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
Louisville Science Center featuring outdoor art

West Main Historic District

Boasting the largest collection of cast iron façades outside New York's SoHo district, this historic area features "Museum Row" with attractions like the Louisville Slugger Museum and Muhammad Ali Center.

West Main Historic District
Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham

4 out of 5
140 North Fourth Street, Louisville, KY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$130 nightly
The price is $153 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$153 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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
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 29 to Aug 30
$187 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
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! (1,528 reviews)
"Love the library."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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.
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 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (16 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
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 ...
6.8/10 (12 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.

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