Northern Kentucky, KY

Travel Guide

Belle of Louisville featuring a ferry, a river or creek and a sunset
Belle of Louisville showing a bridge, a ferry and a bay or harbor
Muhammad Ali Center featuring modern architecture and night scenes
Louisville which includes signage
Newport showing signage

Encounter Kentucky’s most famous cultural exports, from legendary horse racing to fiery liquor, in the fun-filled northern reaches of the state.

Northern Kentucky is synonymous with horse racing and bourbon, making it one of the most popular regions in the “Bluegrass State.” Join in the riotous festivities of the Kentucky Derby and tour numerous distilleries for a true Northern Kentucky experience. Beyond its celebrated attractions, the region also offers fascinating historical sites and lively arts venues.

Marvel at the mammoth fossils in Big Bone Lick State Historic Site for a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. Northern Kentucky also featured in America’s major wars. Tour Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park to learn about its role in the War of Independence. Follow the Lincoln Heritage Trail to learn about the great Civil War president. Augusta, on the Ohio border, features heritage sites related to African-American history and the Underground Railroad.

Lexington, styled as the “Horse Capital of the World,” is surrounded by fields where thoroughbreds live. Meet race-winning champions at the Kentucky Horse Park, which you can tour in a horse-drawn carriage.

For the ultimate equine experience, head to Churchill Downs in May for the Kentucky Derby. Enjoy a festival atmosphere that includes fireworks and balloon racing. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn more about this historic competition.

Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to visit the best distilleries in the state. Charming Bardstown is known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” and is also one of the most picturesque towns in the nation. Discover how the popular drink is made in the informative Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center.

Experience the arts and culture scene in Northern Kentucky. The Kentucky Artisan Center in creative Berea celebrates the work of local craftspeople, while Louisville’s Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts is a popular venue for ballet, opera and orchestral performances.

Louisville International Airport and Blue Grass Airport in Lexington both offer direct daily flights to other destinations around the U.S. Northern Kentucky’s museums and distilleries are open throughout the year. Come during the first weekend in May for Derby Day in Louisville.

Where to stay in Northern Kentucky

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
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
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
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

3.5 out of 5
668 W 5th St, Covington, KY
$115 nightly
The price is $129 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$129 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Covington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7/10 Good! (2,124 reviews)
"While the property is obviously dated, the hotel is suitable, rooms are good sized and the gym was well equipped. Every member of the front desk staff was professional and courteous. I will definitely keep this hotel in mind for my next visit."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham

4 out of 5
140 North Fourth Street, Louisville, KY
$130 nightly
The price is $153 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$153 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (3,499 reviews)
"Comfy bed and great view of corner room. Many places to eat nearby. All good."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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
$111 nightly
The price is $131 total per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
$131 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
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! (709 reviews)
"Check on and out was easy. They accommodated my family's small requests without issue. I left some shoes behind, and they easily helped me to gwt them returned. The staff handled everything with ease and professionalism. Our rooms were clean, and we felt safe and comfortable."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG
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.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

3.5 out of 5
2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Slade. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,644 reviews)
"We were so impressed with the whole experience"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Natural Bridge State Resort Park
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! (100 reviews)
Our sons 21st birthday getaway
"Overall was a great trip. Downfalls we experienced our room smelled like plant food but was clean. A little room air freshener then it was good. The plants made it feel homie. We had to pay for parking due to event we were unaware of prior to arriving. Loved the little kitchen it had in the room, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Stellar Suites
The Lodges at Eden Reserve

The Lodges at Eden Reserve

3 out of 5
500 Mercedes Dr, Williamstown, KY
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Williamstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Ark Encounter and William Arnold Log House are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Quiet location near the ark . The cabin looked new and was very clean"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

The Lodges at Eden Reserve
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.

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