Louisville trips and vacations

Downtown is the best neighborhood to stay in Louisville to be at the heart of the action. You’ll be close to many cultural attractions, including the Muhammad Ali Center and Waterfront Park. The majority of hotels here are around Museum Row and Whiskey Row. Eat, shop and drink your way through South Fourth Street, a one-stop destination for dining and entertainment.

Good for: Entertainment, whiskey, restaurants

New Louisville (NuLu for short) is the trendiest neighborhood in the city. Old warehouses and brick buildings have been transformed into colorful art galleries, antique shops, bars and restaurants. Spend some time checking out the murals along Main Street and Market Street. For a quick but tasty bite, NuLu Marketplace offers food and drink options galore. Don’t miss Kentucky classics like bourbon balls and fried chicken.

Good for: Art galleries, bars, restaurants

This leafy neighborhood dates back to the late 1800s and is the best area to stay in Louisville for a glimpse into the area’s history. You’ll find some of the oldest and most beautifully preserved Victorian homes here. Take a guided tour to see the best. Feeling adventurous? Book a ghost tour and hear stories about the city’s long-departed residents.

Good for: History, architecture, ghost tours

The museums in Louisville are as diverse as the city itself. Learn about the life and legacy of a local boxing hero at the Muhammad Ali Center. At Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, baseball enthusiasts can see original bats that belonged to some of the game’s greatest players. Embark on a bourbon history adventure at the Frazier History Museum, which is also the starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Shoppers will find lots to pick from here, from mom-and-pop boutiques and historic marketplaces to bottle shops stocked to the ceiling with rare whiskey. Louisville is also known for its great antique shopping. Buy one-of-a-kind gifts and handcrafted art in shops in NuLu, or find vintage treasures in stores along Bardstown Road. Hoping to track down your favorite brands? Check out Oxmoor Center and Mall St. Matthews.

Foodies will find a slice of heaven in Louisville’s restaurant scene. The city shows off a wide variety of global cuisine, from Korean barbeque joints to Mediterranean popups. There’s also a laundry list of critically acclaimed Southern food spots worth lining up for. For some must-try local treats, don’t miss ‘modjeska’ (marshmallow dipped in caramel), the ‘hot brown’ (an open-faced turkey sandwich) and ‘derby pie’ (chocolate and walnut custard pie).