Hotels Near Me

26 Best Things to Do in Louisville, Kentucky in 2024

26 Best Things to Do in Louisville, Kentucky in 2024

Louisville is the biggest metropolis in Kentucky, set on the border of Kentucky and Indiana. It’s world-famous for the Kentucky Derby, the annual horse race with a practice of just about 150 years. But horse racing is just one of dozens of enjoyable issues to do in Louisville, and in case you hold studying, you’ll uncover extra wonderful sights.

Louisville has a thriving theater scene, wonderful museums, and a few of the finest bourbon distilleries in the state—we stopped there final 12 months to choose up some premium bourbon earlier than heading again to Canada. The metropolis’s impressively wealthy historical past turns into evident as quickly as you stroll via its oldest neighborhoods. 

Best Things To Do In Louisville, Kentucky

From the most effective sights in Old Louisville to the most effective parks simply exterior town – listed below are all the most effective issues to do in Louisville, Kentucky! 

26 Best Things to Do in Louisville, Kentucky in 2024
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Louisville is a enjoyable metropolis to go to. Whether you’re in sports activities, structure, or tradition, you should have a blast. And in case you want a break from the busy metropolis streets, you’ll be able to at all times escape to one of many many close by nature parks. 

Best of Louisville Quick Guide

Must See: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Muhammad Ali Center, Ohio State Park, Old Louisville, Whiskey distilleries, Belle of Louisville
Where To Stay: Econo Lodge Downtown, Louisville Bourbon Inn, The Brown Hotel
Fun To Do: Churchill Downs, Waverly Hill Sanatorium, Kentucky Science Center, Georgetown Drive-In, Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
Day Trips: Lexington, Fort Knox, Mammoth Cave National Park
Must-Try Foods: Beaten Biscuits, the Hot Brown, Mint Julep

Louisville presents a ton of enjoyable issues to do in town. They vary from record-breaking monuments to sprawling public parks, so there’s undoubtedly one thing for everybody in this metropolis. Explore the museums, attempt the staple meals, study baseball historical past, and uncover the fabulous Victorian structure that Louisville is finest identified for.

1. Walking Tour of Old Louisville

Things to do in Louisville Old Louisville
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Old Louisville
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Old Louisville is a particular neighborhood and by far the most effective one for a relaxed strolling tour. The district stands out as a result of it virtually totally options Victorian structure from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Most homes right here have been constructed from brick, and this neighborhood has probably the most residential houses with stained glass home windows in the nation. 

But Old Louisville is a giant neighborhood of 48 blocks, so that you’re not anticipated to stroll via each single alley. I like to recommend you begin at Central Park and pop contained in the Visitors Center. See the Witches’ Tree and Conrad Castle, that are on reverse sides of the park. The Witches’ Tree has develop into a well-liked vacationer attraction the place guests come to see its gnarled and twisted branches and listen to tales of a time when a coven of witches met to forged their spells.

An informal stroll across the district is a should to uncover the various totally different pink homes whereas conserving an eye fixed out for intricate stained glass. You may even e book a guided tour on the heart, and that is the best choice in case you don’t need to miss something in Old Louisville.

Practical Information

Old Louisville is a neighborhood in town heart, stretching between Downtown Louisville and the University district. 

2. An Afternoon at Churchill Downs

Things to do in Louisville Churchill Downs
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Churchill Downs
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

There is a purpose that Louisville is named Derby City, horse racing is on the core of Kentucky tradition. Even in case you’re not extraordinarily in the game, spending a day on the observe gives you perception into how so many locals spend their time. And it’s a ton of enjoyable, I promise! Just keep in mind to gamble responsibly.

The metropolis is legendary for the Kentucky Derby, which is probably the most well-known and most attended horse race in your complete United States. The Kentucky Derby occurs on the primary Saturday of May. In 2024, it’s May 4. Everything closes down on today, so in case you don’t have a ticket, you’ll most likely no less than be glued to a TV at a neighborhood bar watching the occasion. The Kentucky Oaks race precedes the Derby, and it takes place every week earlier than the primary occasion. 

