Louisville
The historic city of Louisville is a definite stop to make on your US travel list. It is a hugely inviting and welcoming place with loads to see and do.
Louisville in a nutshell
Never heard of Louisville in Kentucky? Interestingly enough, this is the 16th largest city in the US and the largest in Kentucky, famous for Kentucky bourbon of course, but also for stunning dining opportunities, theatre performances and fascinating museums. Louisville is also a unique blend of both the South and the Midwest.
The city offers plenty of excitement and sightseeing options. In the Downtown (CBD) area you’ll find Louisville’s iconic Waterfront district as well as Museum Row, renowned for its excellent museums including the enthralling Muhammad Ali Center, most housed in fabulous historic buildings.
Old Louisville also boasts numerous historic buildings as well as numerous pedestrianised streets. Then, in complete contrast, there’s New Louisville, called NuLu for short, full of trendy bars, shops, eateries and breweries.
The city’s entertainment centre, The Highlands, is where you’ll find plenty of nightclubs, whiskey bars and eateries, many along Bardstown Road.
Did we mention that this city is where the iconic Kentucky Derby takes place every year in May? Or that this is where boxing icon Muhammad Ali was born? Louisville has plenty of friendly Southern charm, more leafy parks than you can visit on one vacation and lots to keep you entertained.
Best time to visit: It’s best to come in the early summer when it’s still cool, as it gets very hot. Spring and summer is the rainy season.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Old Louisville Filled with glorious Victorian buildings, this charming part of the city is a stunning place to explore.
Shopping in Louisville: NuLu is filled with fabulous shops, as is Clifton and the Highlands area. The Oxmoor Center is a popular mall to visit.
Food & Restaurants in Louisville: Enjoy fabulous barbecue meals in the city along with mint julep and bourbon, Louisville’s 2 favourite drinks. You’ll also find plenty of Southern comfort food and other global cuisines to enjoy.
Nightlife: You can enjoy a leisurely evening or party till dawn in various bars, live music venues and clubs.
Things to do:
- Explore the iconic Kentucky Derby Museum to learn all about the county’s horse racing history.
- Visit the Muhammad Ali Center to find out about the greatest boxer of all time.
- Find out all about baseball at the Louisville Slugger Museum.
- On Museum Row, see fine works of art at the KMAC (Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft) and the wacky 21C Museum, open 24/7 as well as other fabulous museums including the Frazier History Museum.
- Have fun at the Louisville Mega Cavern, an underground cave that has been converted into a fabulous adventure park.
Best way to get around: When you’re not exploring the Downtown area on foot, take a bus, taxi, or rent a car.