Bourbon, Baseball, and Art: Louisville on a Budget

Discover affordable charm in the heart of Kentucky with a trip to Louisville.

21 June 2023

Visiting Louisville on a limited budget is possible with affordable accommodations and free activities. Enjoy the city's rich history by visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Muhammad Ali Center. Take a stroll in the Cherokee Park and indulge in local cuisine at the popular food trucks and farmers markets.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Bourbon, BBQ, and Baseball

  • Check into the boutique 21c Museum Hotel Louisville, which features contemporary art exhibits and a unique rooftop bar.
  • Visit the neighboring Evan Williams Bourbon Experience for a taste of Kentucky's signature spirit.
  • Head to Feast BBQ for some delicious Southern-style barbecue.
  • Catch a Louisville Bats minor league baseball game at Louisville Slugger Field, complete with fireworks and fun promotions.
  • End the night with a cocktail at Proof on Main, named one of the Best Bars in the South by Southern Living magazine.
Day 2

Churchill Downs and City Sights

  • Start the day with breakfast at Gralehaus, a cozy bed and breakfast that serves up tasty pastries and sandwiches.
  • Take a tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and learn about the history of this iconic horse racing venue.
  • Visit the Muhammad Ali Center, a museum dedicated to the legendary fighter and Louisville native.
  • Stroll through the beautiful waterfront area and Louisville Waterfront Park, which offers stunning views of the Ohio River.
  • Enjoy dinner at Hammerheads, a funky spot known for its delicious and creative comfort food.
Day 3

Art, Architecture, and Bourbon Bars

  • Start the day at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory to see how the famous bats are made and view memorabilia from baseball's greatest players.
  • Explore the historic district of Old Louisville, with its beautiful Victorian homes and charming streets.
  • Visit the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft to see the state's finest contemporary art.
  • Have a drink at some of Louisville's best bourbon bars, like The Silver Dollar, Haymarket Whiskey Bar, and The Seelbach Hotel's Old Seelbach Bar.
  • End your trip with dinner at Mayan Cafe, which offers unique Latin-American inspired cuisine with local ingredients.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Louisville

Welcome to the land of hot brown, betting on horses, and never-ending bourbon. You know you're in Louisville when you have more mint than you know what to do with.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Louisville Family Fun Fiesta

A family friendly trip to Louisville, United States offers a diverse range of attractions for all ages. Start your adventure at the Louisville Zoo, where you can get up close with exotic animals and even take a ride on a camel. Visit the Kentucky Science Center, known for its hands-on exhibits and interactive learning experiences that will captivate both kids and adults alike. Finish off your trip with a visit to the iconic Churchill Downs, where you can explore the Kentucky Derby Museum and witness the exciting world of horse racing.

Budget-Friendly Fun: 2 Days in Louisville

A trip to Louisville on a limited budget would still include plenty of activities to enjoy. Visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum, exploring the Churchill Downs racetrack, and walking along the waterfront are all affordable and interesting options. For cheap eats, the city is known for its barbecue and bourbon, and there are many food trucks and local joints to grab a bite.

5 Days of Romance and Bourbon in Louisville

Louisville, located in Kentucky, offers a perfect romantic getaway experience filled with beautiful attractions and activities. Take a stroll through the lush green parks, explore the art galleries, and indulge in a Bourbon Trail tour. Enjoy the flavors of Southern cuisine while taking in the stunning views of the Ohio riverfront.

The Ultimate Louisville Adventure: 4 Days of Fun!

Louisville, United States, is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip with its wide array of attractions and activities. From exploring the iconic Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, to visiting the Louisville Zoo and enjoying the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy. With its vibrant food scene and beautiful parks, Louisville is a perfect blend of history, culture, and outdoors, promising an unforgettable trip for families.