Things to do in Louisville KY

Deemed as a top-class city in Kentucky, Louisville takes its name from King Louis XVI of France.

Louisville is home to some of the most exciting events and things to do such as the world-renowned Kentucky Derby Festival which features parades, races, and marathons for an entire 2 weeks.

Culture and history buffs will also fall in love with Louisville! It has many things to do and places to visit such as museums, various impressive historical buildings that boast of Victorian architecture, and a thriving art and music scene!

Here are some fun things you can do if you’re visiting or living in Louisville, KY. Be open to trying a couple of these things to get a taste of the true spirit of the city of Louisville, KY.

1. Be a spectator at the Kentucky Derby in Churchill Downs.

Established in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has become an iconic event and one of the main things to do in Louisville. You won’t want to miss it if you’re in Louisville, KY. It’s one of the best events to take place in the city and is world-renowned.

It’s made up of a 7-race course where thoroughbreds outrace each other out in the open. The Kentucky Derby is world-famous and can gather a crowd of over 165,000 from all over the world to watch the exciting race.

It’s also known as the “Run for the Roses.” This is because the winner is adorned with 554 roses annually. The Kentucky Derby is the finale of the Kentucky Derby Festival.

You can also follow up with a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum to enrich your experience and take a break from the outdoor sun. Learn information about the life stage of the thoroughbred horse, the history of the Kentucky Derby, and its traditions. You can also see the wonderful art and memorabilia on open display.

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2. Stroll along the Big Four Bridge.

Completed in 1895, this bridge is called “Big Four” in recognition of the Big Four Railroad. These were Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis Railway back in the day. It stopped operating as a railway in 1968 and was then converted into a walking and bicycling bridge.

Take some time to walk through this local historical site and catch the enthralling views. It’s one of the best ways to spend a laidback afternoon in Kentucky and see all that the waterfront park has to offer.

3. Find time to explore Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.

Are you a baseball fan? If yes, then drop by Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory along the “Museum Row,” which features a number of great museums for you to enjoy.

At the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factor in particular, you can see the bats of baseball legends like Babe Ruth. With a huge exhibition space, you’ll have fun with the hands-on interactive displays and guided tours. You’ll also get to learn information on how baseball bats are produced!

4. Go on one of the downtown brewery/distillery tours.

Do you want to experience the brewery scene in downtown Louisville? If yes, sample the finely crafted craft brews of downtown Louisville. These include Goodwood Brewing, Apocalypse Brew Works, Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse, Falls City Brewing Co., Mile Wide beer Co., Gravely Brewing Co., and Akasha Brewing Co.

If you like bourbon, Louisville won’t disappoint. With its distilling heritage, you have a wide array to choose from. Among them are some of the best:

Angel’s Envy
Rabbit Hole Distilling
Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Peerless Distilling

Other famous bars in the city are Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar, Down One Bourbon Bar, and Sidebar at Whiskey Row. Enjoy visiting one or more and drink craft brews off their menu in moderation.

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5. Ride a cruise passing through the Ohio River.

Ride a steamboat across the Ohio River. Constructed in 1914, the Belle of Louisville is still continually providing a vintage style of transportation for those who like that the best.

Enjoy the charming iconic ride as you learn more about the past while sightseeing historical landmarks. Choose the type of tours you prefer and indulge in a 4-course dinner with enchanting live music.

6. Catch a live performance at The KFC Yum! Center.

The KFC Yum! Center is one of the main sports and concert venues in Louisville with an impressive lineup of some of the best performers. Enjoy its events and make your stay in Louisville, Kentucky even more memorable by catching a live act.

This sports performance arena is complete with food and drinks refreshment choices from different restaurants and popular fast food brands.

7. Wander around the historic homes of Old Louisville.

If you appreciate architectural heritage then you’ll enjoy a fun tour around the Old Louisville, Kentucky area. Go to the Old Louisville Center to acquire instructions for a guided tour on foot.

If you don’t want to go on one of the tours, you can also choose to wander around in the open on your own and be mesmerized by the late 1800’s Victorian-style buildings and everything else Old Louisville has to offer.

8. Bring your kids to the Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay.

This is an amusement park that also includes a water park! Your kids will love this, and it’s the perfect way to bond as a family! The amusement park rides will set your pulses racing and the water park is full of thrilling rides as well.

Also, dining options are plentiful, so rest assured you’ll have fuel to last you throughout the day. Your kids will have the best time here and it may be their favorite part of the city.

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9. Watch a performance at Louisville Palace.

If you’re into the fine arts, the Louisville Palace is for you. This elegant Kentucky music venue seats approximately 2,700 people and is best known for hosting many great musicians.

It opened its doors to the public back in 1928 and has since welcomed a variety of live musical performances. The Louisville Palace features intricate art, a vaulted ceiling, and ornate architecture with its top balconies.

Some of the best-talented musicians have graced this theater, including:

Backstreet Boys
Kings of Leon
Paramore
Dave Matthews
Alison Krauss

Take a look at its calendar in advance to score a spectacular show.

10. Book a night at the historic Brown Hotel.

With almost a century of history, Brown Hotel is one of those hotels that has to be experienced first-hand in its glory. Spend a night at this iconic landmark, which is one of the top hotels in the area.

Feel the thrill of knowing that famous people had once graced the grand hotel with their charismatic presence. The amenities in the Brown Hotel are topnotch and luxurious, and the service is the best. It will feel like living in the privacy and luxury of your own home.

Conclusion: Great Things to do in Louisville, KY

If you’re considering a move to Louisville, make sure to also check out this list of the pros and cons of living in the city.

For tourists, there are many great places to visit including the 10 listed in this article. For further things to enjoy on your trip, visit some of the other top attractions like the Cave Hill Cemetery (which you can visit for free), Waterfront Park, Fourth Street Live!, and the Louisville Zoo. The zoo is an especially good choice is you have young children, who it’s sure to be popular amongst.

If you want to live about historical figures such as Muhammad Ali, visit the Muhammad Ali Center. You’re sure to find something that interests you when you travel to Louisville, whether you’re into art, sports, breweries, or something else.

To learn more about Louisville, KY and the services we offer there, contact Alltrade Property Management.

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