Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky, set on the border of Kentucky and Indiana. It’s world-famous for the Kentucky Derby, the annual horse race with a tradition of almost 150 years. But horse racing is only one of dozens of fun things to do in Louisville, and if you keep reading, you’ll discover more amazing attractions.
Louisville has a thriving theater scene, excellent museums, and some of the best bourbon distilleries in the state—we stopped there last year to pick up some premium bourbon before heading back to Canada. The city’s impressively rich history becomes evident as soon as you stroll through its oldest neighborhoods.
Best Things To Do In Louisville, Kentucky
From the best attractions in Old Louisville to the best parks just outside the city – here are all the best things to do in Louisville, Kentucky!
Louisville is a fun city to visit. Whether you’re interested in sports, architecture, or culture, you will have a blast. And if you need a break from the busy city streets, you can always escape to one of the many nearby 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 offers a ton of fun things to do in the city. They range from record-breaking monuments to sprawling public parks, so there’s definitely something for everyone in this city. Explore the museums, try the staple foods, learn about baseball history, and discover the fabulous Victorian architecture that Louisville is best known for.
1. Walking Tour of Old Louisville
Old Louisville is a special neighborhood and by far the best one for a relaxed walking tour. The district stands out because it almost entirely features Victorian architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most houses here were constructed from brick, and this neighborhood has the most residential homes with stained glass windows in the country.
But Old Louisville is a big neighborhood of 48 blocks, so you’re not expected to walk through every single alley. I recommend you start at Central Park and pop inside the Visitors Center. See the Witches’ Tree and Conrad Castle, which are on opposite sides of the park. The Witches’ Tree has become a popular tourist attraction where visitors come to see its gnarled and twisted branches and hear stories of a time when a coven of witches met to cast their spells.
A casual stroll around the district is a must to discover the many different red houses while keeping an eye out for intricate stained glass. You can even book a guided tour at the center, and this is the best option if you don’t want to miss anything in Old Louisville.
Practical Information
Old Louisville is a neighborhood in the city center, stretching between Downtown Louisville and the University district.
2. An Afternoon at Churchill Downs
There is a reason that Louisville is known as Derby City, horse racing is at the core of Kentucky culture. Even if you’re not extremely interested in the sport, spending an afternoon at the track will give you insight into how so many locals spend their time. And it’s a ton of fun, I promise! Just remember to gamble responsibly.
The city is famous for the Kentucky Derby, which is the most famous and most attended horse race in the entire United States. The Kentucky Derby happens on the first Saturday of May. In 2024, it is May 4. Everything closes down on this day, so if you don’t have a ticket, you will probably at least be glued to a TV at a local bar watching the event. The Kentucky Oaks race precedes the Derby, and it takes place a week before the main event.
Book well in advance if you want to attend this iconic horse race. Make sure to dress for the event, and don’t forget your hat! As you watch the horses while sipping mint juleps, you’ll feel as if you stepped back in time. Even if you don’t win any money, you’ll have fun, and who knows—you might get a useful tip or two from the locals in the know.
Practical Information
Tours of the Churchill Downs race track are free with general admission tickets to the Kentucky Derby museum. Race-day tickets can be bought through Ticketmaster.
3. Horse Racing History at Kentucky Derby Museum
The Kentucky Derby Museum is a must-visit to learn more about the history of the iconic race in Louisville. Located next to the legendary Churchill Downs race track, the museum explores the history and importance of the venue.
I recommend you visit the museum and race track on the same day because they’re both in the same area, which takes a while to reach from Downtown Louisville. The museum exhibit features trophies, costumes, and other memorabilia chronicling the Kentucky Derby over the decades.
The famous race celebrates its 150th birthday in 2024, and it’s fascinating to think that a horse-racing event has such a long history. That’s definitely something worth exploring, if only for the significance it has for the locals in Louisville.
Practical Information
The Kentucky Derby Museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission fee is $20.
4. Bourbon Tastings at Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
Kentucky state is known for bourbon production and touring bourbon distilleries is a must while you’re in Louisville. Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company is right there in downtown Louisville, easy to find even on walking tours of the city center.
The company has been producing whiskey and bourbon since the late 19th century. A distillery tour includes a bourbon tasting, so you might want to arrange a visit in the PM. The latest tour begins at 2:30 PM, which is late enough in the day to drink bourbon, I think.
