12 Best Things to do in Louisville, Kentucky

Tim and I have visited Louisville twice, discovering the best spots to visit. We also made it our home base for touring all eighteen distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (read about that here!).

Louisville may seem like a small town but there is a lot to see and do here. In this post, we cover 12 great things to do in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Best Things to do in Louisville

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#1 Churchill Downs

For the most exciting way to spend an afternoon in Louisville, go to Churchill Downs. Watch the races, drink mint juleps, and place your bets. Even if you lose it’s tons of fun.

Churchill Downs is the home of the Kentucky Derby. The race is held every year on the first Saturday in May and it is the longest continually running sporting event in US history (the first race took place in 1875). The horses run just 1.25 miles. It’s a short, fast race that has earned it the nickname “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”

This is our favorite spot in Louisville. I grew up going to the races at Pimlico in Baltimore, Maryland, so to be able to watch the races here at Churchill Downs was something special.

Races are held mainly during the spring and fall months. It is best to check the Churchill Downs website before planning your visit.

Want to learn more about the history of the Kentucky Derby? Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, located at Churchill Downs.

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#2 Enjoy some of Louisville’s Best Eats

It’s no secret that when we travel, we love to eat. Louisville has some great spots to try and during our two visits to the city, we sampled as many as possible. A few of our favorites were Jack Fry’s, Mayan Cafe, El Taco Luchador, and the Mussel & Burger Bar.

Read more about the best eats in town here.

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#3 Get a Taste of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

You’re in bourbon country, y’all!! While you are in Louisville, consider sampling some of Kentucky’s best bourbon.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a collection of bourbon whiskey distilleries. Most of the distilleries are located outside of Louisville, near Lexington and Bardstown. To get to these, you will either need to rent a car or take a tour.

However, you can visit seven of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail labels right in Louisville: Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Rabbit Hole, Angel’s Envy, Michter’s, Old Forester, and the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse. If you do not have the time to venture out into bourbon country, these spots offer tastings and tours, giving you the chance to get a taste of the Bourbon Trail.

Want to learn more about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? Check these out:

Kentucky Bourbon Trail: The Ultimate Guide

The Best Distilleries to Visit on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

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#4 Muhammad Ali Center

Want to be inspired? The Muhammad Ali Center is a state of the art museum that tells the story of Muhammad Ali’s life. During your visit, watch a powerful movie about Ali’s life and take part in interactive exhibits. Trust me, it’s not another boring museum.

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#5 Louisville Mega Cavern

Do you want to zip line at the world’s only fully underground course? If not, you can skip zip lining and tour 17 miles of man-made passages on their Mega Tram. This is a destination that is exciting for the entire family.

For more information, including operating times and ticket prices, visit the Mega Cavern website.

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#6 Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.

Yes, Louisville is the place to visit for bourbon, but at Kentucky Peerless Distilling you can sample some moonshine. This is a relatively new spot in Louisville, although the Kentucky Peerless name goes way back to the 1800’s. Bourbon production just started again, and their first bourbon release is in 2019.

In the meantime, come here and sample some delicious moonshine. Our favorites were the cinnamon fire, chocolate pie, and green apple pie.

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#7 Louisville Slugger Field

Baseball fans may want to watch a game here during baseball season. This is the home of the Louisville Bats, a minor league baseball team.

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#8 Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Here’s another stop for baseball fans. Louisville Slugger has been making bats since 1884. While you are here, you have the option of taking a factory tour, exploring the museum, or visiting the gift shop. We loved seeing the Bat Vault, where a copy of almost every different bat the factory has made is on display. For kids, there are batting cages and a very small Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum.

The perfect souvenir for baseball fans: While you are here, design your own personalized bat. It makes a great souvenir or gift for friends and family.

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#9 Cave Hill Cemetery

Cave Hill Cemetery is a gorgeous spot in downtown Louisville. It is also the final resting place for Muhammad Ali and Colonel Sanders. Come pay your respects and enjoy the scenic drive through this oasis in urban Louisville.

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#10 Have a Drink at the Brown Hotel Lobby Bar

This is a historic spot in downtown Louisville. In fact, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Have you ever heard of a “hot brown sandwich?” Well, that has its origins here.

The Brown Hotel was recently renovated, making it a top spot to stay while in Louisville. Or, just sip on bourbon or order dinner at the Lobby Bar. It’s worth at least a peek inside!

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#11 Conrad-Caldwell House Museum

Located in historic Old Louisville, this house is one of the best examples of Richardsonian Romanesque Architecture. The house was built in 1893 and has been home to two Louisville families. It’s a beautiful spot to visit, especially for those with an interest in history or architecture.

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#12 Enjoy the View from a Rooftop Bar

There are a few rooftop bars in Louisville. We visited the 8UP Elevated Drinkery and Kitchen, which actually sits right on top of the Hilton Garden Inn. This is a nice spot to try. The views over Louisville are decent and the drinks were good.

Alex&nder is a rooftop bar that is located at the Copper and Kings brandy distillery. Enjoy craft cocktails and views of the city from the bar. 

With More Time in Louisville

With more time, there are a few more things to see and do.

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The Big Four Bridge

This pedestrian bridge is awash in a rainbow of colors at night. From here, you get an interesting perspective of the Louisville skyline. This bridge connects Kentucky with Indiana so you can walk from one state to the other.

Fourth Street Live

Looking for Hard Rock Cafe, TGI Fridays, or the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse? They can all be found here, along with many more restaurants, bars, and activities for the entire family. Fourth Street Live also hosts concerts and events. For the full schedule, visit their website.

If you have any questions about the best things to do in Louisville, let us know in the comment section below.

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