A Guide to Downtown Lafayette Indiana

Let’s Experience the Heartbeat of Indiana in Animated Downtown Lafayette!

In the pulsating heart of Lafayette lies a Downtown region, composed of 3 equally distinct intriguing areas connected to a pedestrian bridge. Downtown Lafayette is a prosperous and vibrant community, immersed in history, contemporary amenities, and culture. From impressive Downtown Lafayette shops to sublime attractions, everything in downtown is within walking distance, enticing everyone’s interest. The charming streets are adorned with top-end restaurants, entertainment venues, lively shops, and not to mention complimentary services. With so much to offer and do, you might get trapped in a dilemma of where to go. And for that purpose, you landed at the right place, here’s your guide to Downtown Lafayette:

Home to ample things to do and events, Downtown Lafayette is firmly grounded in history and its culture. The sides of a building are prettified with spray-painted art, adding a distinctive charm to the palette. Scroll down to see what activities in Lafayette Indiana have in store for you!

1. Stroll at Lafayette Farmers Market:

For 180-plus years, the Lafayette Farmer’s Market has graced Indiana with its ideal allure and timeless charm, making it the most beloved and oldest outdoor market. Spanning 2 blocks on the fifth street on the north side of Columbia Street to Ferry Street, this Saturday morning staples runs from May to October. Be it a search for seasonal fruits, vegetables, breads, and international special ingredients or herbs, tea, coffee, pet treats, and soap, you can find anything from 30+ vendors.

2. Attend ArtWalk Lafayette:

Discover the creative side of Downtown Lafayette with an event, ArtWalk Lafayette takes place every 2nd Saturday in Downtown Lafayette. It transforms the shops, museums, galleries, and streets into a vibrant place of life with immersive art experiences, theoretical performances, and exhibits.

3. Cherish the Wildlife at Columbian Park Zoo:

Located close to downtown lies one of the family-friendly Lafayette Indiana tourist attractions, Columbian Park Zoo has been standing proud for over 100 years. Let your kiddos enjoy a special “Meet n Greet” program where they encounter various species. With Columbian Park Express Train and a fountain plaza, a public place features picnic shelters and playground equipment.

And if your appetite is roaring, feel free to hit one of the remarkable Lafayette downtown restaurants. From Italian meals to French cuisines, you will surely taste diverse flavors here.

1. Bistro 501:

Bistro 501 is an upmarket, airy, and chic French place serving a French-inspired seasonal menu with a romantic vibe that comes alive at night. Cuddle along the fireplace with your loved one as you enjoy great cocktails and happy-hour meals. From salads and soup to the first courses including steak tartare, Escargot 501, hand-cut pommes frites, and a lot more, your taste buds will thank you.

2. La Scala Lafayette:

La Scala Lafayette is one of the best warm storefronts, serving up locally sourced Italian meals. Accompanying this storefront is the marveling sidewalk patio and a bar with highchairs, offering handcrafted meals with seasonal flavors. Have some allergies? They will create food that caters to your demands. Gluten-free? They can prepare risotto and pasta dishes and you can also make any special changes to your dish.

3. 648 Bourbon & Cigar Lounge:

Located in historic downtown on Main Street, 648 Bourbon & Cigar Lounge is a sleek and alluring venue, merging a top-scale cigar bar with a vibrant cocktail lounge providing exclusive and rare bourbons. With 140+ varieties of whiskeys and bourbons and over 50 different cigars, this place also serves sumptuous food that will surely make you want more!

Of course, any trip to downtown Lafayette would not be complete without some retail therapy. From boutiques and antiques to plazas and malls, Downtown Lafayette shops have it all.

1. Artists' Own:

Artist’s Own is an impressive gift shop and cooperative gallery, providing original works by 20 plus well-established Indiana artists. This beautiful shop has stood out as a flourishing downtown business for over 22 years. The works include jewelry, pottery, drawing, fiber, painting, photography, sculpture, and a lot more.

2. McCord Candies:

McCord Candies is the most famous icon of Downtown Lafayette. Formerly called Glatz Candies, this sweet shop was established in 1912 and has given rise to the joy community for more than a century and is famous for Italian sodas, chocolates, floats and shakes, and Phosphate Fountain sodas.

3. Retail Therapy:

Retail Therapy is a teensy-weensy local boutique located inside downtown. This boutique is well-known for its offering of unique and trendiest clothing and gifts to grab for your loved ones. From pet leashes to Indiana-exclusive jewelry and décor to candles and more, you will definitely love this place.

In a nutshell, with so many things to do in Lafayette Indiana, you’ll have no time left to get bored. The loveliest fusion of community spirit, history, and culture permeates every corner of this Star City. From fetching Farmer’s Market Lafayette to the charming ArtWalk transforming the streets into its mind-blowing creative marvels, there’s always a little of everything to captivate your senses. Not only this, but there are also lively music scenes, trendy boutiques, and unique eateries setting a backdrop against scenic and historical beauty. So, let’s just experience the excitement and energy saturating the dynamic city.