Our most recommended things to do in Louisville

Louisville: Prohibition, Ghosts, Cocktails and Bites Tour

1. Louisville: Prohibition, Ghosts, Cocktails and Bites Tour

Venture out with us after dark to take a dive into into Louisville’s dark, haunted past. Meet the resident ghosts of Louisville’s historic downtown, trace the footsteps of the bourbon magnates and mobsters who ran this town during Prohibition, discover hidden speakeasies in the belly of Whiskey Row, and taste the story of Louisville through small bites and cocktails. This tour includes beer, cocktails, small bites, and one large dish. We do not recommend you drive yourself since you will have a lot to drink.

Louisville: Old Louisville Walking Ghost Tour

2. Louisville: Old Louisville Walking Ghost Tour

If you love old architecture and spooky history, this is the tour for you! The New York Times recommends it as the first thing to do during your time in Louisville. Join a guide for this nightly walk that introduces you to the ghostly past and paranormal hotspots in America’s Most Haunted Neighborhood. Best enjoyed against the backdrop of gas lamps and hidden walking courts, this Louisville-based ghost tour has received awards and accolades from national and international publications. Stroll around and marvel at the old architecture as your guide tells you all about the spooky history of Old Louisville. Discover the fascinating stories behind some of Old Louisville's most famous legends such as the Witches' Tree, the lady in the stairs, the hanging man, and the James Carroll murder house. Hear the stories of supernatural activity and ghost apparitions as your guide tell you the convincing facts around the causes for the haunted houses, haunted church, the haunted street corner, or the haunted park

Louisville: Muhammad Ali Center Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

3. Louisville: Muhammad Ali Center Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

Pre-book your skip-the-line entry ticket to the multicultural Muhammed Ali Center, an award-winning museum with interactive exhibits. Journey into the heart of a champion, and explore the history, values, and iconic character of this Louisville native. Located in the heart of historic downtown Louisville, the Muhammed Ali Center is inspired by the ideals of this hometown hero and his legendary life. It’s also the only place in the world dedicated to preserving and promoting the heavyweight champion's legacy. During your visit, you will not only see how Ali became the heavyweight world champion and an Olympic-gold-medal winner in boxing, but you’ll also follow the history behind the people's champ and learn about his accomplishments outside the ring. Get inspired by the exhibits and galleries that invite visitors to discover the global humanitarian and cultural icon to reflect upon one’s own values, inner strength, and character. Try out some hands-on boxing fun, such as shadow boxing, or feel the power of an Ali punch on a heavy bag. The interactive and multimedia exhibits reveal Ali’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality. Fueled by these principles, Ali became the best athlete he could be. See firsthand how Ali garnered the strength and courage to stand up for what he believed in and provided inspiration to millions of people around the world, regardless of ethnicity, religion, culture, gender, or age.

Old Louisville: History and Architecture Walking Tour

4. Old Louisville: History and Architecture Walking Tour

In the late 1880s, as the famous Southern Exposition drew hundreds of thousands of visitors to Kentucky's largest city, bourbon barons, racetrack royalty, and titans of tobacco constructed impressive Gilded Age residences. They left a visual legacy of stone and brick mansions and townhomes that run the gamut of Victorian architectural splendor. Italianate, Richardsonian Romanesque, Châteauesque, Queen Anne, Renaissance Revival, Georgian—these are just some of the styles scattered over 40-square blocks just a mile from downtown Louisville.  Join this walking tour through Old Louisville with a professional guide and marvel at more than 1,000 old houses, churches, and buildings of this iconic and beautiful neighborhood. Listen as your guide tells you all about this preserved district and the history of the people who lived there.  Enjoy the tour recommended by The New York Times as a "must" during your time in the city to discover the colorful history of Old Louisville in a very entertaining way.