Practical Information
The distillery tour with tasting takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Reserve your spot on the tour online—it’s $28 for adults.
5. See The World’s Largest Baseball Bat at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Louisville Slugger bats are iconic in the United States. The first Louisville Slugger bat was produced more than 130 years ago, supposedly for Pete Browning, the original Louisville Slugger. The factory where the bats are produced now is the fourth location of the manufacturing plant, and it’s open for public tours. This is a must for any baseball fans, and it’s very interesting even if you’re not that into the sport.
Visitors can see the factory where the bats are produced and visit a museum entirely dedicated to this symbol of Louisville. The museum’s collection includes all types of Louisville Slugger bats ever produced, a giant wall with the signature of every player who has ever signed a contract with this company, bats from Hall of Fame players, and much more.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest bat in the world is in front of this Kentucky museum. It’s 120 feet tall and weighs over 68,000 lbs, making it one of Louisville’s most iconic tourist attractions.
Practical Information
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is open from 9AM to 5PM. Tickets are $22.
6. Visit the Frazier History Museum
The Frazier History Museum has an exhibit featuring the history of Kentucky. Pop inside to see artifacts more than 100 years old that showcase the ways of the locals. What I like most about this museum is that the exhibit consists of everyday objects, from old tobacco cans to fishing reels.
There is a permanent exhibit, and there’s always at least one other temporary exhibit. The Frazier Museum often collaborates with local artists and companies to incorporate new items into its collections. Bourbon Experiences are also a popular part of the museum. You can do tastings, tours, and take classes on bourbon history.
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 everyone. I got chills just looking at their website, and I don’t think there’s enough money in the world to bribe me to go on a ghost hunt in a former sanatorium. But it’s a thing you can do in Louisville, and I know some people would love it.
Tour the sanatorium during the day to learn a thing or two about the building and its history. You can go inside the different rooms while a local guide tells you about the structure, the people who worked there, and everything the sanatorium stood for.
But go to the Wavery Hills Sanatorium at night, and you’ll get a paranormal tour of the area, complete with bizarre shadows, distant sounds, and a peek inside the infamous body chute. Is it really haunted? I’m afraid you’ll have to tell me.
Practical Information
Tours of Waverly Hills Sanatorium are priced at $30-$75 and take place on Fridays and Saturdays.
8. Tour the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum
The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is one of Old Louisville’s most important historic landmarks. It’s a residential home from the 19th century and it looks just like a castle from the outside. But it’s decked out with all the latest technology from its time, so it has indoor plumbing and electric lights. entertainment centers
The castle is considered one of the best instances of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in Louisville. It’s a delight to tour, and I must say that the contrast between the electrical lightbulbs and period furniture is rather interesting.
This historic museum is near Central Park in Old Louisville, and it’s best to visit it during a tour of the old neighborhood.
Practical Information
The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM Thursday through Sunday. The castle’s entrance fee is $15, and visitors are encouraged to explore it at their own pace.
9. Learn About the Legend at the Muhammad Ali Center
Muhammad Ali Center is another popular building on Louisville’s Museum Row. It’s one of the most popular museums in the entire city because it’s dedicated to the life of the boxing icon. Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, and the people of Louisville are proud to tell you that this is his hometown.
The museum exhibit is fascinating, even if you’re not into boxing. Muhammed Ali is one of the greatest athletes to have ever lived, and his life is incredibly interesting. Visitors can expect to see the boxer’s personal vehicles, famous outfits from the ring, trophies, and other personal collectibles.
Practical Information
The Muhammad Ali Center is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets for adults are $20.
10. Relax at Cherokee Park
Cherokee Park is a vast green space in Louisville, perfect for an escape from the urban crowds. People come here to enjoy the tranquility of gentle hills, landscaped walking trails, and relaxed picnics. The park spans 389 acres, and a scenic loop trail takes you on a leisurely walk around the entire grounds.
Pack a picnic basket and rent a bike for the best experience. Just lounge on the pristinely cut grass and bask in the sun, while your kids play. The place is dog-friendly, and many people come here with their pets. I would only add this to your itinerary if you are spending more than three days in Louiseville.
Practical Information
Cherokee Park is open 24/7, and admission is free.
11. Visit a Mansion at Locust Grove
Locust Grove is the home of George Rodgers Clarke, the founder of Louisville. The property features an 18th-century mansion open for public tours. It’s the former home of Louisville’s founder and it is decorated with period furnishings.