Book nicely in advance if you would like to attend this iconic horse race. Make certain to gown for the occasion, and don’t neglect your hat! As you watch the horses whereas sipping mint juleps, you’ll really feel as in case you stepped again in time. Even in case you don’t win any cash, you’ll have enjoyable, and who is aware of—you would possibly get a helpful tip or two from the locals in the know. 

Practical Information

Tours of the Churchill Downs race observe are free with basic admission tickets to the Kentucky Derby museum. Race-day tickets may be purchased via Ticketmaster. 

3. Horse Racing History at Kentucky Derby Museum

Things to do in Louisville Kentucky Derby Museum
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Kentucky Derby Museum
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

The Kentucky Derby Museum is a must-visit to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of the enduring race in Louisville. Located subsequent to the legendary Churchill Downs race observe, the museum explores the historical past and significance of the venue. 

I like to recommend you go to the museum and race observe on the identical day as a result of they’re each in the identical space, which takes some time to attain from Downtown Louisville. The museum exhibit options trophies, costumes, and different memorabilia chronicling the Kentucky Derby over the a long time. 

The well-known race celebrates its a hundred and fiftieth birthday in 2024, and it’s fascinating to assume {that a} horse-racing occasion has such an extended historical past. That’s undoubtedly one thing price exploring, if just for the importance it has for the locals in Louisville.

Practical Information

The Kentucky Derby Museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission price is $20. 

4. Bourbon Tastings at Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company

Kentucky state is thought for bourbon manufacturing and touring bourbon distilleries is a should when you’re in Louisville. Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company is correct there in downtown Louisville, straightforward to discover even on strolling excursions of town heart. 

The firm has been producing whiskey and bourbon for the reason that late nineteenth century. A distillery tour features a bourbon tasting, so you may want to organize a go to in the PM. The newest tour begins at 2:30 PM, which is late sufficient in the day to drink bourbon, I feel. 

Practical Information 

The distillery tour with tasting takes roughly 1 hour and Quarter-hour. Reserve your spot on the tour on-line—it’s $28 for adults. 

5. See The World’s Largest Baseball Bat at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Things to do in Louisville Slugger Museum and factory
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
(*26*)

Louisville Slugger bats are iconic in the United States. The first Louisville Slugger bat was produced greater than 130 years in the past, supposedly for Pete Browning, the unique Louisville Slugger. The manufacturing unit the place the bats are produced now’s the fourth location of the manufacturing plant, and it’s open for public excursions. This is a should for any baseball followers, and it’s very attention-grabbing even in case you’re not that into the game. 

Visitors can see the manufacturing unit the place the bats are produced and go to a museum totally devoted to this image of Louisville. The museum’s assortment consists of all varieties of Louisville Slugger bats ever produced, an enormous wall with the signature of each participant who has ever signed a contract with this firm, bats from Hall of Fame gamers, and way more. 

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the biggest bat in the world is in entrance of this Kentucky museum. It’s 120 toes tall and weighs over 68,000 lbs, making it considered one of Louisville’s most iconic vacationer sights. 

Practical Information

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is open from 9AM to 5PM. Tickets are $22.

6. Visit the Frazier History Museum

Things to do in Louisville Frazier Kentucky History Museum
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Frazier Kentucky History Museum
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

The Frazier History Museum has an exhibit that includes the historical past of Kentucky. Pop inside to see artifacts greater than 100 years previous that showcase the methods of the locals. What I like most about this museum is that the exhibit consists of on a regular basis objects, from previous tobacco cans to fishing reels. 

There is a everlasting exhibit, and there’s at all times no less than one different non permanent exhibit. The Frazier Museum usually collaborates with native artists and firms to incorporate new objects into its collections. Bourbon Experiences are additionally a well-liked a part of the museum. You can do tastings, excursions, and take courses on bourbon historical past.

Practical Information 

The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. General admission tickets are $14.

7. Chase Ghosts at The Waverly Hills Sanatorium

This isn’t an attraction for everybody. I bought chills simply their web site, and I don’t assume there’s sufficient cash in the world to bribe me to go on a ghost hunt in a former sanatorium. But it’s a factor you are able to do in Louisville, and I do know some folks would find it irresistible. 

