Weekend in Louisville: Exploring Culture & Nature
Discover the charm and hospitality of Louisville.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Louisville, located in the state of Kentucky, is a city famous for its vibrant spirit, bourbon distilleries and horse racing culture. As a tourist, you can explore the Kentucky Derby Museum, visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory to witness the making of baseball bats or stroll through the picturesque waterfalls and gardens of the Louisville Waterfront Park. With plenty of restaurants and bars to experience, a trip to Louisville will be a journey of rich culture, history and amazing adventure.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check-in at The Brown Hotel, a historic and luxurious hotel in the heart of downtown Louisville
- Start the morning with a coffee and pastry at Please & Thank You, a hip coffeehouse with vintage vibes
- Visit the Muhammad Ali Center, an interactive museum honoring the legendary boxer and humanitarian
- Stroll through Fourth Street Live, a lively pedestrian thoroughfare with shops, restaurants, and bars
- Have dinner at Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar, specializing in mouth-watering barbecue and fresh seafood
- Catch a show at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, showcasing great music, theater, and dance performances
- Enjoy a delicious brunch at Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse, pairing their craft beers with hearty breakfast dishes
- Head to the Louisville Waterfront Park, a scenic park with stunning views of the Ohio River
- Take a walk or bike ride on the Louisville Loop, a 100-mile trail system connecting parks, neighborhoods, and attractions
- Tour the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where you can see how the iconic baseball bats are made and even hold one of Babe Ruth's bats
- Have dinner and drinks at Garage Bar, a cool bar and restaurant housed in a former auto garage with an outdoor courtyard and fire pits
- End the day on a high note with a visit to The Highlands, a lively neighborhood with eclectic shops, bars, and restaurants. Try the cocktails at The Silver Dollar or the desserts at Sweet Surrender!
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Louisville by plane is to fly into Louisville International Airport, which is served by numerous airlines including Delta, American, and Southwest.
Car
Driving to Louisville is an easy option, as the city is conveniently located at the intersection of several major highways including I-65, I-71, and I-64.
Train
While there is no direct train service to Louisville, you can take an Amtrak train to a nearby city such as Cincinnati or Indianapolis and then take a bus or drive the rest of the way.
Boat
If you're traveling by boat, you can take a riverboat cruise on the Ohio River and dock in Louisville at the Belle of Louisville or Spirit of Jefferson boat docks.
Bus
Taking a Greyhound bus to Louisville is a convenient and affordable option, with bus stations located throughout the city.