Visitors must book a guided tour to enter the mansion. There are two types of tours, each offering insight into the history of the Clarke family and the enslaved community who labored on this property.
Practical Information
Locust Grove tours take place from Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets for the tours are $12-$18.
12. Family Time at Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest is a vast natural habitat south of Louisville. It features hiking trails, gardens, and many native trees. Escape here to spend a day roaming around nature. The place is particularly popular with families, and kids love playing in the parks. But what makes it worth visiting are its forest statues.
There are many statues scattered around the arboretum, and it’s fun to try to find all of them. Bernheim has more than 40 miles of developed and marked hiking trails, so it’s the best playground for trekkers in Louisville.
Bernheim allows dogs, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re traveling with a pet. The arboretum also often organizes other events, from stargazing nights to poetry workshops.
Practical Information
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest is open from 7 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $15 per car.
13. Take Your Kids to the Kentucky Science Center
The Kentucky Science Center is one of the top attractions on Louisville’s Museum Row. It’s a local science museum with a kid-friendly interactive exhibit. The place is very popular with families, especially among children who want to do experiments, learn about animals, and just have loads of fun.
In addition to a fun exhibit, the science center also organizes movie nights. Come here to watch a movie in a really nice digital theater and pay just $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
If you are looking for things to do in Louisville at night, a unique option is to step back in time and go to a Drive-in. Drive-in movie theaters are remnants of a different era in American cinema and are truly special. The Georgetown Drive-In is an iconic venue and one of a few that are still open. Come here to watch a movie on a big screen old-school style, while munching on popcorn and sipping on soft drinks in the comfort of your car.
This movie theater has two screens with stereo FM radio. However, the drive-in still has those old-school window speakers for the most nostalgic visitors. Children are welcome, and this is one of the few remaining drive-in theaters with a playground.
Practical Information
Admission to the Georgetown Drive-In is $12 and covers all movie screenings on that night.
15. International Artwork at the Speed Art Museum
The Speed Art Museum is a popular art museum near Louisville University. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown by car, and Uber is the best way to get there without hassle.
Come to this museum to see some very interesting artworks from all over the world. Speed’s permanent collection includes European, African, and Native American art, among others. The museum often hosts temporary collections, significantly expanding the exhibit visitors can see.
Practical Information
Tickets for the Speed Art Museum are $15. Free admission tickets are available every first Thursday of the month. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday to Sunday.
16. Day Trip to Lexington
Get out of Louisville for the day and explore Lexington, Kentucky’s second-largest city. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World”, Lexington is famous for its many horse farms. Numerous people come to Keeneland for the annual horse races and horse sales.
One of Lexington’s best-known attractions is the Mary Todd Lincoln House. The family home of the former First Lady is decorated with much of its original furniture, and visitors can explore the house during guided tours. Ashland, the estate of US Secretary of State Henry Clay, is another historic home open for tours in Lexington.
Practical Information
Lexington is approximately 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 the closest nature parks to Kentucky’s largest city. Set on the Ohio River, the park is a top destination for all outdoor adventurers in Louisville.
Hike across fossil beds, go fishing, or ride your bike on the state park’s trails. There’s plenty to do in Falls of Ohio, and you could stay busy the entire day just roaming around the expansive area and learning about the park’s geology. The Devonian-era fossil beds are by far the most important attraction in the park, and more than 160,000 people visit every year to see them.
Practical Information
Falls of the Ohio State Park is open from 7 AM to 11 PM. The entrance fee is $9.
18. Admire the Flowers at Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Waterfront Botanical Gardens is a free attraction on the shore of the Ohio River. The place features ponds, beautiful landscaping, flowers, and decorations throughout, and it’s one of the prettiest green areas in Louisville. And it’s less than 10 minutes from the Slugger Factory downtown in an Uber.
Walk around the botanical gardens and try to find all the different sculptures and water features. Look at all the lovely plants and flowers, many of which don’t really belong in the Kentucky climate.
The botanical garden is best experienced in the spring and summer when most of its plants are in bloom. But it’s a special place to visit in the winter when it is adorned with Christmas lights and other decorations. The place looks magical at night, and it might just be better than in the light of day.
Practical Information
Admission to the Waterfront Botanical Gardens is free unless there’s an event on-site. The opening hours vary depending on the season.
19. See the Tanks at Fort Knox
Fort Knox is about 45 minutes south of Louisville by car. It’s a fantastic place to visit if you’re interested in military history, just keep in mind that you can’t exactly just drive up to the military base.
