From bourbon-filled adventures to peaceful farm tours and gourmet bites, Louisville, Kentucky, has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff ready for a cultural tour or an outdoor enthusiast looking for epic views, here are two ways to spend the day in Derby City.
Day 1: History and Culture
Morning
Kickstart your day with breakfast at Please & Thank You, tucked in the hip East Market District. Slide a quarter into the jukebox to play your favorite tunes while embracing the retro vibes at this vintage coffee shop. Order the signature iced chai and pair it with a bagel sandwich or quiche. Don’t leave without grabbing a bag of their famous chocolate chip cookies for the road—they’re so legendary they’re shipped nationwide.
Next, pay tribute to Louisville’s greatest icon at the Muhammad Ali Center. Explore interactive exhibits that guide you through the life and legacy of the legendary boxer and humanitarian. Learn Ali’s guiding principles in the “Six Core Principles” exhibit, and step inside the ring to test your skills in the “Train With Ali” exhibit.
Set off on a 75-minute guided walking tour of historic Old Louisville to discover one of the most extensive collections of Victorian-era homes in the U.S. Stroll down tree-lined streets and marvel at the stunning architecture of famous buildings like St. James Court and the Pink Palace. Fun Fact: Old Louisville is considered one of the most haunted neighborhoods in America. If you ask nicely, your guide may even tell you a few ghost stories.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Jack Fry’s, a Prohibition-era hotspot with a cool, old-world ambiance. Between the dark wood paneling, jazz music, and vintage photos from Fry’s personal collection, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Dig into cozy eats like the short rib panini, roasted chicken salad, or cottage pie. If it’s upscale Southern food you’re after, this joint is a must-visit.
Wander through the Speed Art Museum, Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum. This sleek, modern space showcases a mix of classic and contemporary art. Explore permanent exhibits like “Art in Europe” and “Empires to Revolutions,” then check out rotating collections of contemporary art and rare artifacts. If it’s nice out, go for a stroll in the outdoor sculpture garden. On rainy days, the museum’s cinema is a great spot to catch an indie flick.
End your afternoon with a tasting demo at Bourbons Bistro. The rustic-chic spot boasts one of the largest bourbon collections in the city, so you’re bound to find something you love. Immerse yourself in the cultural phenomenon of Kentucky’s signature spirit as you learn all about its origins and how it’s made. Sip on expertly crafted bourbons, from small-batch and single-barrel varieties to world-famous brands. Be sure to grab a bottle to bring home!
Evening
Indulge in an elegant meal at Buck’s Restaurant & Bar, located inside the historic Mayflower Building. Soak up the romantic ambiance, complete with garden-inspired decor, white tablecloths, and live piano music. Start with the bacon-wrapped shrimp, then savor the pan-roasted quail or Beef Wellington—a fan favorite. Naturally, the bourbon list is extensive, but the wine list includes an impressive selection as well.
After dinner, enjoy a world-class performance at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. Depending on when you visit, you can snag tickets to see a Broadway production, the Louisville Orchestra, or even The Kentucky Show—a multimedia experience celebrating Kentucky’s rich history. Pro tip: Arrive early to grab drinks in the Lexus Lounge before the show.
End your night with a luxurious stay at the historic Brown Hotel in the heart of downtown Louisville. Soak up the Italian Renaissance architecture and opulent decor of this iconic property that’s more than a century old. Unwind with a nightcap in the glamorous lobby bar. Craving a late-night bite? Don’t miss a chance to taste a mouthwatering bite of Kentucky’s legacy. The Brown Hotel is the birthplace of the famous Hot Brown sandwich, an open-faced turkey and cheese sandwich doused in Mornay sauce and served on Texas toast.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures
Morning
Fuel up at Wild Eggs, a modern diner known for its colorful decor, a wide array of creative menu items, and generous portions. Start with the house-made cinnamon roll, then try a specialty dish like Kalamity Katie’s Border Benedict. It’s got green chili cheddar corn cakes, poached eggs, chorizo, and queso fundido—all the ingredients for an ultra-satisfying breakfast. Want to kick off the day with a bang? Order a spicy Bloody Mary pitcher to split with your crew.
Stretch your legs and bask in Kentucky’s natural beauty with a hike through Jefferson Memorial Forest, the nation’s largest municipal urban forest. For a leisurely walk with peaceful woodland views, take the Mitchell Hill Lake Trail or the Coral Ridge Loop. Prefer a challenge? Go for the Siltstone Trail, a 6.7-mile hike with a steep elevation gain and majestic countryside views that make it a worthwhile journey.
Immerse yourself in Kentucky’s equestrian culture by saddling up for a horseback ride at Shelby Trails Park. Choose your own experience on an hour-long nature ride or 90-minute adventure ride, available for beginners and advanced riders alike. Ride through picturesque trails surrounded by rolling hills and thick forests with a seasoned guide leading the way.
Afternoon
Unwind with a laid-back lunch at The Café in Paristown, where Southern hospitality and local artwork make you feel like a local. Known for its bright, airy atmosphere and dishes made with farm-fresh ingredients, this relaxed eatery is a perfect spot to recharge. Choose between hearty sandwiches like the Kentucky Hot Brown, Early American (roast beef on a French baguette), or King Charles I (their take on a gourmet tuna melt).
Head to Hermitage Farm for a behind-the-scenes look at Kentucky’s thoroughbred horse legacy. Tour the stables, meet retired competition horses, and learn about the farm’s history in breeding world-class racehorses. Stroll through the gardens where fresh produce is grown for their farm-to-table restaurant, and don’t miss the contemporary art collection housed in the historic Hermitage Mansion.
For an adrenaline rush, go underground for a glow-in-the-dark zipline experience. Once a limestone mine, Louisville Mega Cavern Zip Line Adventure is now the world’s only underground zipline course. Soar through thrilling zips and cross exhilarating challenge bridges while dazzling lights and music add to the fun. The cavern maintains a cool 58 degrees every season, so bring a light jacket!
Evening
Cap off your day at Mussel & Burger Bar, a casual yet upscale eatery that serves up innovative burger creations alongside tasty seafood bites. Start with the curry-style mussels or bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. Then, find out why this hotspot’s burgers were praised on the Food Network. Devour the CEO burger topped with truffle aioli, or go for the Southern Belle burger with pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes.
Take an evening stroll in Waterfront Park for breathtaking views of the illuminated Big Four Bridge over the Ohio River. Check out outdoor art installations like the Lincoln Memorial and the 46-foot Gracehoper. Craving something sweet? Grab an ice cream at one of the concession stands or food trucks inside the park. If you visit on a Wednesday, you’ll also be treated to live music.
End your Louisville adventure with a stay at the Seelbach Hotel—the historic hotel that inspired many of The Great Gatsby’s scenes. Admire the European-inspired decor and vintage charm, from crystal chandeliers to the grand marble staircase. Grab a seat at the Old Seelbach Bar to sip on their namesake cocktail, a bourbon-based blend of bitter and sweet. Keep it simple with a well-appointed guest room, or snooze in style by opting for a specialty suite with a carved oak fireplace and marble bathtub.
