I mean seriously, y’all, Louisville’s downtown area is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen! Now, that I have the floor as a true and born Kentuckian, let me show you the heart of this state. Whether it’s the bourbon trail, the restaurant scene, or any other attraction, there are endless fun experiences waiting for you in downtown Louisville. 🤩
Pack up your camera and your comfortable pair of shoes, friends. That has a great deal in store for us indeed!
1. Walking Through Whiskey Row
Whiskey Row is another attraction that people simply have to try in Louisville! This part of the city has some of the most magnificent refurbished buildings that relate the history of our thriving bourbon business. Drop by other establishments such as Old Forester or Angel’s Envy for a guided distillery tour and delicious whiskey. 🥃
Pro Traveler Tip: Do not forget to pick up a Louisville Bourbon Trail brochure. It will take you to the best distilleries!
2. Check out colorfully painted walls
Louisville really likes a good mural and Downtown has the best photo spots at every turn! NuLu is well reputed for fashion stores and colorful graffiti and SoFo or South 4th Street is near night clubs and dining places. 🎨
Wanna take that perfect picture for your Instagram account? Hey dudes, use my mural guide to find locations!
3. Savor Tasty Downtown Foods
With the mouthwatering, traditional Southern dishes to exotic Afghani food, Downtown Louisville restaurants have it all. For homestyle comfort food, head over to Jack Fry’s in a large dining area that dates back to 1800s. But if you prefer something like tangy barbecue with bourbon cocktails, then Doc Crow’s is for you! Proof on Main at 21c Museum Hotel combines creative plates with modern artwork. 🍛🥗🥂 What a divine dilemma to have! Check out my Louisville restaurant guide for all the details.
4. Experience the Nightlife Scene
As the sun sets at the Ohio River, Louisville seems to turn into the nightlife entertainment hub for clubs, bars and music lovers. If you are in the mood to party the night away, head to the 4th Street Live area with an assortment of bars and concert venues best enjoyed under shimmering urban lights. If you are in the mood for some serious and creative mixology, then? Meta offers top-notch drinks in an elegant cocktail bar with a contemporary design. And Zanzabar combines many people’s favorite dive bar aesthetics with the classics, you guessed it, Arcade Games! 🌃
Regardless of where you go, drinking and dining in downtown Louisville is sure to be fabulous!
5. Accommodation to Other Attractions in Downtown
If you will be taking an overnight trip to Louisville, it will be wise to get a room in one of our great downtown hotels! If you are looking for a place with historic appeal and a touch of glamour, then consider staying at The Brown Hotel which has been home to some of Hollywood’s most famous stars. If you fancy your accommodation with contemporary artworks, 21c Museum Hotel combines bohemian setting with art. However, when it comes to the best panoramic view of Ohio Rivers, Galt House Hotel is the best! 🏨
Use my hotel finder and find the ideal spot for you in downtown!
6. Enjoy Family-Friendly Attractions
However, as much as there is so much to do for the adults in downtown Louisville, there is even more for the whole family. It is time to give the kids the reigns at Louisville Zoo where more than 1300 animals have it made in the shade. The Kentucky Science Center also gains tremendous points for space activities that include the feel of the real thing, digging for dino fossils, and more zones of activities for the explorer. While Waterfront Park has playgrounds and open space for children ideal for picnicking and letting off steam. 👪
For the full list of fun activities that children love, please click here.
7. Catch Frees
Do you wanna know a local secret? There are a plethora of free things to do in your downtown! Walk across the pedestrian Big Four Bridge to enjoy beautiful city views for free. Speed Art Museum also has free Sunday admissions for galleries filled with ancient artefacts to modern paintings. But Waterfront Park simply has vast open green space and sweeping vistas of the river that is all free. 💰
Remember to bookmark this list of the top free attractions for future reference! 8. Journey Down the Legendary Bourbon Trail
8. Journey Down the Legendary Bourbon Trail
Oh no, what would a Louisville city tour be without our famous Bourbon Trail? From historical distillery visits to pleasant whiskey samplings, it is a complete trip for any spirit enthusiast. These are Old Forester, Angel’s Envy, Michter’s Fort Nelson, and the Evan Williams Experience. 🥃
Specifically, let me, your bourbon trail guide, take you on an exhilarating and palate-pleasing journey through the Bluegrass State!
9. In this guide, I am going to use My Downtown Louisville map.
Now that I have a map that I created myself, getting around downtown is a piece of cake! It will guide you right to all theusual tourist traps. Some of the areas to visit include Whiskey Row, which is a bourbon distillery, NuLu, which is a shopping area with trendy shops and eateries and the Museum row in Main Street.
To make my map easily accessible for future use, I will save it now.
And that concludes my guide restricted to locally-based entertainment and enjoyment in downtown Louisville, Kentucky! In terms of history, architecture and the modern lifestyle, this is one of the most exciting districts to explore. I wish this would help you to plan a visit to my beloved home town.
Y’all come back now, ya hear? 🤠
