Things to do 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. 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

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.

In the 1880s, as the famous Southern Exposition drew throngs of visitors to Kentucky's largest city, bourbon barons, racetrack royalty, and titans of tobacco began constructing impressive Gilded Age residences in a new suburb to the south. Known as Old Louisville today, this 45-square-block neighborhood harbors a visual legacy of stone and brick architecture that has earned it the nickname as "America's Grandest Victorian Neighborhood." Styles here run the gamut of 19th-century architectural splendor, but some of the more prevalent ones include Italianate, Richardsonian Romanesque, Châteauesque, Queen Anne, Renaissance Revival, and Georgian. Join a professional guide on this narrated jaunt through Old Louisville and marvel at grand mansions, quaint cottages, and charming gas-lit walking courts as you learn about the area's past and present. In an hour and a half, you will explore secluded corners you probably wouldn't find on your own while uncovering the highlights of this hidden gem. Enjoy a local legend or two, laugh at an anecdote, see an amazing neighborhood up close and personal. 

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. 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. Meet your guide at Fort Nelson Park, 705 W Main St #701, Louisville, KY 40202. Your guide will be wearing a black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern.

Visit Louisville's trendy East Market District, known as NuLu, on a guided history & walking tour for foodies with locally owned Louisville Food Tours. Explore the popular neighborhood, stopping at 6 locations along the way to taste Kentucky classics. Meet your local 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 Kentucky culinary creations such as 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.

Uncover the secrets of Kentucky bourbon! Go beyond the barrel to dive into bourbon's storied history - and learn all the stories they won't tell you on a Kentucky Bourbon Trail distillery tour. Visit award-winning restaurants, secret speakeasies, scenic rooftop bars, and intimate tasting rooms in NuLu. Trace the origins of bourbon whiskey from its roots in the Appalachian foothills to today's thriving bourbon scene, gaining a profound understanding of its cultural importance in Louisville, Kentucky and beyond. Unlock bourbon's surprising versatility and depth of flavor through paired bites, pours, and cocktails, and land a few coveted tables at some of the most hard-to-book restaurants in town, including Nami by local celebrity Chef Edward Lee. Perfect for both bourbon newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts, this guided walking tour offers an experience that you won't find at any bourbon distillery. Reserve your spot early to experience the world's only walking food & bourbon tour! For bourbon lovers, we offer a Premium Bourbon Upgrade ticket to elevate your tour experience. In addition to the standard menu, you'll enjoy 3 hard-to-find, top-shelf bourbon pours served throughout your tour. You’ll also take home a custom rocks glass, sleek slate coaster, and a set of engraved whiskey stones. It's the perfect tour enhancement for bourbon enthusiasts and a memorable gift for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.

Venture out with locally owned Louisville Food Tours after dark to take a dive into into Bourbon City's 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, uncover hidden speakeasies in the belly of Whiskey Row, learn the local origins of the Great Gatsby, and taste the story of Louisville through small bites and cocktails. This tour includes cocktails, small bites, and fascinating true tales from Louisville's sordid past. Book your haunted cocktail & food tour today and delve into Louisville's fascinating Prohibition history while enjoying handcrafted cocktails and delicious small bites!

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.

Learn how to make sushi like a professional chef in this hands-on cooking class with Chef Sunshine. Under the guidance of Chef Sunshine, learn how to make classic onigiri and maki like a professional sushi chef. Begin the class by practicing knife skills to chop fresh vegetables like cucumber, avocado, and shiitake mushrooms. Then, transform Calrose rice into the perfect fluffy, seasoned rice. Learn how to form onigiri rice balls topped with scallions and black and white sesame seeds. Whip up a sauce with Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and soy sauce to enjoy with the onigiri. Next, layer cucumber, mango, and avocado on nori rolls and master the technique of rolling it up to perfection with a traditional sushi mat. End the class by enjoying your handmade rolls and newly learned culinary skills.

As the sun sets over the Ohio River, the streets of downtown Louisville come alive with stories of the city’s most notorious misfits and moments of mayhem. The Misfits and Mayhem Tour is an evening stroll through the darker, quirkier, and more scandalous side of the River City, offering visitors a glimpse into the eccentric figures, unsolved mysteries, and disasters that have shaped Louisville’s history. Starting and ending near the corner of Seventh Street and Main Street, this guided experience will transport guests through a past filled with eccentric characters, infamous crimes, and unexpected calamities. Hear about the gamblers, bootleggers, and visionaries who turned Louisville into a city of opportunity—and sometimes, chaos. Learn about devastating tornadoes that ripped through downtown, shocking murders that captivated the public, and scandals that left their mark on the city’s legacy. This tour isn’t just about ghosts and gloom—it’s infused with the humor and oddities that make Louisville unique. From peculiar urban legends to eyebrow-raising political escapades, each stop offers a blend of intrigue and entertainment. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of true crime, or simply someone who enjoys a good tale, the Misfits and Mayhem Tour promises an unforgettable journey into the unexpected side of Louisville’s past. Daytime tours available as well!