Tour the sanatorium in the course of the day to be taught a factor or two in regards to the constructing and its historical past. You can go contained in the totally different rooms whereas a neighborhood information tells you in regards to the construction, the individuals who labored there, and every part the sanatorium stood for. 

But go to the Wavery Hills Sanatorium at evening, and also you’ll get a magical tour of the world, full with weird shadows, distant sounds, and a peek contained in the notorious physique chute. Is it actually haunted? I’m afraid you’ll have to inform me. 

Practical Information

Tours of Waverly Hills Sanatorium are priced at $30-$75 and happen on Fridays and Saturdays. 

8. Tour the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum

Things to do in Louisville Caldwell Conrad House
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Caldwell Conrad House
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is considered one of Old Louisville’s most necessary historic landmarks. It’s a residential dwelling from the nineteenth century and it appears similar to a fortress from the surface. But it’s decked out with all the newest know-how from its time, so it has indoor plumbing and electrical lights. leisure facilities

The fortress is taken into account top-of-the-line cases of Richardsonian Romanesque structure in Louisville. It’s a delight to tour, and I need to say that the distinction between {the electrical} lightbulbs and interval furnishings is relatively attention-grabbing.  

This historic museum is close to Central Park in Old Louisville, and it’s finest to go to it throughout a tour of the previous neighborhood. 

Practical Information 

The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM Thursday via Sunday. The fortress’s entrance price is $15, and guests are inspired to discover it at their very own tempo. 

9. Learn About the Legend on the Muhammad Ali Center

Things to do in Louisville Muhammad Ali Center
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Muhammad Ali Center
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Muhammad Ali Center is one other common constructing on Louisville’s Museum Row. It’s one of the vital common museums in your complete metropolis as a result of it’s devoted to the lifetime of the boxing icon. Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, and the folks of Louisville are proud to let you know that that is his hometown. 

The museum exhibit is fascinating, even in case you’re not into boxing. Muhammed Ali is without doubt one of the biggest athletes to have ever lived, and his life is extremely attention-grabbing. Visitors can anticipate to see the boxer’s private autos, well-known outfits from the ring, trophies, and different private collectibles. 

Practical Information 

The Muhammad Ali Center is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday via Sunday. Tickets for adults are $20.

10. Relax at Cherokee Park

Things to do in Louisville Cherokee Park Highlands
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Cherokee Park Highlands
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Cherokee Park is an unlimited inexperienced house in Louisville, good for an escape from the city crowds. People come right here to benefit from the tranquility of mild hills, landscaped strolling trails, and relaxed picnics. The park spans 389 acres, and a scenic loop path takes you on a leisurely stroll across the complete grounds. 

Pack a picnic basket and lease a motorcycle for the most effective expertise. Just lounge on the pristinely lower grass and bask in the solar, whereas your children play. The place is dog-friendly, and many individuals come right here with their pets. I’d solely add this to your itinerary if you’re spending greater than three days in Louiseville.

Practical Information 

Cherokee Park is open 24/7, and admission is free. 

11. Visit a Mansion at Locust Grove

Things to do in Louisville Locust Grove
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Locust Grove
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Locust Grove is the house of George Rodgers Clarke, the founding father of Louisville. The property options an 18th-century mansion open for public excursions. It’s the previous dwelling of Louisville’s founder and it’s adorned with interval furnishings. 

Visitors should e book a guided tour to enter the mansion. There are two varieties of excursions, every providing perception into the historical past of the Clarke household and the enslaved group who labored on this property. 

Practical Information

Locust Grove excursions happen from Tuesday via Saturday. Tickets for the excursions are $12-$18.

12. Family Time at Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest is an unlimited pure habitat south of Louisville. It options mountaineering trails, gardens, and plenty of native bushes. Escape right here to spend a day roaming round nature. The place is especially common with households, and youngsters love taking part in in the parks. But what makes it price visiting are its forest statues.

There are many statues scattered across the arboretum, and it’s enjoyable to attempt to discover all of them. Bernheim has greater than 40 miles of developed and marked mountaineering trails, so it’s the most effective playground for trekkers in Louisville.  

