Indianapolis may not always be the first city that comes to mind for a romantic getaway, but perhaps that’s exactly why it works so well. Beneath its polished downtown, historic neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks, is a city that's full of romantic settings, date ideas and diverse experiences. I attended during the holiday season, but If the holidays aren't your thing, the Circle City offers plenty of romantic pickings for planning the perfect weekend throughout the year.
Opened earlier this year, the InterContinental Indianapolis sets the tone for a luxurious and intimate weekend right from the start. Located just steps from Monument Circle, the hotel’s 170 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites feel both refined and welcoming and is an ideal home base for exploring the city together. The location alone makes it special, but everything about the InterContinental feels intentional.
As night falls, romance takes center stage at the hotel's Astrea Rooftop Bar, located eleven stories above downtown. With a table with a view overlooking Monument Circle, dinner becomes not just a meal, but an experience.
During the holidays, the iconic Circle of Lights makes the heart of the city glow. Comprised of thousands of LED lights and garland strands, the display is both luminous and meaningful, with each color honoring a branch of the U.S. military. Monument Circle is home to many events throughout the year that will make strolling through the heart of downtown a fun evening for you and your partner including Symphony on the Circle, art fairs, and pride celebrations, among many others.
The evening continues at Christmas at the Zoo, a beloved Indianapolis tradition dating back to 1967. As the first zoo in the nation to host a holiday lights event, the Indianapolis Zoo has perfected the art of a dazzling light display for festive fun. Glowing tunnels and illuminated displays feel joyful and nostalgic. It’s whimsical, charming, and undeniably romantic. The zoo is home to many events throughout the year like ZooBoo, Zoobilation, Zoofari and more.
The next morning start your day with breakfast at Love Handle, a local favorite known for its ever-changing menu of delicious breakfast sandwiches. Atmosphere is casual, creative, and comforting.
From there, walk to the Bottleworks District, a reimagined Coca-Cola bottling factory turned vibrant entertainment hub. Even if you’re not staying there, stepping inside the Bottleworks Hotel is a must. The art deco details including the original terrazzo floors, a grand chandelier from the 1920s, and stunning architectural touches take you a step back in time.
Spend the afternoon wandering the district’s shops and food hall, popping into boutiques like Good Neighbor for curated fashion finds or Pumkinfish for playful gifts. For a more sensory souvenir, create a custom scent at Penn & Beech or Aroma Labs, crafting a fragrance that ties Indianapolis to this fun weekend away.
Culture takes center stage at the Yuletide Celebration at Hilbert Circle Theatre, just a short walk from the InterContinental. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra brings holiday classics to life in a grand, historic setting. It’s an elegant and festive way to appreciate the holiday season, but any show at the Hilbert is a perfect ingredient for a sweet date night.
Later, enjoy happy hour at RH Indianapolis at the DeHaan Estate. It's a furniture store, restaurant and wine bar all rolled into one. Even without a dinner reservation, sipping wine while overlooking the lake and wandering the gallery-like showroom feels both indulgent and serene.
Just minutes away, Newfields offers one of the most romantic experiences in the city. Inside, THE LUME Indianapolis transports visitors through Connection: Land, Water, Sky, an immersive exhibition featuring contemporary Indigenous Australian art and music.
Outside, Newfields celebrates 50 years of the iconic LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana—the original and largest of its kind. For decades, it’s been the backdrop for proposals, weddings, and countless love stories, making it a fitting stop on a lovers’ itinerary.
As night falls, Winterlights transforms the Newfields grounds into a glowing wonderland of nearly three million lights. Wandering through illuminated gardens with hot drinks in hand feels both magical and intimate, and therefore, undeniably romantic. Newfields has indoor and outdoor exhibits and experiences with art and nature all throughout the year.
Sunday begins with breakfast at Borage, a cozy café near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) owned by a husband-and-wife duo—fitting for a lovers’ weekend. From there, head to the newly renovated IMS Museum, where fun and cutting-edge exhibits bring the history of the Indianapolis 500 to life.
The highlight is the “Kiss the Bricks” Tour, a tradition once reserved for race winners and now shared with visitors. Standing at the finish line and kissing the historic bricks is surprisingly emotional and symbolic for achievement and legacy.
After a restful afternoon, end the trip on a high note with a visit to The Cabaret. The intimate venue, devoted entirely to cabaret performances, pairs Broadway-caliber talent with craft cocktails and a thoughtfully curated menu. It’s the perfect final chapter to a romantic weekend.
The next morning, brunch at Garden Table offers a fresh, nourishing send-off with locally sourced ingredients and cold-pressed juices.
With luxury hotels, rooftop dinners, immersive art, holiday traditions, cultural shows and more, Indianapolis proves that sometimes the most meaningful love stories unfold where you least expect them. VisitIndy.com