City Market Catacombs
Explore 19th-century underground brick arches, remnants of Indianapolis's historic market storage. Guided tours available seasonally.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Seasonal availability
City Market Catacombs
Best Time
Seasonal availability
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 19th-century underground brick arches, remnants of Indianapolis's historic market storage. Guided tours available seasonally.
"A pretty cool tour if you like unique places and Indiana history."
📸 Photo Ops: Be Quick!
Tours are quick; grab your photos while the guide talks to maximize your chances. :camerawithflash:
🔦 Flashlights Provided
No need to bring your own; they supply flashlights for the underground exploration. :flashlight:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Brick Arches
Underneath the City Market
Explore the impressive 19th-century brickwork and learn about the market's original storage and ice house functions.
Guided History Tour
Catacombs Entrance
Gain insights into the building's past and its connection to Indianapolis's development from knowledgeable guides.
Underground Market Experience
Catacombs
Discover a hidden layer of the city, imagining how goods were stored and accessed in this unique subterranean space.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead: Tickets Sell Out Fast!
What to Expect: History, Not Hauntings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Ops: Be Quick!
Tours are quick; grab your photos while the guide talks to maximize your chances. :camerawithflash:
🔦 Flashlights Provided
No need to bring your own; they supply flashlights for the underground exploration. :flashlight:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking underground, so wear comfortable footwear for the tour. :athletic_shoe:
📅 Book in Advance
Tickets sell out quickly, especially for popular dates and times. Book online! :admission_tickets:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Ops: Be Quick!
Tours are quick; grab your photos while the guide talks to maximize your chances. :camerawithflash:
🔦 Flashlights Provided
No need to bring your own; they supply flashlights for the underground exploration. :flashlight:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking underground, so wear comfortable footwear for the tour. :athletic_shoe:
📅 Book in Advance
Tickets sell out quickly, especially for popular dates and times. Book online! :admission_tickets:
🧐 Local History Focus
More meaningful for locals, but still interesting for visitors interested in city history. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the City Market Catacombs a unique and historically significant attraction, praising the knowledgeable guides and impressive brickwork. While some note the tour is brief and not as 'spooky' as the name might suggest, most agree it's a worthwhile detour for a glimpse into Indianapolis's past.
"This is a pretty cool tour, if you like unique places. When you get the chance or if you’re looking for something to do, I’d suggest taking the tour and checking out some Indiana history. Your more than likely gonna enjoy yourself and possibly learn something new.
Take your time and soak it in"
Mike Price
"Pretty neat. Worth a detour. Lots of people I asked about it think it has dead bodies, it is not that type of catacomb. It’s just a really neat brick basement. Currently only open twice a month, likely r/t Covid. Recommend booking in advance, tickets sell out. Note- the portion of the tour through the catacomb is quick. There is no time allotment to take photos. So if you want a photo, make sure to just go ahead get together and take them while your guide is talking."
J M
"Very interesting place to visit. The place is of historic importance. The guided tour gives great insight into the history of the building and how it is related to the history of the city."
Rajeswari M.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The City Market Catacombs are located beneath the Indianapolis City Market at 222 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Parking is available at the City Market garage.
Yes, the Indianapolis City Market is accessible via several IndyGo bus routes, making public transportation a convenient way to reach the catacombs. Check the IndyGo schedule for routes serving the downtown area. :bus:
The catacombs are an underground historical site, and accessibility can be challenging. It's best to contact the City Market directly to inquire about specific accommodations for mobility issues. :wheelchair:
No, independent exploration is not permitted. Access is only granted through guided tours, which are essential for understanding the history and ensuring safety.
Unlike the famous Parisian catacombs, which are ossuaries holding human remains, the Indianapolis City Market Catacombs were primarily used for storage of market goods and ice in the late 19th century.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but they are generally affordable for a unique historical experience. It's recommended to check the official Indianapolis City Market website for the most current pricing and to book tickets in advance as they often sell out.
Tickets are typically available for purchase online through the Indianapolis City Market's official website. Due to limited availability, booking in advance is strongly advised.