Anyone who wishes to visit Fort Knox must apply for a visitor’s permit. The fast pass, which lets you stay briefly at the base, is the best option for most visitors. When arriving at Fort Knox, you must pass through the visitor’s center and show your ID.
The military base is best known for the United States Bullion Depository, which is located in Fort Knox. The building houses the United States gold deposits, but unfortunately, it is closed for visits.
Practical Information
You can apply for a fast pass up to 30 days before your planned visit. To be allowed inside the military base, you must have a valid ID or driver’s license.
20. Water Fun at Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay is the best place to come if you’re on a family trip in Louisville. The amusement park is the largest in the state and the best destination for fun on water and theme park rides.
This amusement park is very close to the Louisville International Airport. If you’re flying into Kentucky, you might as well stay here for the first day or two before you make it to Downtown Louisville.
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay is very popular with kids, thanks to all the fun 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 through October. Daily passes are around $50.
21. Walk Among Wildflowers at Louisville Nature Center
Louisville Nature Center is a small nature preserve close to the Louisville Zoo and the Mega Cavern. It’s outside the city center, and it’s best to travel here in an Uber or your own car.
The nature center is in a much greener residential area. Come here to escape the city feel and spend a few hours looking at wildflowers and ponds and walking around sprawling gardens. The place is particularly popular with families and kids because there’s a wide variety of kid-friendly outdoor activities.
Practical Information
Louisville Nature Center is open from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday to Friday. Entrance is free of charge.
22. Hiking at Campbell-Woodland Nature Trails
Visit the Campbell-Woodland Nature Trails Park for easy, stroller-friendly hiking trails. The park is close to Louisville and features multiple short, paved hiking trails that are suitable for anyone. Plenty of benches are available along every trail, making the park an excellent destination for travelers who want to discover Kentycky’s nature without roaming around the wilderness.
You’re still walking on forest paths, but instead of watching your step on steep, rocky terrain, you can casually stroll down the paved surface. And you can cross pedestrian bridges over creeks and waterfalls. Dedicated picnic spots and port-a-potties are available at the park, making it a good destination for a family outing.
Practical Information
The Campbell-Woodland Nature Trails park is open from 7AM to 9PM. Entrance is free of charge.
23. Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park is the best destination for nature escapes in Kentucky. The sprawling park offers hiking trails, river views, and the sight of the world’s longest cave. It is also a great camping destination, so it is a must-stop if you’re road-tripping around the US in a campervan. Read more: 27 Best National Parks in the USA To Visit
The Flint Ridge Cave System is 86.5 miles long, which makes it the longest in the world. It consists of multiple smaller caves that were eventually connected to one another, and some are open to the public. You can’t tour the entirety of the cave system, but you can go to the areas that have been adapted for visitors.
Practical Information
Mammoth Cave National Park is approximately 100 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky. Entrance to the park is free, but there’s a fee to tour the caves.
24. Big Four Bridge Evening Stroll
The Big Four Bridge connects Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. It’s a former railroad bridge turned into a pedestrian bridge, with plenty of benches along the way for breaks. It is 2,525 feet long, and on average, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cross the bridge.
It’s cool that you can walk to a different state, and so is the view of the Louisville skyline from this bridge. The other bridges might obstruct bits of it, but you should get a good look at all the waterfront skyscrapers. Strolling along this bridge is particularly nice in the evenings and a great way to end a day of adventures in Louisville.
Practical Information
The Big Four Bridge is open 24 hours and accessible for free.
25. Evening Cruise on the Belle of Louisville
The Belle of Louisville is an iconic steamboat docked at the downtown pier. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century and has been operating passenger cruises on the Ohio River since then.
The Great Steamboat Race takes place every Wednesday before the Kentucky Derby. The Belle of Louisville has participated in the race since 1963, and her competitors over 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 experience what it’s like to ride on a steamboat in the 21st century. It’s an iconic Louisville experience, making your stay much more enjoyable.
Practical Information
Steamboat cruises take place one to two times weekly. The cost is $25 for a leisure cruise but up to $150 for dining cruises.
26. Kentucky Bourbon Trail
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is an epic way to tour the state. It includes 18 distilleries in Kentucky and more than a dozen of their partners. Most distilleries are situated in the countryside, making this adventure ideal for exploring the state’s landscapes.