Bernheim permits canines, so it’s an excellent place to go to in case you’re touring with a pet. The arboretum additionally usually organizes different occasions, from stargazing nights to poetry workshops. 

Practical Information

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest is open from 7 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $15 per automobile. 

13. Take Your Kids to the Kentucky Science Center

Things to do in Louisville Kentucky Science Center
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Kentucky Science Center
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

The Kentucky Science Center is without doubt one of the prime sights on Louisville’s Museum Row. It’s a neighborhood science museum with a kid-friendly interactive exhibit. The place may be very common with households, particularly amongst youngsters who need to do experiments, study animals, and simply have a great deal of enjoyable. 

In addition to a enjoyable exhibit, the science heart additionally organizes film nights. Come right here to watch a film in a very nice digital theater and pay simply $5 for the ticket! 

Practical Information

The Kentucky Science Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance to the exhibit is $23.

14. Watch a Movie At The Georgetown Drive-In

Things to do in Louisville Georgetown Drive In
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Georgetown Drive In
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

If you’re searching for issues to do in Louisville at evening, a singular possibility is to step again in time and go to a Drive-in. Drive-in film theaters are remnants of a special period in American cinema and are actually particular. The Georgetown Drive-In is an iconic venue and one of some which might be nonetheless open. Come right here to watch a film on a giant display old-school fashion, whereas munching on popcorn and sipping on mushy drinks in the consolation of your automobile. 

This movie show has two screens with stereo FM radio. However, the drive-in nonetheless has these old-school window audio system for probably the most nostalgic guests. Children are welcome, and this is without doubt one of the few remaining drive-in theaters with a playground. 

Practical Information 

Admission to the Georgetown Drive-In is $12 and covers all film screenings on that evening. 

15. International Artwork on the Speed Art Museum

Things to do in Louisville Speed Art Museum Art
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Speed Art Museum Art
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

The Speed Art Museum is a well-liked artwork museum close to Louisville University. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown by automobile, and Uber is one of the simplest ways to get there with out problem. 

Come to this museum to see some very attention-grabbing artworks from everywhere in the world. Speed’s everlasting assortment consists of European, African, and Native American artwork, amongst others. The museum usually hosts non permanent collections, considerably increasing the exhibit guests can see. 

Practical Information 

Tickets for the Speed Art Museum are $15. Free admission tickets can be found each first Thursday of the month. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday to Sunday. 

16. Day Trip to Lexington

Things to do in Louisville Lexington Kentucky
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Lexington Kentucky
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Get out of Louisville for the day and discover Lexington, Kentucky’s second-largest metropolis. Known because the “Horse Capital of the World”, Lexington is legendary for its many horse farms. Numerous folks come to Keeneland for the annual horse races and horse gross sales. 

One of Lexington’s best-known sights is the Mary Todd Lincoln House. The household dwelling of the previous First Lady is adorned with a lot of its authentic furnishings, and guests can discover the home throughout guided excursions. Ashland, the property of  US  Secretary of State Henry Clay, is one other historic dwelling open for excursions in Lexington. 

Practical Information

Lexington is roughly an hour and a half’s drive from Louisville, Kentucky. 

17. Discover Fossil Beds at Falls of the Ohio State Park

Falls of the Ohio is a state park in Clarksville, Indiana. Only a bridge separates it from downtown Louisville, and it’s one of many closest nature parks to Kentucky’s largest metropolis. Set on the Ohio River, the park is a prime vacation spot for all out of doors adventurers in Louisville. 

Hike throughout fossil beds, go fishing, or experience your bike on the state park’s trails. There’s a lot to do in Falls of Ohio, and you possibly can keep busy your complete day simply roaming across the expansive space and studying in regards to the park’s geology. The Devonian-era fossil beds are by far an important attraction in the park, and greater than 160,000 folks go to yearly to see them.

Practical Information

Falls of the Ohio State Park is open from 7 AM to 11 PM. The entrance price is $9. 

18. Admire the Flowers at Waterfront Botanical Gardens

Things to do in Louisville Waterfront Botanical Gardens
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Waterfront Botanical Gardens
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Waterfront Botanical Gardens is a free attraction on the shore of the Ohio River. The place options ponds, stunning landscaping, flowers, and decorations all through, and it’s one of many prettiest inexperienced areas in Louisville. And it’s lower than 10 minutes from the Slugger Factory downtown in an Uber. 

Walk across the botanical gardens and check out to discover all of the totally different sculptures and water options. Look in any respect the stunning crops and flowers, a lot of which don’t actually belong in the Kentucky local weather.  

The botanical backyard is finest skilled in the spring and summer time when most of its crops are in bloom. But it’s a particular place to go to in the winter when it’s adorned with Christmas lights and different decorations. The place appears magical at evening, and it would simply be higher than in the sunshine of day. 

Practical Information

Admission to the Waterfront Botanical Gardens is free until there’s an occasion on-site. The opening hours differ relying on the season.  

19. See the Tanks at Fort Knox

Fort Knox is about 45 minutes south of Louisville by automobile. It’s a incredible place to go to in case you’re in navy historical past, simply hold in thoughts which you could’t precisely simply drive up to the navy base. 

Anyone who needs to go to Fort Knox should apply for a customer’s allow. The quick go, which helps you to keep briefly on the base, is the best choice for many guests. When arriving at Fort Knox, you will need to go via the customer’s heart and present your ID.  

The navy base is finest identified for the United States Bullion Depository, which is positioned in Fort Knox. The constructing homes the United States gold deposits, however sadly, it’s closed for visits. 

Practical Information

You can apply for a quick go up to 30 days earlier than your deliberate go to. To be allowed contained in the navy base, you will need to have a sound ID or driver’s license. 

20. Water Fun at Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay

Things to do in Louisville Kentucky Kingdom Hurricane Bay
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Kentucky Kingdom Hurricane Bay
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay is the most effective place to come in case you’re on a household journey in Louisville. The amusement park is the biggest in the state and the most effective vacation spot for enjoyable on water and theme park rides. 

This amusement park may be very shut to the Louisville International Airport. If you’re flying into Kentucky, you would possibly as nicely keep right here for the primary day or two earlier than you make it to Downtown Louisville. 

Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay may be very common with children, thanks to all of the enjoyable water rides. But it’s a seasonal amusement park that operates from May to October. 

Practical Information

 Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay is open from May via October. Daily passes are round $50.

21. Walk Among Wildflowers at Louisville Nature Center

Louisville Nature Center is a small nature protect shut to the Louisville Zoo and the Mega Cavern. It’s exterior town heart, and it’s finest to journey right here in an Uber or your individual automobile. 

The nature heart is in a a lot greener residential space. Come right here to escape town really feel and spend just a few hours wildflowers and ponds and strolling round sprawling gardens. The place is especially common with households and youngsters as a result of there’s all kinds of kid-friendly out of doors actions. 

Practical Information

Louisville Nature Center is open from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday to Friday. Entrance is freed from cost. 

22. Hiking at Campbell-Woodland Nature Trails

Things to do in Louisville Campbell-Woodland Nature Trails
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Campbell-Woodland Nature Trails
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Visit the Campbell-Woodland Nature Trails Park for simple, stroller-friendly mountaineering trails. The park is shut to Louisville and options a number of quick, paved mountaineering trails which might be appropriate for anybody. Plenty of benches can be found alongside each path, making the park a superb vacation spot for vacationers who need to uncover Kentycky’s nature with out roaming across the wilderness. 

You’re nonetheless strolling on forest paths, however as a substitute of watching your step on steep, rocky terrain, you’ll be able to casually stroll down the paved floor. And you’ll be able to cross pedestrian bridges over creeks and waterfalls. Dedicated picnic spots and port-a-potties can be found on the park, making it a superb vacation spot for a household outing. 

Practical Information

The Campbell-Woodland Nature Trails park is open from 7AM to 9PM. Entrance is freed from cost. 

23. Mammoth Cave National Park

Things to do in Louisville Mammoth Cave National Park
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Mammoth Cave National Park
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Mammoth Cave National Park is the most effective vacation spot for nature escapes in Kentucky. The sprawling park presents mountaineering trails, river views, and the sight of the world’s longest cave. It can be an excellent tenting vacation spot, so it’s a must-stop in case you’re road-tripping across the US in a campervan. Read extra: 27 Best National Parks in the USA To Visit

The Flint Ridge Cave System is 86.5 miles lengthy, which makes it the longest in the world. It consists of a number of smaller caves that have been finally linked to each other, and a few are open to the general public. You can’t tour everything of the cave system, however you’ll be able to go to the areas which have been tailored for guests. 

Practical Information

Mammoth Cave National Park is roughly 100 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky. Entrance to the park is free, however there’s a price to tour the caves. 

24. Big Four Bridge Evening Stroll

Things to do in Louisville Big Four Bridge
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Big Four Bridge
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

The Big Four Bridge connects Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. It’s a former railroad bridge was a pedestrian bridge, with loads of benches alongside the way in which for breaks. It is 2,525 toes lengthy, and on common, it takes about 10-Quarter-hour to cross the bridge. 

It’s cool which you could stroll to a special state, and so is the view of the Louisville skyline from this bridge. The different bridges would possibly hinder bits of it, however you must get a superb take a look at all of the waterfront skyscrapers. Strolling alongside this bridge is especially good in the evenings and a good way to finish a day of adventures in Louisville. 

Practical Information

The Big Four Bridge is open 24 hours and accessible without cost. 

25. Evening Cruise on the Belle of Louisville 

Things to do in Louisville Belle of Louisville
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Belle of Louisville
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

The Belle of Louisville is an iconic steamboat docked on the downtown pier. It was constructed at first of the twentieth century and has been working passenger cruises on the Ohio River since then. 

The Great Steamboat Race takes place each Wednesday earlier than the Kentucky Derby. The Belle of Louisville has participated in the race since 1963, and her opponents through the years have included the Delta Queen, the Belle of Cincinnati, the American Queen, and others. 

Book a cruise on the Belle of Louisville to expertise what it’s like to experience on a steamboat in the twenty first century. It’s an iconic Louisville expertise, making your keep way more gratifying. 

Practical Information

Steamboat cruises happen one to two instances weekly. The value is $25 for a leisure cruise however up to $150 for eating cruises. 

26. Kentucky Bourbon Trail 

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is an epic method to tour the state. It consists of 18 distilleries in Kentucky and greater than a dozen of their companions. Most distilleries are located in the countryside, making this journey ultimate for exploring the state’s landscapes. 

Louisville is the right place to begin for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Many distilleries are positioned in town, and you’ll tour most with out leaving Downtown Louisville. But venturing exterior town limits and discovering the agricultural elements of Kentucky is the most effective a part of this expertise—particularly in case you like bourbon as a result of all of the distilleries provide tastings. 

Practical Information

Kentucky Bourbon Trail is most simply accomplished with a personal automobile. Guided excursions are finest for vacationers and not using a automobile. 

What You Need To Know Before Visiting Louisville

Things to do in Louisville FAQ
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville FAQ
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

What meals is Louisville finest identified for?

Louisville is finest identified for Beaten Biscuits, that are a staple at each Kentucky Derby. Soul meals, Mint Juleps, and the Hot Brown are additionally staples of Louisville delicacies. 

Is Louisville, Kentucky, price visiting?

Yes, Louisville is price visiting. Kentucky’s largest metropolis has many great sights, from record-breaking sculptures to wonderful museums. 

Is Downtown Louisville walkable?

Yes, Downtown Louisville is well walkable, and a correct neighborhood tour is a should for any first-timers in town. The identical goes for the Old Louisville neighborhood. 

What is Louisville Best Known For? 

Louisville is finest identified for baseball, bourbon, and horse racing. The metropolis can be well-known for being the birthplace of Muhammad Ali. 

