Back to Kentucky
Louisville
Internationally renowned Louisville, Kentucky's largest city, sits on the Ohio River along the Indiana border. Louisville is home to the legendary Kentucky Derby horse race which takes place in May each year. The race itself takes just two minutes to run, but there is plenty more in Louisville to keep you in the city for days! You can tour Churchill Downs where the Derby is run at any time of year. Visit the museum which houses memorabilia and tributes to all the past Derby winners, as well as comprehensive history on the race.
Located in the heart of downtown on Museum Row, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is an immersive experience that celebrates America's favourite pastime and the legendary bat that's been swinging in Major League Baseball for over a century. Visitors can tour the working factory where Louisville Slugger bats are crafted, explore interactive exhibits, and even hold bats used by legends like Babe Ruth and Derek Jeter. Also located downtown, the Muhammad Ali Center is a cultural attraction and international education centre that is inspired by the ideals of its founder Muhammad Ali, Louisville native.
Known as "Bourbon City," Louisville is the premier destination for bourbon enthusiasts, acting as the gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Downtown features a concentrated "Bourbon District" and historic "Whiskey Row" with numerous distilleries, such as Rabbit Hole, Old Forester, and Angel's Envy. The city offers curated experiences, including the Urban Bourbon Trail of specialised bars.
Great dining is available throughout the city and in some of the eclectic neighbourhoods. Don’t miss a ‘Hot Brown’ still served at the historic Brown Hotel, originally devised in 1926 to satisfy late night dancers and revellers from the hotel’s theatre and ballroom. Found at restaurants throughout the city you can try different chefs’ interpretations.
If festivals are your things then why not head to Louisville this year? Play all day on world-class rides at Summer Blast in July. Louder Than Life, one of the USA’s largest rock festivals occurs in September. Bourbon and Beyond, also in September, will host more than 100 bands on five stages over the course of four days, spotlighting some of the finest bourbons and food Kentucky has to offer. In October, visit the ‘Bourbon & Belonging Week’. This is the first week-long LGBTQ+ festival celebration in the U.S. Events take place across the state of Kentucky.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate the arts, music, bourbon, horses, fried chicken, or goetta – Louisville has a festival for you!
Holiday Ideas
Our Favourite Stays
Tempo by HiltonModerateFrom £160 per room per night
This downtown hotel is located in the NuLu district, just steps from local entertainment, restaurants, shops, and bourbon tastings. The Louisville Slugger Field, with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Muhammad Ali Center are also just 10 minutes away.
The hotel offers 130 rooms across five floors, along with two on-site dining options. Enjoy coffee and light bites at Moonsong Café, while High Stakes Grill serves a range of dishes with rooftop views.
Cambria Hotel Downtown Whiskey RowModerateFrom £135 per room per night
This hotel is located in the heart of Louisville’s Whiskey Row, just steps away from popular attractions, whiskey bars, world-class dining, and blues clubs, as well as destinations like the Muhammad Ali Center.
The hotel offers spacious rooms featuring televisions, coffee makers, air conditioning, and wireless internet. Enjoy a range of amenities including an onsite fitness centre and indoor pool.
Holiday Inn Express DowntownModerateFrom £140 per room per night
This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Louisville with easy access to I-64 and located only 12.87km away from Louisville International Airport.
The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi and full breakfast and onsite there is a fitness centre. The room amenities include iron/ironing board, hairdryer, mini-fridge, flat screen TV and coffee/tea maker.
Galt House HotelFirst ClassFrom £205 per room per night
This elegant waterfront hotel is located close to great restaurants, museums and entertainment.
The rooms are beautifully furnished and have flat screen televisions, coffee makers and air conditioning. Onsite, there is also a fitness centre, outdoor pool and several dining options to choose from.
Hilton Seelbach Deluxe
From £224 per room per night
The Seelbach’s downtown location means it’s in walking distance or a short ride from all the top things to do in Louisville. Restaurants, shopping, music and theatre are all within walking distance of the hotel.
Onsite there is a newly renovated fitness centre, two restaurants, bar and café. Room amenities include an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, high-speed Internet access, an in-room safe, TV and coffeemaker.
The Brown HotelDeluxeFrom £265 per room per night
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Brown’s prime location offers easy access to many of Louisville’s most in-demand destinations, including the Brown Theatre (across the street), the Palace Theatre (half a block) and the Kentucky International Convention Center (seven blocks). There is also opportunities for golf, biking and hiking nearby.
The room amenities include flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, refrigerators, iron/ironing board, coffee/tea maker and hairdryer. Onsite there is a fitness centre, two restaurants, bar, shop and gallery selling artwork by local artisans. The hotel also offers a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle and transportation to downtown businesses and attractions.