Sipping an Old Fashioned at sunset, enjoying Bourbon-infused cuisine while soaking up the renowned Southern hospitality on a warm evening — welcome to Louisville, Kentucky. Basking in Ohio River views, it’s time to continue the adventure along the iconic Whiskey Row. Its title is pretty self-explanatory, with several distilleries located along a stretch of Main Street offering a variety of whiskey experiences, hidden bars and great food.
Kentucky is responsible for 95% of the world’s Bourbon production. And in Louisville you’ll find the spirit isn’t just a drink; it’s a way of life. Definitely not confined solely to the drinks menu, creative chefs are continuously seeking new ways to fuse the flavour into their dishes. From Bourbon ice-cream to Bourbon curries, Bourbon pizza and Bourbon oysters, it’s a sensory delight.
From tasting, to racing, Louisville is also home to the world-famous Kentucky Derby held at Churchill Downs. In addition, sports fans can immerse themselves into the fascinating life of Louisville’s most famous son at the Muhammad Ali Centre. And from one legend to another, visitors to the city can visit the factory where the Louisville Slugger baseball bats used by Babe Ruth and other star players were made.
Whether you choose to stay in the Old Louisville, Downtown at the Waterfront or in the new town Nulu, you’ll find something to suit all tastes. Unique attractions combined with incredible cuisine, excellent Bourbon and the distinctive Southern hospitality make Louisville a destination that’s a whole barrel of fun.
Once dubbed by Magic Johnson as “the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras all rolled into one,” the Kentucky Derby has evolved into a global phenomenon where sport dissolves into style, ritual, and spectacle. As one of Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved horse races, the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 2, 2026, at the legendary Churchill Downs. This year promises to be more extraordinary than ever. It’s not just about the thrilling race—Louisville transforms into a city-wide celebration, with festivals and events filling the streets before and after Derby Day. Though in Louisville, every day feels like Derby Day.
Beyond the Derby, sports enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the remarkable legacy of Louisville’s most celebrated son at the Muhammad Ali Centre. In 2026, the city will commemorate the 10th anniversary of Ali’s passing with the annual Ali Fest, hosted at the Centre, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the Champ’s legendary boxing career, his upbringing in the self-proclaimed “Boxing Capital of the World,” and his profound role in the American Civil Rights Movement.
Basking in Ohio River views, it’s time to continue the adventure along the iconic Whiskey Row. Its title is self-explanatory, with an ever-growing number of distilleries located along a stretch of Main Street offering a variety of whiskey experiences, hidden bars, and great food.
Kentucky is responsible for 95% of the world’s Bourbon production. And in Louisville you’ll find the spirit isn’t just a drink; it’s a way of life. Not confined solely to the cocktail menu, creative chefs are continuously finding new ways to fuse the flavour of Kentucky Bourbon into their dishes. From Bourbon ice-cream to Bourbon curries, Bourbon pizza and Bourbon oysters, it’s a sensory delight you can only find in the Bluegrass State. Beyond Bourbon, Louisville will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Brown Hotel’s famed Hot Brown sandwich. Created in 1926 by Chef Fred K. Schmidt, the dish began as a late-night alternative for the hotel’s glamorous ballroom crowd.
Louisville’s cultural scene is also growing with landmark new attractions throughout 2026. The Sons of the American Revolution Education Centre and Museum will open by late summer, featuring interactive galleries on the American Revolution. The Dot Experience at the American Printing House for the Blind will debut in fall 2026 as one of the world’s most accessible museums, while the AHOY Children’s Museum will bring hands-on experiential play to a Victorian house near the Portland Museum. Kentucky Kingdom completes a $25 million expansion, including a new roller coaster, Flying Fox, and 21c Museum Hotel Louisville celebrates 20 years as America’s first art hotel chain with special anniversary events.
Whether you choose to stay in Old Louisville, Downtown near the Waterfront or in the revitalized NuLu neighbourhood, you’ll find something to suit all tastes. Unique attractions combined with incredible cuisine, excellent Bourbon and distinctive Southern hospitality make Louisville a destination that’s a whole barrel of fun.
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