Louisville, KY

Travel Guide

Muhammad Ali Center featuring modern architecture and night scenes
Louisville which includes street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people
Louisville showing a park
Belle of Louisville which includes signage and a ferry as well as a small group of people
Louisville
Tour streets of Victorian houses, learn about one of the world's most famous horse races and head underground on a caving adventure in this fascinating Kentucky city.

Set along the muddy banks of the Ohio River is Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky and the seat of Jefferson County. Home of sporting legends, a sizeable Victorian neighborhood, an underground zip-line course and the Kentucky Derby, it is an endlessly fascinating place. Take it all in when you visit Louisville.

Founded in 1778 and named after King Louis XVI of France, the city is one of the oldest in the country. Step back into the past with a walking tour of Old Louisville and its more than 40 blocks of Victorian-era homes. Note the mix of architectural styles including neoclassical, Venetian gothic, Italianate and Tudor revival. Stay in the neighborhood to watch musical performances at Central Park's amphitheater.

If you're a sports fan, visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where you can make your own baseball bat.

At the Kentucky Derby Museum get some background on the annual race's history. The race is held in May at Churchill Downs, in Southern Louisville.

Discover what it takes to be a boxing legend at the Muhammad Ali Center. This cultural attraction is dedicated to the Louisville native's career and conflict resolution inspired by his values.

At Cave Hill Cemetery, a Victorian burial ground, find the final resting place of another son of the city, Colonel Sanders, the founder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken fast-food chain.

Those with an adventurous side should consider a zip-line tour of the caves and caverns of Louisville Mega Cavern. This network of manmade underground caverns was a limestone quarry for more than 40 years and is now a family-friendly attraction. Other activities include walking tours and an electric bike tour of the subterranean space.

Another option for a day out with the family is the Kentucky Kingdom amusement park which includes rides, slides and shows, and a waterpark called Hurricane Bay.

Reach Louisville by road, rail or by flying into Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport which is approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the downtown core. Stay for a vacation of historical treasures, geological wonders and thrilling sports.

Where to stay in Louisville

Louisville showing signage and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Downtown Louisville

4/5(1,812 area reviews)

Explore "Museum Row" in the West Main District, catch a game at Louisville Slugger Field, or stroll across the pedestrian-only Big Four Bridge. Enjoy diverse attractions, restaurants, and the Louie Link skywalk.

Downtown Louisville
Orange Freeze

Jeffersontown

Jeffersontown is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Jeffersontown Commons Shopping Center and Bluegrass Indoor Karting while you're in town.

Jeffersontown
Ky Derby festival balloon glow.

Fairgrounds

While visiting Fairgrounds, you might make a stop by sights like Freedom Hall and Kentucky Kingdom.

Fairgrounds
Best Mojitos in the city with real sugar cane. And sweet plantains with the meal to top it off!

St. Matthews

Major shopping destination with the fifth-largest mall in Kentucky, Mall St. Matthews, and smaller centers along Shelbyville Road. Don't miss the historic St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and Holy Trinity.

St. Matthews
Conrad Caldwell House showing heritage elements and signage

Old Louisville

3.5/5(352 area reviews)

Boasting Victorian architecture and the highest concentration of stained glass windows in residential homes, Old Louisville offers a walkable neighborhood with pedestrian-only streets, diverse dining options, and attractions like Central Park and the Conrad-Caldwell House.

Old Louisville
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Phoenix Hill

While Phoenix Hill isn't home to many top sights, Nulu Market Place and Thomas Edison House are some notable places to visit nearby.

Phoenix Hill
Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham

4 out of 5
140 North Fourth Street, Louisville, KY
$140 nightly
The price is $164 total per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
$164 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,441 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Great area"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG

Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG

3.5 out of 5
830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY
$94 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$111 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (670 reviews)
"I stayed for basketball tournament and"

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG
Omni Louisville Hotel

Omni Louisville Hotel

4 out of 5
400 S. 2nd Street, Louisville, KY
$159 nightly
The price is $187 total per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
$187 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Louisville. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,511 reviews)
"Best experience at Louisville"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Omni Louisville Hotel
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.
The Bellwether Hotel

The Bellwether Hotel

2 out of 5
1300 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY
Stay at this aparthotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, bathrobes, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Louisville Zoo and Fourth Street Live! are ...
7.8/10 Good! (15 reviews)
Very pleased!
"I took a solo trip for myself this past weekend & booked a room at the Bellwether. I’ll start off by saying I couldn’t have been more pleased with my stay. The hotel is beautiful! Clean lobby and clean & spacious room! The bed was firm but inviting. I slept like a baby. The only issue I had was finding ..."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

The Bellwether Hotel
Stellar Suites

Stellar Suites

4.5 out of 5
822 E Market St, Louisville, KY
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, free bicycles on site, and in-room massages. Popular attractions KFC Yum Center and Fourth ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (99 reviews)
"Great spot a must stay"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Stellar Suites
InTown Suites Extended Stay Louisville KY - Preston Hwy

InTown Suites Extended Stay Louisville KY - Preston Hwy

3 out of 5
7121 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Louisville. Enjoy laundry facilities, satellite TV channels, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Louisville Zoo and Kentucky ...
6.6/10 (11 reviews)
"Staff has been great"

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

InTown Suites Extended Stay Louisville KY - Preston Hwy
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 Louisville

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1599
5 - Excellent 39%
4 - Good
1891
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
523
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
70
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
29
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We would not mind coming back to visit Louisville it is a very nice city. Would love to be back when we have more time to look around

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

No

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go to Gralehaus/Holy Grale!

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

I’ll never go back.

5/5 - Excellent

MJ

I’ve always loved coming to this city. Lots to do!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The downtown environment has it's good points, but there's no denying the bad elements as well. You definitely should plan accordingly so you & your family or whomever you travel with stay safe while enjoying the sites.

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