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The capital and largest city of Indiana is home to several sporting events, including the US’s largest half-marathon and the epic Indy 500 race. But there’s more to the city than sports.
Take a walk along the city’s canals – or pedal/kayak on a sunny day – visit the Indiana State Capitol, or check out the antique and artisan stores of Fountain Square.
The city is brimming with character and charm, and Airbnbs in Indianapolis reflect that. Whether you want a charming and historic carriage house, an industrial-chic warehouse, or a private room where you can crash after a day of exploring the city, vacation rentals in Indianapolis have got you covered.
And so have I! In this guide, I’ll take a look at the 15 best Airbnbs in Indianapolis. Not only that, but I’ll also show you the top Airbnb Experiences in town. All you need to plan is how you’re getting there!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Indianapolis
Fountain Square House
- > $$
- > 4 guests
- > Convenient location
- > Outdoor patio
Peaceful Room Near Downtown
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Self-check-in
- > Indoor fireplace
Industrial Indy Elegance
- > $$$$$
- > 6 guests
- > Private courtyard
- > Piano and pool table
Super Travelers King Size Room
- > $$
- > 2 guests
- > King bed
- > Laptop-friendly workspace
Dream 1BR in CozySuites
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Dedicated workspace
- > Gym in the building
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Indianapolis
Indianapolis has some truly beautiful places to stay. You’ll forget to explore the city as you’ll be spending so much time soaking up the atmosphere and letting everyone on Instagram know about the gorgeous place you’re staying at.
Obviously, those properties come at a higher price, though. If you’d prefer to stay at the lower end of the scale, you can look at private rooms, which are still lovely!
When searching for an Airbnb in Indianapolis, chances you are you’ll be dealing with a private host; however, in some cases, it may be a company – especially for the larger and more expensive properties.
Whichever it is, they can still help you find things to do and see on your trip.
A carriage house is one of the more unique types of Airbnb in Indianapolis. Also known as coach houses, these are annexes or outbuildings that were originally used for storing horse-drawn carriages. Nowadays, many have been renovated to incredible standards, so they seem more like boutique hotels.
Carriage houses may be smaller than a regular vacation house, but you can still expect loads of mod-cons, such as fully-equipped kitchens and lounges. Carriage houses don’t have their own listing on Airbnb, but you may find them under guest suite, guest house or entire place.
With more than 80 townhouse properties on Airbnb in Indianapolis, this type of stay has an air of exclusivity and a touch of uniqueness, while still being accessible.
You’re most likely to find entire townhouses for rental; this is great news if you’re travelling for an event with family or friends. Townhouses usually start with space for about four people, but the really big ones might have room for as many as 16 or 20!
Carriage house and townhouses can fall into this category, too. The great thing about an entire house in Indianapolis is the sheer variety you can get. With anything from a quaint cottage out in the sticks to a townhouse near Fountain Square, the possibilities really are endless.
Entire houses are a great shout if you want to get out of the city centre and surrounding areas. If you want to be near the White River and greenery that surrounds it, or Eagle Creek Park, you have some great choices.
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Indianapolis
Now that I’ve told you all about what you can get and why you should stay in an Airbnb, let’s get to the exciting part. Here are the 15 best Airbnbs in Indianapolis.
Fountain Square House | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Indianapolis
Fountain Square is one of the most popular areas of Indianapolis, so it makes sense to start my search there. Despite the area’s popularity, it’s not hard to find a great value Airbnb, as this place proves.
The vacation house boasts two bedrooms, each equipped with a king or queen bed. Couples on holiday will love this place! If you don’t fancy hitting the nearby bars or catching a game at the Lucas Oil Stadium, chill out on your very own patio.
If you want to base yourself close to the main attractions and things to do in Indianapolis, look no further than this Airbnb!
Peaceful Room Near Downtown | Best Budget Airbnb in Indianapolis
For those trying to keep their costs as low as possible on their trip to Indianapolis, it’s better to look at a private room than an entire place.
This room near downtown not only offers a comfy double bed, but also a sofa where you can chill out and read or plan your route around the city.
This simple but stylish space is home to your host and his cat. Chill out with them in the living room, dining room, or with a coffee on the porch!
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on OspreyIndustrial Indy Elegance | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Indianapolis
One of the most stunning Airbnbs in the United States, not just Indianapolis, this vast property is right in the middle of the Mass Ave Cultural District.
However, there’s so much in the house you might not get out and see it! The wide-open spaces in this crazy open-plan property pack a punch – just don’t let the taxidermy stags intimidate you when you’re playing the piano!
Super Travelers King Size Room | Perfect Indianapolis Airbnb for Solo Travellers
It’s nice to treat yourself if you’re travelling solo, and this 1895 historic home is an excellent opportunity to do so. The king bed is adorned with cushions, so you’re sure to be comfortable after a day of getting to know the Indiana capital.
Since it’s a private room in a house, get travel tips from your host. Animal lovers will be pleased to know there’s a friendly black cat at the property.
Dream 1BR in CozySuites | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in Indianapolis for Digital Nomads
A laptop-friendly workspace and a fast Wi-Fi connection are usually enough to keep a digital nomad happy.
However, this place also has a comfy living room with a flat screen TV and a balcony overlooking downtown. You’ve also got a dedicated workspace, so you can look professional when engrossed in a Zoom call!
