and a couple of Marriott"s all within walking distance and downtown is very safe.
Monument Circle (Indianapolis) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Monument Circle
- Monument Circle is open:
- Fri - Sun 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- We recommend booking Monument Circle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Monument Circle tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Monument Circle:
- (0.09 mi) Conrad Indianapolis
- (0.08 mi) Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
- (0.07 mi) Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
- (0.11 mi) Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
- (0.13 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown
- Restaurants near Monument Circle:
- (0.04 mi) Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
- (0.08 mi) The Capital Grille
- (0.09 mi) Tastings A Wine Experience
- (0.08 mi) Weber Grill - Indianapolis
- (0.13 mi) Tony's of Indianapolis
- Attractions near Monument Circle:
- (0.03 mi) Rocket Fizz
- (0.04 mi) Country Carriage Company
- (0.11 mi) Mind Tripping Show
- (0.08 mi) Soldiers & Sailors Monument
- (0.10 mi) Rhythm! Discovery Center