Located on the banks of the Ohio River, tourism in Louisville means exploring countless activities and cultural attractions. We’ll take you from the historic Churchill Downs, where you can see the thoroughbreds galloping round the track, to the restaurant with the best cheeseburger in Louisville (it’s worth visiting the city for that alone!) These reasons also make it a great place to live in and experience the unique lifestyle the metropolis offers. Read on to discover the best things to do in Louisville!
Related: Find Rooms For Rent In Louisville
Exciting Outdoor Activities
1. Endless Summer Paddle Company
Head here if you want to explore tourism in Louisville, a city with diverse waterways, in a unique and low-impact way. They also offer stand-up paddle (SUP) classes, SUP yoga, and SUP events. Additionally, you can visit Louisville’s only riverside coffee shop!
- Timings: Mon – Fri 6am – 4pm Sat – Sun 8am – 4pm
2. Classic Biplane Tours
Visitors call this activity a must-try! You can see the city from a new perspective, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than experiencing a city view from on high. Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Louisville, which will remain a cherished memory long after the trip has ended!
3. SkyCab Balloon Promotions
Take a picturesque hot air balloon trip over Louisville’s scenic surroundings. This bucket-list adventure can certainly be called one of the best things to do in Louisville. Furthermore, it’s a fantastic opportunity to get a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings.
4. Louisville Zoo
This zoo, which first opened its doors in 1969, now houses over 1,100 animals on 130 acres of land that reflects zoogeographical zones, diverse habitat types, and special education sections. This is one of the best places to visit in Louisville if you want to be at one with nature.
- Timings: 10am – 5pm (stay until 6pm)
Don’t Miss Out On The Sports Scene
1. The Thirsty Pedaler
An all-in-one place with pedaling, drinks, and non-stop fun! The Thirsty Pedaler is a pedaling bar crawl of downtown and is one of the best things to do in the city. It seats up to 16 pedalers, plus the driver. You’ll make two stops at the most popular bars/restaurants along the crazy pedaling bar crawl.
2. Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs is the home of the famous Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, two of the longest, continually running sporting events in America. Opened in 1875 on Central Avenue in the south of the city, the thoroughbred racetrack hosts three race meets each year.
3. Louisville Slugger Field
Opened in 2000, the Louisville Slugger Field is a baseball stadium, and the home of the Louisville Bats baseball team and the Louisville City FC professional soccer club. Watching a game comes under the best things to do in Louisville for baseball fans, who would truly enjoy the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.
Must Visit Museums
1. Frazier History Museum
Tourism in Louisville thrives off its historical spots and museums. Are you a history buff who likes to dig deep into a city’s past? The Frazier History Museum, located on “Museum Row”, might be for you! The museum’s collection includes American and international artifacts from the 16th century to the 20th century.
2. Kentucky Derby Museum
The Kentucky Derby Museum ranks top in the list of incredible places to visit in Louisville! The Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions, showcasing the event’s history, hospitality, world-class displays, and tradition.
- Timings: Monday – Saturday: 8am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
3. Kentucky Science Center
The Kentucky Scientific Center, located on West Main Street on Louisville’s “Museum Row” in the West Main District of downtown, is the state’s biggest interactive science museum. The Kentucky Science Center is a fantastic place to visit if you’re searching for some of the best things to do in Louisville with kids.
- Timings: Open Daily:
Monday–Friday 9:30am– 5pm
Saturday–Sunday 9:30am – 5pm
Cultural Places To Visit
1. Louisville Mega Cavern
The Mega Cavern offers an incredible subterranean journey on which visitors can learn about Louisville’s history of geology, mining, and construction technologies. It’s also home to the world’s only underground zip line course, making it among the best places to visit in Louisville.
2. The Louisville Palace
The Louisville Palace, which first opened its doors in 1928, is a historic theater. The theater hosts a range of events such as concerts, films, Louisville Orchestra performances, and children’s plays.
3. Old Louisville
Another location that comes under the best places to visit in Louisville is the third biggest historic district in the United States, spread over 48 city blocks. It is home to the country’s best-preserved examples of Victorian architecture and the highest number of properties with stained glass windows.
Exploring Popular Restaurants, Bars & Shopping Centers
1. Historic Frankfort Avenue
Frankfort Avenue, often known as “The Avenue” by locals, is a stretch of road that links some of Louisville’s most attractive and historic districts. This lively avenue brims with personality and brings together many of the greatest places to visit. Unique and locally owned boutiques, fashionable art studios, lively cafés and restaurants, and a wide variety of activities can be found there!
2. Paddock Shops
Tourism is Louisville would be incomplete without a visit to the city’s shopping locations. The Paddock Shops, marketed as a lifestyle zone, is a popular shopping complex in Louisville.
3. Mussel & Burger Bar
This bustling cafe with vintage-chic décor serves modern twists on American pub grub. It has a wide variety of sandwiches, mussels, drinks, and the finest cheeseburgers around. Ignore all other options and head here to one of the best places to visit in Louisville for a satisfying meal!
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