Tours are usually offered bi-monthly from May through October. Special evening events, like movie screenings, may also be scheduled. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date tour schedule.
While it's sometimes possible, tickets frequently sell out in advance. To guarantee your entry, it's best to purchase your tickets online ahead of time.
The catacombs are generally suitable for most ages, but the underground environment and historical context might be less engaging for very young children. Some TikTok users noted it can get boring for kids.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour is a guided exploration of the historic underground brick arches. Guides provide insights into the market's history and the catacombs' original purpose as storage and ice houses.
The portion of the tour specifically within the catacombs is relatively quick. Visitors are encouraged to take photos efficiently while the guide is speaking.
While underground, the catacombs are not typically described as spooky or dark in a frightening way. Flashlights are provided, and the atmosphere is more historical and architectural than eerie.
Yes, photography is allowed, but due to the quick pace of the tour, it's best to be ready to capture your shots as opportunities arise.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The underground environment is generally stable, but good footwear will enhance your experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The catacombs themselves are a historical site, but they are located beneath the bustling Indianapolis City Market, which offers a wide variety of food vendors and dining options.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside the catacombs during the tour to preserve the historical site. However, special events might have exceptions.
Absolutely! The Indianapolis City Market is a hub for diverse eateries, and the surrounding downtown area offers numerous restaurants and cafes to explore before or after your tour.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the intricate brickwork and archways. The unique underground architecture provides many interesting angles. Be prepared to shoot quickly as the tour moves along.
While not explicitly stated as prohibited, it's always a good practice to be mindful of other visitors and the historical context. Using flash sparingly or relying on provided flashlights might be best.
A camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a capable night mode will be beneficial. The lighting can be dim, so a tripod might be useful if you're aiming for long exposures, though space is limited. :iphone:
Drone photography is generally not permitted inside historical buildings or underground structures like the catacombs due to safety and preservation concerns. :noentrysign:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the age and attention span of your children. If they enjoy history and unique environments, it's a great option. For very young children, the tour might feel a bit long or slow. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone, and the provided flashlights add a fun element to the exploration.
🏛️ History Buffs & Urban Explorers
While not an 'urban exploration' in the sense of unpermitted access, the tour offers a sanctioned glimpse into a rarely seen part of the city. The architectural details of the brick arches and the stories behind their original use are the real treasures here. It’s a chance to understand how the city functioned before modern infrastructure.
📸 Photographers
Be prepared for potentially low-light conditions, and consider bringing a camera with good low-light capabilities or a smartphone with advanced camera features. Since the tours move at a steady pace, it’s advisable to be ready to capture your shots quickly. Focus on the textures of the brick, the patterns of the arches, and any interesting architectural details. While tripods might be difficult to use due to space constraints and the moving nature of the tour, a steady hand or a monopod could be beneficial.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History Beneath Your Feet
When Tomlinson Hall tragically burned down in 1958, the market above was significantly impacted. However, the sturdy brick arches of the catacombs survived, standing as a testament to the original construction. Today, these subterranean passages offer a unique glimpse into the city's commercial history, allowing visitors to walk through a piece of Indianapolis that most people never see. The guided tours are key to understanding this often-overlooked aspect of local heritage.
These tours are not just about seeing old bricks; they're about connecting with the daily lives of people from over a century ago. Imagine the hustle and bustle of the market above, and the quiet efficiency of the storage below. It’s a tangible link to the city's foundational years, making the city market catacombs tour a must-do for history buffs and curious explorers alike.
Navigating the Underground Experience
Once you arrive, you'll meet your guide near the entrance. The tours are led by knowledgeable individuals who share the history and purpose of the catacombs. While the guides provide flashlights, wearing comfortable shoes is essential as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces. The experience is more about historical discovery than a spooky adventure, so don't expect a haunted house vibe.
Photography is generally allowed, but given the limited time within the catacombs, it's wise to be prepared to capture your shots efficiently. The guides are usually happy to answer questions, making it an interactive and educational experience. For those looking for something truly different in Indianapolis, the city market catacombs tour offers a unique perspective on the city's past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit