Louisville, Kentucky, was originally home to several Indigenous tribes, including the Cherokee, Iroquois, and Shawnee. The city was founded in 1778 by William Clark and Colonel John Campbell, named in honor of King Louis XVI of France.
It quickly grew due to its location on the Ohio River and became a hub for trading, including the burgeoning whiskey trade. The first Kentucky Derby was held in the city in 1875 and remains a big part of the city’s history, bringing in thousands of attendees every year.
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What to Do in Louisville, Kentucky
If it’s your first visit to Louisville, plan on spending at least a long weekend to experience all the city has to offer. Add a few more days if it’s bourbon you’re after!
Bernheim Forest– While it’s located south of the city, this unique arboretum and research forest is a natural escape, full of salvaged wood sculptures from artist Thomas Dambo and miles of trails to explore. 2075 Clermont Road, Clermont
Cave Hill Cemetery– The stunning cemetery on the east side of the city is filled with famous locals, including many of the founders of Kentucky’s bourbon industry, plus Muhammad Ali and Colonel Sanders. Download the app before you go for its map. 701 Baxter Avenue
Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby Museum– It doesn’t have to be Derby Day to appreciate a visit to racing’s most famous track. Take a guided tour of the downs and give yourself time to explore the exhibits at the museum, which include all aspects of race day. Get your ticket before you go. 704 Central Avenue
Frazier History Museum– The museum covers Kentucky’s history, including famous names, famous inventions (the disco ball!), and, of course, the bourbon industry. It’s also the official welcome center for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the best place to start the journey. 829 West Main Street
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory– As the name implies, the iconic baseball bat is made right here in downtown Louisville. Tours allow visitors to learn about the company’s origins and see them being made in the factory. 800 West Main Street
Muhammad Ali Center– The noted boxer is honored in his hometown with this museum, on the “greatest of all time.” Exhibits include videos of his famous fights, the torch he carried during the 1996 Olympics, and a replica of his training camp. 144 North Sixth Street
Speed Art Museum– Wander freely or take a guided tour of Louisville’s modern art museum, with work from around the world. Highlights include early Kentucky-made pottery and the photography of Marion Post Wolcott. 2035 South Third Street
Waverly Hills Sanatorium– Not for the faint of heart, this former tuberculosis treatment facility keeps the frights going year-round. Tours are offered of the historic facility both day and night, and you can even sleep here. 4400 Paralee Drive
Bourbon distilleries– You don’t have to venture out of town to enjoy Kentucky’s best bourbon! There are plenty of downtown tasting rooms, including Rabbit Hole, Michter’s, and Angel’s Envy. All are within a short walk of one another, making up the “urban bourbon trail.”
Tours- Book a spot on one of the dozens of tours that cover every topic from the general history of the city to the spooky underbelly to craft beer and delicious food. And, of course, guided tours to distilleries are very popular.
Where to Eat in Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky’s culinary scene is bursting at the seams, with both traditional fare and creative international options. If you’re looking for a table at one of the fine dining spots, make a reservation in advance.
610 Magnolia– Run by Chef Edward Lee of Top Chef fame, this restaurant is set in a former Old Louisville home with creative and seasonal Southern fare. Reservations are required. 610 Magnolia Avenue, (502) 636-0783
Bar Vetti– The playful Italian restaurant has a menu with all the favorites, including freshly baked focaccia, chicken piccata, pizzas, and pasta, plus weekend brunch. Don’t miss the cocktails! 727 East Market Street, (502) 883-3331
Butchertown Grocery and Bakery– The bakery and bottle shop has a loyal local crowd for house-baked pastries, bread, and sandwiches. It also sells the finest wines and Kentucky bourbon. 743 East Main Street, (502) 742-8315
Chik N & Mi– The Asian-inspired menu is the best spot around for fried chicken and ramen. Don’t forget about brunch, where you can get pork belly buns and chilaquiles. 1765 Mellwood Avenue, (502) 890-5731
Garage Bar– Named for the former automotive garage space, the laid-back pizza joint boasts wood-fired pies along with a “ham and cheese bar” featuring the state’s best country hams. 700 East Market Street, (502) 749-7100
Holy Grale– The restaurant is set inside a former Unitarian church offers 21 beer taps with the dining hall inside the former choir loft. Menu favorites include sandwiches and bowls. There’s even a place to stay the night! 1034 Bardstown Road
Jack Fry’s– Originally opened in the 1930s, the renovated space is named for one of Louisville’s most interesting characters. Diners can enjoy classic American fare in retro surroundings. 1007 Bardstown Road, (502) 452-9244
Please & Thank You Cafe– This local coffee shop chain has rightfully earned the title of one of the best cookies in America. Pair with a latte for the perfect start to the day. Multiple locations.
Repeal– Set inside Hotel Distill, the Whiskey Row steakhouse is a bourbon lover’s paradise in a former bottling warehouse. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. 101 West Main Street, Unit 101, (502) 716-7372
Where to Stay in Louisville, Kentucky
Choose from old-school hotels visited by presidents and authors or trendy boutique spots. If you’re traveling with a group, Louisville has several rental options.
21C Museum Hotel– The quirky arts hotel has its own gallery of contemporary work, plus a top-notch restaurant, a rooftop patio, and stylish rooms. 700 West Main Street
The Brown Hotel- This is one of Louisville’s oldest hotels and is known as the originator of the “Hot Brown” sandwich, a local delicacy. Sitting in the lobby feels like walking back in time. 335 West Broadway
Galt House Hotel– The Galt House has the best views of the Ohio River, plus a rooftop gym, on-site spa, and plentiful dining options. 140 North 4th Street
Hotel Distil– The whiskey-inspired hotel is steps away from the big bourbon distilleries and has its own restaurant and pet-friendly rooms. 101 West Main Street
Hotel Genevieve– Bunkhouse Hotels’ first property in the state is this colorful and antiques-filled space in NuLu. Guests can enjoy the downstairs cafe, rooftop bar and restaurant, and a hidden speakeasy. 730 East Market Street
Louisville Marriott Downtown– The sprawling hotel has an in-house Starbucks, an indoor swimming pool, and easy access to the attached convention center. There’s also a restaurant and bar in the lobby. 280 West Jefferson
The Seelbach Hilton Louisville– The second of Louisville’s classic hotels is this one, which counted F. Scott Fitzgerald as a past guest. 500 Fourth Street
Getting Around Louisville, Kentucky
Like most major cities, Louisville has abundant options when it comes to getting from the airport into town. You can book a private airport transfer or a taxi from zTrip. Rideshare services also operate in the city to get around.
Louisville also has public transportation through the TARC bus network. The network covers the major areas travelers will want to explore, and tickets can be purchased starting at $1.50 using the mobile app.
Many neighborhoods, like downtown and NuLu, are walkable with plenty of signs to direct you to all of the points of interest. Scooter companies Bird, Lime, Bolt, and Spin have also set up to go short distances.
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