Where To Stay In Louisville 

Things to do in Louisville Where to Stay Downtown Louisville
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Things to do in Louisville Where to Stay Downtown Louisville
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

It’s finest to keep in Downtown Louisville for simple strolling entry to town’s finest landmarks and vacationer spots. Old Louisville can be a superb neighborhood, particularly if you would like to expertise the vibe of town’s oldest resorts and inns. Here are a few of the finest resorts in Louisville for all budgets: 

Econo Lodge Downtown is an reasonably priced lodge in Downtown Louisville, inside strolling distance of town’s finest sights. 
Louisville Bourbon Inn is a mattress and breakfast in previous Louisville, good for vacationers who need to keep in a historic constructing.  
The Brown Hotel is a 5-star lodge in Louisville’s Theater District. The historic lodge is from the sixteenth century and options spacious rooms and a beautiful rooftop terrace.

Tips And Information for Visiting Louisville, Kentucky 

Tips and Information Cherokee Park
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
Tips and Information Cherokee Park
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Best Time To Visit

The peak season for vacationers in Louisville is June to August. Everyone needs to be in Kentucky in the summer time, and that’s when town streets are most crowded—apart from the Kentucky Derby, which is the preferred occasion in town. 

The Kentucky Derby takes place each first Saturday of May. It’s a superb time to be in town to expertise it at its finest, however a time you may want to keep away from if you would like to skip the crowds in Louisville. Visit in late spring or early Autumn for a extra relaxed vibe, however in the summer time for a buzzing metropolis heart. 

Getting There

The Louisville International Airport may be very shut to downtown Louisville. It’s solely a 10-minute drive from the central a part of town to the airport, so a taxi, Uber, Lyft, and even automobile rental is the best choice for fast transport. 

Bus transfers can be found, however the bus takes greater than half an hour to journey to town heart. Also, the buses depart as soon as an hour, and relying on once you arrive, you may need to waste plenty of time ready. 

Getting Around

Rent a automobile if you would like to get round Louisville simply and at your individual tempo. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are all obtainable in town however are fairly costly, particularly when you could have to use them a number of instances a day. 

While Louisville’s central neighborhoods are walkable, having a automobile gives you sufficient flexibility to go on day journeys and discover exterior of town heart. You’ll have the option to go on street journeys to different cities, go to state parks and nationwide forests, and go to notable landmarks that aren’t straightforward to entry by public transport. 

Buses can be found in Louisville and will help you get across the metropolis extra simply. I like to recommend the buses for fast transfers between totally different Louisville neighborhoods, however a private automobile for exploration exterior of town boundaries. 

How Much Time Do You Need

You want no less than 2-3 days to correctly tour Louisville. If you could have a automobile, you’ll be able to tour a lot of the metropolis’s sights in a day and a half, after which use the remainder of your time for a fast day journey to one of many close by cities or nature parks. 

It helps that the majority of Louisville’s sights are concentrated in two neighborhoods, and only some noteworthy locations are exterior town heart. You may keep in town longer if you would like and do a number of excursions. 

Museum Row on Main Tickets

Louisville’s Museum Row is a downtown avenue the place lots of the metropolis’s hottest sights are. This combo ticket permits you to enter the entire sights with a major low cost, and it’s a superb deal if you would like to tour every part from the Peerless Distilling Company to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. Attractions included in the Main Ticket are:

Frazier History Museum ($14)
Louisville Slugger Museum ($22)
Kentucky Science Center ($23-28)
KMAC Museum ($7)
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience ($18)
Muhammad Ali Center ($20)
Peerless Distilling Co ($18-28)

The Main ticket is $83.30 for adults, so it’s price shopping for if you would like to go to all of the sights. Just hold in thoughts that it usually consists of the most affordable expertise at an attraction, so that you may need to pay additional for added experiences. But these would value additional with an everyday ticket anyway.  If you solely need to go to just a few sights on Musem Row, skip the combo ticket. 

All photographs courtesy of Louisville Tourism until in any other case acknowledged. Visit Louisville.com for extra info on visiting Louisville.

So, there you could have some concepts for the most effective issues to do in Louisville, Kentucky. Have you been? What is your favourite? Leave some concepts in the feedback beneath.

Plan extra journeys to the USA

Pin It on Pinterest