Lexington, KY

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Jeff Rogers /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Gene Burch /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau/Gene Burch
Photo provided by Lee P. Thomas /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau

Lose yourself exploring the “Horse Capital of the World,” with its historic houses, breweries, wilderness parks and horse farms.

Located in the heart of Kentucky’s fertile bluegrass region, Lexington is a big city with a strong rural identity. Nicknamed the “Horse Capital of the World,” the city edge is surrounded by horse farms. Take the time to discover its historical houses, sample fresh brewed beer and see the majestic American Saddlebred, the region’s native horse.

Downtown is a mix of modern glass structures and old brick buildings. Start the day with a coffee from one of the many cafés. Pick up local produce from the Bluegrass Farmers Market on Richmond Road. Get around downtown by bus or on foot.

Head to ArtsPlace for a cultural experience in the city center. In this impressive beaux-arts style building you’ll find a number of art exhibitions and workshops. Children can get hands on with science at the children’s museum, Explorium of Lexington. See real planes and try flight simulators at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky just outside the city center.

Lexington is famous for its locally brewed beer. Sample some of the region’s finest beer and spirits at the Barrel House Distillery or Kentucky Ale. Take a guided tour, browse gift shops and try fresh brews in the tasting rooms.

Rent a car to leave town and breathe in the fresh air of the city’s rural outskirts, characterized by gentle rolling plateaus and fertile soil. The biggest city in Kentucky is Louisville, 78 miles (125 kilometers) west of Lexington.

Take a tour of one of the many horse farms to see champion steeds. Watch the speed of these majestic animals at the historic Keeneland Race Course. The American Saddlebred Museum showcases artifacts and displays about this local breed of horse.

Take in the scenic beauty of the region on a hike through the nearby Boone Creek Outdoors wilderness park. Challenge yourself with a zip line canopy tour to see the Boone Creek Gorge from above. Guided tours, fly-fishing trips and more can be booked at the information center at the entrance to the park.

After a busy day, treat the family to local cuisine such as a farmer’s steak and Kentucky chocolates from restaurants in downtown.

Where to stay in Lexington

Lexington showing tranquil scenes and farmland

Downtown Lexington

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

While visiting Downtown Lexington, you might make a stop by sights like Lexington Opera House and Rupp Arena.

Downtown Lexington
Awesome place and the staff are so welcoming! A must see landmark!

Liberty Area

4/5(418 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Liberty Area, Hamburg Place and Hamburg Pavilon are top sights worth seeing.

Liberty Area
Lexington showing tranquil scenes and farmland

Northside District

4.5/5(81 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Northside District, Lexington Opera House and Bluegrass Distillers Downtown Lexington are top sights worth seeing.

Northside District
The first United Methodist church downtown Lexington.

Historic South Hill

4/5(1 area review)

While Historic South Hill might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lexington Memorial Coliseum and Rupp Arena.

Historic South Hill
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Georgetown

3/5(10 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Georgetown and surrounding area, you can visit Mary Todd Lincoln House and Rupp Arena.

Georgetown
Beaumont Center trail. A lovely trail behind the Beaumont farm apartments. Lovely day for a walk down the trail.

Beaumont Residential

4.5/5(77 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Beaumont Residential and surrounding area, you can visit Kentucky Aviation Museum and Keeneland Racing Course.

Beaumont Residential
Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg
Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg
2.5 out of 5
2381 Buena Vista Rd, Lexington, KY
$67 nightly
The price is $78 total per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
$78 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (54 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg
Hilton Lexington/Downtown
Hilton Lexington/Downtown
3.5 out of 5
369 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY
$154 nightly
The price is $179 total per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
$179 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Lexington. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Properrty is downtown. After sunset it us not a great neighborhood."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Hilton Lexington/Downtown
Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park
Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park
2.5 out of 5
1938 Stanton Way, Bldg A, Lexington, KY
$71 nightly
The price is $83 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$83 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,636 reviews)
"Muy estratégico de varios lugares. Las almohadas no me gustaron deberían mejorarlas . Son incómodas y mala calidad"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
This house is a 2 bedroom(s), 1 bathrooms, located in Frankfort, KY.
This house is a 2 bedroom(s), 1 bathrooms, located in Frankfort, KY.
Frankfort
Stay at this vacation home in Frankfort. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Buffalo Trace Distillery and Old Governor’s Mansion ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (29 reviews)
Bourbon trail excursion
"Enjoyed staying here"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

This house is a 2 bedroom(s), 1 bathrooms, located in Frankfort, KY.
Charming Cottage Home On A Farm In The Kentucky Horse Country!  Relax!
Charming Cottage Home On A Farm In The Kentucky Horse Country! Relax!
Lexington
Book a stay at this golf cottage in Lexington. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland Racing Course ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (267 reviews)
Charming setting
"This charming cottage sits on beautiful property with a lovely scenic setting. The cottage, itself, is absolutely adorable inside. We loved everything about it. We were only there one night but wish we could have stayed longer. The beds were also incredibly comfortable with super soft sheets and ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Charming Cottage Home On A Farm In The Kentucky Horse Country! Relax!
This house is a 4 bedroom(s), 3 bathrooms, located in Lexington, KY.
This house is a 4 bedroom(s), 3 bathrooms, located in Lexington, KY.
Lexington
Stay at this vacation home in Lexington. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Rupp Arena and The Red Mile Racetrack are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (72 reviews)
Annual get away with friends
"Thanks for letting us stay in your lovely home. All was as advertised and very comfortable. Your neighbor even brought us fresh raspberries from their garden."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

This house is a 4 bedroom(s), 3 bathrooms, located in Lexington, KY.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Lexington

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
973
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
982
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
238
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
18
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
11
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Even though all the issues with the COVID-19 are around.and the protests going on Lexington handled it very WELL!!!!! 

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

If you’re in the horse business, it’s the place to be.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Really nice and everything is great.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love it here I even plan on relocating here

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Lexington is a great city where my son and daughter-in-law live and we come to visit fairly often.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Just stopped there to stay the night so not sure much about Lexinton

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