With wide boulevards and waterways, monuments and grand old neighborhoods galore, Indianapolis is a capital as stately as they come. Each district is distinctive, even within the confines of the relatively small downtown area.

Wholesale District

Once a humble discount shopping destination, the Wholesale District has become Downtown Indianapolis' central commercial and cultural hub. The Indiana Statehouse and the obelisk-like Soldiers and Sailors Monument are twin landmarks trumpeting the neighborhood's weighty stature. Indiana Convention Center is here, as are Conseco Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, homes of the NBA Indiana Pacers and NFL Indianapolis Colts respectively. Hotels, theaters, shopping centers and restaurants fill in the gaps, ensuring that the area never ceases to bustle.

Mass Ave

Of the big diagonal boulevards leading out of the city center, Massachusetts Avenue is the surefire choice for excitement. It's just under a mile long, but that mile is absolutely jam packed with stuff to do. First and foremost, Mass Ave is a serious theater district. Theaters up and down the way serve up compelling selections throughout the year, and the annual Fringe Festival sees all those theaters and more taking to the streets with a week of boundary-busting programming. In addition to theater, the area features expertly curated galleries, like the McFee Gallery & Studio, and trendy boutiques like Tantrum, which is full of cutting-edge designs from the region and beyond. In terms of food and drink there are also many options, including beloved restaurants and friendly neighborhood bars like the R Bistro and the Old Point Tavern.

The Canal and White River State Park

The Canal and White River State Park tell the story of Indianapolis' segue from the industrial cloud of the past into a bright, shining future. Once a failed attempt to lure water-bound commerce and trade into the region, the canal itself is now a charming landmark. Leisurely walkways, manicured gardens, top-flight museums and cute condominiums line its banks, all leading the way to White River State Park. Here you'll find the Indianapolis Zoo, stunning views of the city, and miles of pristine riverbank. Don't miss the Indiana State Museum, right on the canal, with its comprehensive overview of Hoosier history. Military Park and the Herron School of Art & Design are both just a stone's throw north of the canal, the park full of shade trees and monuments, Herron full of brooding design students and galleries open to the public.

Fountain Square

Another relic-of-the-past-turned-symbol-of-the-new is Fountain Square, a historic entertainment district revitalized by bright new businesses and a real sense of culture. The Fountain Square Theatre Building is the heart of it all. Outwardly, it appears at the convergence of three major thoroughfares, looming above the fountain for which the neighborhood is named. Inside, there is a theater, a cafe, a diner, a smokehouse, an inn and two floors of duckpin bowling (Action Duckpin. on the fourth floor, with views of the neighborhood below, and Atomic Duckpin in the basement).

Across the street, Deano's Vino provides a similarly wide array of services, in a more intimate setting. First and foremost, it's a wine bar with an impressive selection and lovely atmosphere. But they also have some choice microbrews on tap, as well as tempting lunch and dinner menus. The neighborhood's premier mid-size concert venue is Radio Radio, which has a classic atmosphere befitting its location in Fountain Square. While some of the acts performing here can be a bit retro too, Radio Radio is also a fine place to see contemporary groups perform.

Lockerbie Square

Lockerbie Square is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city -- and lovingly preserved. The cobblestone streets and handsome old Victorians are intact, as is the neighborhood's overall old-world feeling. The Historic James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, itself a beautifully preserved structure, tells the story of Lockerbie Square as well as that of the poet himself. On the quaint area's outskirts are great pubs and neighborhood restaurants, and the action of Mass Ave is just a few blocks away.

Woodruff Place

Of all the region's grand old neighborhoods, Woodruff Place is one of the crown jewels. It's just a few square blocks in size, but its drives are lined with ancient trees and regal mansions, and there's an ornate fountain at every intersection. What's more, the neighborhood inspired The Magnificent Ambersons, which in turn inspired The Royal Tenenbaums (and in it, Gene Hackman's heartbreaking performance in the title role).

Broad Ripple

Once an outlying municipality of its own, Broad Ripple was enveloped by the ever-growing city of Indianapolis, and is now considered the place to party in Indy. Broad Ripple Avenue is lined with bars, clubs, shops and interesting dining options. One of the best record stores in the Midwest is here. It's called Indy CD & Vinyl, it has a gracious staff and a superior selection. Off the strip, the fun continues. More businesses and sights can be found throughout, and a canal snakes through the center of the neighborhood and leads the way into Broad Ripple Park, a riverside haven of fields and trees.

Bacon Swamp

There's really not a whole lot going on in Bacon Swamp. It's an outlying residential area with a couple of fast food chains and maybe a gas station. But its name is Bacon Swamp!

Little Mexico

Little Mexico is a brief stretch of town on the West side, anchored by a taqueria on one end and a futbol field on the other. A handful of shops and businesses sit in between.