Budget-Friendly Fun: 5 Days in Lexington!
Exploring history and culture without breaking the bank in Lexington-Fayette, USA.
21 June 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Lexington-Fayette is a charming city in Kentucky, famous for its horse racing and bourbon production. For budget travelers, it offers many free attractions such as the Kentucky Horse Park, the Arboretum, and the Mary Todd Lincoln House. Inexpensive dining options include local BBQ joints, food trucks, and farmers markets.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check-in at the budget-friendly Red Roof Inn Lexington
- Take a stroll through Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
- Visit West Sixth Brewing for delicious local beer and food
- Enjoy a show at the historic Kentucky Theatre
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Crank & Boom Ice Cream Lounge
- Head to the Kentucky Horse Park to meet equine stars and learn about horse culture
- Take a tour of the Mary Todd Lincoln House and learn about Abe Lincoln's crazy wife
- Sample local spirits at Town Branch Distillery
- Dine at the charming Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
- Go see live music at The Burl
- Hike the trails and enjoy the scenic views at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
- Visit the stunning collection of art at the University of Kentucky Art Museum
- Grab lunch at the bohemian Good Foods Co-op
- Take a tour and taste brews at Country Boy Brewing
- Dine at the eclectic and delicious Middle Fork Kitchen Bar
- Wander around the bustling downtown area and check out the unique shops
- Browse the exhibits at the Lexington History Museum
- Have lunch at the hip HopCat for craft beer and tasty bites
- Visit the eclectic Lexington Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisanal foods
- Dine at the trendy and organic The Sage Rabbit
- Spend the morning kayaking or fishing at Jacobson Park
- Check out the latest blockbuster at the Fayette Mall Cinemark theater
- Have lunch at the cozy and comforting Ramsey's Diner
- Visit the awe-inspiring Arboretum for nature's beauty
- Dine at the farm-to-table and scrumptious Dudley's on Short.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Lexington-Fayette by plane is to fly into Blue Grass Airport, which is located about 10 miles from downtown. Several major airlines, including American, Delta, and United, offer daily flights to this airport from cities throughout the country.
Car
Driving is a popular way to get to Lexington-Fayette. Major highways that run through the area include I-75 and I-64, which connect the city to nearby cities such as Louisville, Cincinnati, and Knoxville. If you are coming from farther away, you can take the interstate to Lexington-Fayette and then drive the remaining distance.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no train station in Lexington-Fayette or the surrounding area, so train travel is not an option for getting there.
Boat
Unfortunately, there are no major rivers or bodies of water near Lexington-Fayette, so getting there by boat is not possible.
Bus
Greyhound is the primary bus line that serves Lexington-Fayette. The Greyhound Station is located in downtown Lexington, and offers daily routes from nearby cities such as Louisville, Cincinnati, and Nashville.