If you fancy a change of scenery from the apartment, you’re located in downtown, which means there are several cafes and restaurants nearby!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Indianapolis
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Indianapolis!
Historic House in Downtown Indianapolis | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
The first historic house on the list is this gorgeous gem nestled in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It’s a great option for couples, even though it says it can sleep eight in its two bedrooms.
The house was built in 1875 but has been renovated with modern furnishings and fittings. It still retains some stunning original touches like vaulted ceilings and rustic barn beams. There’s an outside patio where you can sit and enjoy an evening meal prepared in the fully-equipped kitchen.
When it’s time to explore the neighborhood, you can see a lot from the nearby Indianapolis Cultural Trail, or if you need a quick break, the White River State Park is within walking distance.
Spacious 3 Bed Home | Best Airbnb in Indianapolis for Families
With lots of cute and thoughtful touches, this is the bed and breakfast in Indiana for a family to stay in Indianapolis. There are three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and lots of common space, so it’s just like a home away from home.
Just over the road, there’s a playground that the kids can make use of. Older teens or parents may want to go for a run on the Greenway. It’s suitable for families of all ages!
Private, Charming Carriage Home | Best Carriage House in Indianapolis
While I’m on the subject of beautiful and stunning houses, let’s have a look at another carriage house suitable for up to four guests. This one is right in the heart of downtown Indy and is a cosy home to settle into after catching a sports game or hitting the artisan shops.
Chill out and watch a movie on the smart TV (there’s Netflix, Hulu, and Vudu) or update your social media through the highspeed Wi-Fi. All of that as light pours in through the roof windows!
Dashing Townhome | Best Townhouse in Indianapolis
Great for a family gathering, this home can host eight guests, and you can all fit around the backyard bonfire! There are two bedrooms which hold queen beds and a sofa bed, while the common area has another sofa bed.
There’s free parking available in the garage, so your rental car can stay safe and sound. Eat out at the restaurants on Mass Ave or prepare something in the fully-equipped kitchen to enjoy at the eight-person dining table!
Two Bed House in Bates Hendricks | Best Entire House in Indianapolis
This modern house is hidden away in the Bates Hendricks district, and it’s a rare find. Downtown is just a short drive away, so be sure to bring your car and make the most of free parking.
Everything in the house is modern and stylish including kitchen appliances. It also has free onsite parking outside and there’s a small backyard for your furry friends if you want to bring your pets along for the experience. It really is a home away from home!
Designer Chic Indy with Pool Table | Best Airbnb for a Party
What do you need for a party? A bar is ideal, but if you don’t have that, at least a space for making and mixing drinks, lots of areas to chill out, and a pool table aren’t too bad!
That’s exactly what you’ll get at this substantial four-bedroom house. Other cool things that will set your party apart are a BBQ for the yard and a foosball table. When it comes to beer, order in from one fo the nearby independent breweries!
The Farmhouse, Hotel Tango Farms | Best Airbnb for a Group of Friends
There have already been some spots on this list that are perfect for a group of friends. However, if you’re the type of group that enjoys the great outdoors, how about a farm stay?
There’s enough space for you and seven of your nearest and dearest here, and it’s packed with rustic charm. Though the farmhouse dates back to the 1850s, the interior is filled with modern appliances to make your stay more comfortable!
Waterfront getaway | Most Beautiful Airbnb in Indianapolis
This cosy waterfront cabin takes the crown for the most beautiful Airbnb in Indianapolis.
Not only does the interior of this place warm your heart but you get to wake up with incredible views of the lakes. Enjoy two cosy bedrooms with comfy beds, a living room with a beautiful fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. This Stunning Airbnb is perfect for families or couples looking for a peaceful retreat.
The Onyx Tiny House | Most Unique Airbnb in Indianapolis
One of the more unusual Airbnbs in Indianapolis, this tiny house benefits from being at the bottom of a huge garden with a swimming pool.
It’s the perfect place if you want to enjoy the buzz of the city during the day and escape the hustle and bustle in the evening. There’s room for up to five guests, and it’s great if you’re travelling with kids – the loft can act as another bedroom or a play area!
Luxury Home in Downtown Indianapolis | Stunning Airbnb for Honeymooners
Nailing the concept of comfortable and cosy while being light and airy is no easy feat.; however, this beautiful home does it with ease. There’s no better space for honeymooners.
The duplex is stunning, and it has two bedrooms with a queen or king bed. It’s also right in the centre of the action, just a few blocks from the Lucas Oil Stadium! Enjoy privacy right from the start of your stay – this place has self-check-in.
FAQs About Airbnbs in Indianapolis
Here’s what people usually ask me about vacation rentals in Indianapolis…
What To Pack For Indianapolis
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Indianapolis Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Indianapolis Airbnbs
Now that you’ve seen the best Airbnbs and experiences in Indianapolis, you should feel more confident when it comes to booking your trip. But what are you going to choose? A cute tiny house? A charming carriage house? Maybe you’ll go the whole hog and get one of the industrial style vacation apartments!
If you’re still finding it hard to make your mind up, I’d suggest going for my overall best value Airbnb in Indianapolis. That’s the Fountain Square House. As well as being in a great location, you get unbeatable value for money and a friendly host.
Now that you know where to stay and what to do for your trip, the last step before you pack is taking out travel insurance with World Nomads!
- Check out our Backpacking USA guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Indianapolis guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in the USA too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of USA.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around USA.
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A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