Louisville: NuLu District Food and History Tour

5. Louisville: NuLu District Food and History Tour

Visit Louisville's trendy East Market District, known as NuLu, on a guided history & walking tour for foodies. Explore the popular neighborhood, stopping at 6 locations along the way to taste Kentucky classics. Meet your guide in the NuLu District and wander down streets lined with art galleries, eclectic stores, and historic brick buildings decorated with vibrant murals, and learn about the city from your guide. As you make your way through NuLu and neighboring historic Butchertown you'll unravel the history of Louisville, visit a historic home once occupied by Thomas Edison, trace the history of German immigrants, learn about a flood that devastated the city, and more. Make a total of 6 stops along the way to taste the local fare and get to know Louisville through its cuisine. Try bourbon balls, fried chicken, and pulled pork. You'll even get to sample a curious confection inspired by a Victorian-era actress and learn the story behind the sweet treat. And once your tour comes to an end, make the most of discounts at local stores and restaurants and keep exploring on your own.

Louisville: Frazier Kentucky History Museum - Entry Ticket

6. Louisville: Frazier Kentucky History Museum - Entry Ticket

Explore the Frazier Kentucky History Museum located in downtown Louisville in a late 19th century, Chicago-style building. Start by exploring the collections that are spread over 3 floors including exhibits, an education center, Museum Store, and a small theater. See some really cool artifacts, from the bow and arrows of the famous Native American, Geronimo, to the original “Big Stick” of President Theodore Roosevelt, each piece is displayed with a thought-provoking story. Next, watch one of the multiple live performances which happen every day performed by costumed actors known as “teaching artists”. The experience brings visitors face to face with some of the people and events that changed the world.  After this, head over to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center, home to the official starting point of the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The friendly concierge service guides help visitors plan their trips to Bourbon distilleries throughout the state, and can give advice on how to navigate Louisville’s burgeoning Bourbon, culinary, and nightlife scene. Finally, head over to The Spirit of Kentucky Exhibition for a visual guide to the history, craft, and culture of the Bourbon industry. Learn stories of the people, places, and events that have made Bourbon the signature product of Kentucky and America’s only true native spirit.

Louisville: Derby City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour

7. Louisville: Derby City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour

Louisville may be known for Mint Juleps and baseball bats, but the ghosts of the Derby City remember a much darker time. Come explore the horrific and heartbreaking events that shaped Louisville forever — from the days of the slave trade to the Great Flood of 1937. Find out why the George Rogers Clark statue has an aggressive, vengeful energy. Hunt for the spirits of bourbon and tobacco workers at a former warehouse complex. Hear tales of Native American legends, insane asylums, and the first female riverboat captain. You may even spot the ghost of Babe Ruth. By the time you reach the final stop, you’ll have plenty of reasons to sleep with the lights on. Book a tour today. The spirits are waiting for you.

Louisville: Photoshoot Walking Tour with Pictures

8. Louisville: Photoshoot Walking Tour with Pictures

Discover Louisville in a unique way: on a photoshoot walking tour. Walk through the city having your picture taken, all while learning about the area's history and culture from your professional photographer guide. Choose between a private or a shared group experience and explore Louisville on this walking tour. Pose or look candid for your photographs as you walk through the city's historic downtown area. Pass by a number of famous locations, including the Kentucky International Convention Center, Waterfront Park, the KFC Yum Center, Slugger Field, and more. Choose which locations you prefer to have as the backdrop for your photos. Learn about the city and its sights as you walk between these areas with your photographer guide.

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What people are saying about Louisville

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 75 reviews

Excellent time on a Saturday afternoon. Jeremy is engaging and is very knowledgeable about the area and its history. Food and beverage location choices were well thought out and give a wide spectrum that captures a representation of the food scene in Louisville. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys good food and drink and likes to hear a little story telling along the way. A good way to spend 3 hours on a beautiful fall afternoon.

My husband teen son and I attended the historical tour on Oct 10th in the afternoon. The tour guide has a wonderfully fantastic memory and showed us some beautiful places. Although I meant to book a ghost tour instead, we still enjoyed learning about Old Louisville.

Great way to learn about Louisville’s NULU district and enjoy great local food and drink!

very enjoyable. Jeremy was very entertaining and informative. Highly recommend

the history, the photos, the videos...all a side of the Champion!