Discover the beating heart of Kentucky in Louisville, with its rich bourbon history, irresistible culinary delights, and electrifying festival scene.
The only city in the world with more than a dozen distillery experiences, many of which are located within walking distance of each other, Louisville has helped shape America’s Bourbon heritage. Once considered the ‘Wall Street of Whiskey’, Whiskey Row has recently welcomed a new selection of Bourbon-related experiences.
Embarking on a walking and drinking tour of the area guarantees an amazing sensory Bourbon adventure. As well as learning about the distillation process, the distilleries offer plenty of drink samples along the way, with additional bars if you wish to extend your visit.
Frazier History Museum is the welcome centre for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Named after Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first licensed distiller whose distillery was along the banks of the Ohio River in 1783, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience was the first Bourbon distillery since before prohibition to open its doors back on Louisville’s Whiskey Row in 2013. Here guests are immersed in Louisville’s 200+ year history of Bourbon Whiskey while getting to enjoy tastings of the distillery’s variety of products.
Newcomers to Main Street this year include the Green River Distilling Co. and Pursuit Spirits Visitor Experience, as well as Hotel Bourré Bonne by Hilton, located just one block south of Whiskey Row.
Continue your sensory experience at some of the finest restaurants in the state of Kentucky. Louisville has become the epicentre of “New Southern Cuisine” as its innovative chefs put a unique local twist on dishes. Menus often change with the seasons due to farm-to-table movement, ensuring only the freshest and locally sourced ingredients are used. You’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants in the NuLu neighborhood which pushes the boundaries as chefs experiment with the famous Bourbon flavour. Its rich, smoky notes are found in sauces, spices and even desserts. Bourbon Soy soy sauces and a host of other bourbon-infused products such as curry powder, nuts and salt and pepper are on sale at from Bourbon Barrel Foods if you wish to continue the bourbon explosion at home.
However, perhaps the most famous dish in Louisville is the Hot Brown, an open-faced turkey, bacon and cheese sauce sandwich that was born at the historic Brown Hotel, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, while the iconic dish itself will turn 100 in 2026.
Other local treats include the Benedictine, Burgoo and Modjeskas.
Nestled along the graceful curves of the Ohio River, Louisville is steeped in the echoes of its past. Visitors to the city can expect to find a captivating blend of history and heritage that helped to shape a nation. Watch Louisville’s story unfold as you explore its historic streets, Victorian architecture, and beautifully preserved landmarks. Why not delve into the city's rich heritage in the historic district of Old Louisville, where stately mansions and tree-lined avenues transport you to a bygone era? By day, the Old Louisville Preservation District is known for having the largest contiguous collection of Victorian mansions in the U.S., including famous mansions like The Pink Palace and Conrad-Caldwell House. By night, the neighborhood has been called “America’s Most Haunted Neighborhood.” and features walking ghost tours around its 40 city blocks.
Come autumn, the city takes on an especially spirited energy. While all of Louisville leans into Halloween festivities, one street takes it to the next level. Since the early 1980s, the residents of Hillcrest Avenue have transformed their homes into elaborate haunted attractions. It’s a spine-tingling tradition that draws thousands each year.
For over a century, the Louisville Slugger baseball bat has symbolised excellence, gripped by baseball legends like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson.
Step into the heart of this iconic craftsmanship at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where you can explore an extensive collection of bats used by the game's greats and witness the world’s largest baseball bat—aptly named 'The Big Bat.' Standing an impressive 120 feet tall and weighing 68,000 pounds, this to-scale replica of Babe Ruth's 34-inch Louisville Slugger is a sight to behold.
The Slugger factory continues to craft the bat of choice for some of today’s top players and MLB teams, producing nearly 4,000 bats daily. Take a guided tour to see how this piece of American history is made, and don't forget to grab a mini-Louisville Slugger as a souvenir to take home your own part of baseball tradition.
Once dubbed by Magic Johnson as “the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras all rolled into one,” The Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Derby Festival is one of the premiere events of its kind in the world and a proud five-time winner of the International Festivals & Events Association award. The festival sees Louisville play host to over 70 special events before more than 150,000 race-goers descend on the city for ‘the most exciting two minutes in sport’.
A favourite race of Queen Elizabeth II, the Kentucky Derby is considered the longest continually run sporting event in the United States, with the 152nd running taking place on May 2, 2026, at the legendary Churchill Downs. Of course, ‘Every day is Derby Day’ with the Kentucky Derby Museum being one of the region’s premier attractions, offering tours of Churchill Downs and insight into Kentucky Derby history throughout the year.
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2025, embark on an immersive exploration of Muhammad Ali's life at the Muhammad Ali Center nestled in Louisville’s West Main district. As the 10th anniversary of Ali’s passing approaches on June 3, 2026, the Center is preparing its most significant ‘Ali Festival’ to date, an unforgettable celebration honoring the life, impact, and enduring spirit of Louisville’s most iconic native son.
This exceptional museum provides a close-up look at the journey of the Louisville-born man who ascended to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World and a globally recognised icon. Award-winning exhibits, footage of Ali's iconic fights, interactive boxing experiences, and a captivating display of memorabilia contribute to a comprehensive understanding of his extraordinary life.
Beyond his prowess in the ring, Ali's legacy as a global humanitarian and advocate for peace, civil rights, and social justice is celebrated. The centre’s education further honours his legacy by offering courses to inspire the next generation of social changemakers.
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