10 Sights to See in Historic Louisville

If you're looking for a fun-filled city with a little more sophistication, you can't do better than Louisville, Kentucky. This picturesque and exciting metropolis blends the old and the new, creating a city that is in touch with its past, yet feels vibrant and young. Find all of the beautiful places here to learn something new, taste something delicious, and even drink a toast to the future.

Louisville Attractions

Louisville boasts an array of restaurants, nightclubs, and historical sites, and is surrounded by gorgeous parks, green spaces, and trails. Many of the attractions here focus on the town's storied past, its people, and its manufactured products.

Churchill Downs

As the site of the Kentucky Derby, you've no doubt seen the iconic track and grounds of Churchill Downs on television and in magazines. Now, visit for yourself and experience the excitement of horse racing on the famous one-mile, oval track.

Downtown Louisville

Unlike many other cities, the downtown area of Louisville is as lively as ever. Be sure and check out these great downtown attractions.

Fourth Street Live

Fourth Street Live is an eclectic entertainment district located in the heart of downtown, just blocks from the riverfront. Here you'll find shops, restaurants, and bars where the party goes on into the wee hours. Special concerts and events, plus nearby sites of historic interest, make this a perfect hub for all of your downtown adventuring.

The Brown Hotel

One of the South's most famous hotels and a true Louisville landmark, the Brown Hotel offers the finest in upscale dining and accommodations. Be sure to stop in for a mint julep in the lobby bar or go upstairs to the spectacular rooftop garden terrace for some of the finest views of Louisville you'll find anywhere.

Galt House Hotel

Occupying a sprawling spot on the flank of The Ohio River you'll find the historic Galt House Hotel. Besides exceptional guest rooms and suites, the hotel is host to spectacular river views and no less than three of Louisville's best bourbon bars -- Down One, Jockey Silks, and Al J’s.

Louisville Museums

Louisville is proud of its past and traditions and offers a wide variety of museums. Here you'll find more than pretty pictures, including collections dedicated to exceptional Louisville natives and the city’s manufacturing history.

Louisville Slugger Museum

No visit to Louisville is complete without a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum, located just blocks from the Fourth Street Live thoroughfare. Be sure and take a photo with the world's largest bat -- a 120-foot tall steel monolith. Inside the museum you'll find a factory tour as well as a collection of Louisville Sluggers belonging to All-Stars like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Hammerin’ Hank Aaron.

Kentucky Derby Museum

At Churchill Downs, you'll find the Kentucky Derby Museum offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about the famous racetrack and the thoroughbreds who run there. Plan ahead and schedule a tour or experience one of the Museum's special events like the Fire and Bourbon Dinner.

Muhammad Ali Center

Not just a museum devoted to the career of perhaps the greatest boxer of all time, the Muhammad Ali Center is also a multicultural center developing ongoing programs aligned with its mission “to promote respect, hope, and understanding, and to inspire adults and children everywhere to be as great as they can be.”

Louisville Bourbon

No tour of Louisville is complete without a visit to one of the extraordinary distilleries devoted to the manufacture of Louisville's most famous export, Kentucky bourbon.

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience starts with an hour-long tour of the artisanal distillery, followed by a guided tasting for visitors 21 and over. It's a great way to learn about the history and manufacturing story of this iconic American brand.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company

For a truly comprehensive understanding of Kentucky bourbon, visit the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company for a grain to bottle tour. This behind-the-scenes look at the entire production process will offer you new insights into the complexity and artistry that goes into bottling Kentucky bourbon.

Old Forester Distilling Company

Old Forester calls itself the first bourbon bottler in the country, and their Whiskey Row Distillery offers a variety of tour options dedicated to the history of their product. Be sure to check out the VIP tour for a truly one-of-a-kind, custom experience.

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Contributed to Your Home blog by Christy Murdock Edgar

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Published 11.27.19