Louisville is the perfect starting point for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Many distilleries are located in the city, and you can tour most without leaving Downtown Louisville. But venturing outside the city limits and discovering the rural parts of Kentucky is the best part of this experience—especially if you like bourbon because all the distilleries offer tastings.
Practical Information
Kentucky Bourbon Trail is most easily done with a private vehicle. Guided tours are best for travelers without a car.
What You Need To Know Before Visiting Louisville
What food is Louisville best known for?
Louisville is best known for Beaten Biscuits, which are a staple at every Kentucky Derby. Soul food, Mint Juleps, and the Hot Brown are also staples of Louisville cuisine.
Is Louisville, Kentucky, worth visiting?
Yes, Louisville is worth visiting. Kentucky’s largest city has many wonderful attractions, from record-breaking sculptures to excellent museums.
Is Downtown Louisville walkable?
Yes, Downtown Louisville is easily walkable, and a proper neighborhood tour is a must for any first-timers in the city. The same goes for the Old Louisville neighborhood.
What is Louisville Best Known For?
Louisville is best known for baseball, bourbon, and horse racing. The city is also famous for being the birthplace of Muhammad Ali.
Where To Stay In Louisville
It’s best to stay in Downtown Louisville for easy walking access to the city’s best landmarks and tourist spots. Old Louisville is also a good neighborhood, especially if you want to experience the vibe of the city’s oldest hotels and inns. Here are some of the best hotels in Louisville for all budgets:
- Econo Lodge Downtown is an affordable hotel in Downtown Louisville, within walking distance of the city’s best attractions.
- Louisville Bourbon Inn is a bed and breakfast in old Louisville, perfect for travelers who want to stay in a historic building.
- The Brown Hotel is a 5-star hotel in Louisville’s Theater District. The historic hotel is from the 16th century and features spacious rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace.
Tips And Information for Visiting Louisville, Kentucky
Best Time To Visit
The peak season for tourists in Louisville is June to August. Everyone wants to be in Kentucky in the summer, and that’s when the city streets are most crowded—except for the Kentucky Derby, which is the most popular event in the city.
The Kentucky Derby takes place every first Saturday of May. It’s a good time to be in the city to experience it at its best, but a time you might want to avoid if you want to skip the crowds in Louisville. Visit in late spring or early Autumn for a more relaxed vibe, but in the summer for a buzzing city center.
Getting There
The Louisville International Airport is very close to downtown Louisville. It’s only a 10-minute drive from the central part of the city to the airport, so a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or even car rental is the best option for quick transport.
Bus transfers are available, but the bus takes more than half an hour to travel to the city center. Also, the buses depart once an hour, and depending on when you arrive, you might have to waste a lot of time waiting.
Getting Around
Rent a car if you want to get around Louisville easily and at your own pace. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are all available in the city but are quite expensive, especially when you have to use them several times a day.
While Louisville’s central neighborhoods are walkable, having a car will give you enough flexibility to go on day trips and explore outside of the city center. You’ll be able to go on road trips to other towns, visit state parks and national forests, and visit notable landmarks that aren’t easy to access by public transport.
Buses are available in Louisville and can help you get around the city more easily. I recommend the buses for quick transfers between different Louisville neighborhoods, but a personal vehicle for exploration outside of the city boundaries.
How Much Time Do You Need
You need at least 2-3 days to properly tour Louisville. If you have a car, you can tour most of the city’s attractions in a day and a half, and then use the rest of your time for a quick day trip to one of the nearby cities or nature parks.
It helps that most of Louisville’s attractions are concentrated in two neighborhoods, and only a few noteworthy places are outside the city center. You can also stay in the city longer if you want and do multiple excursions.
Museum Row on Main Tickets
Louisville’s Museum Row is a downtown street where many of the city’s most popular attractions are. This combo ticket allows you to enter all of the attractions with a significant discount, and it’s a good deal if you want to tour everything 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 worth buying if you want to visit all the attractions. Just keep in mind that it often includes the cheapest experience at an attraction, so you might have to pay extra for additional experiences. But those would cost extra with a regular ticket anyway. If you only want to visit a few attractions on Musem Row, skip the combo ticket.
All photos courtesy of Louisville Tourism unless otherwise stated. Visit Louisville.com for more information on visiting Louisville.
So, there you have some ideas for the best things to do in Louisville, Kentucky. Have you been? What is your favorite? Leave some ideas in the comments below.
