When someone says “Louisville vacation,” you probably picture sipping mint juleps while wearing giant hats and floral sundresses. And while the Kentucky Derby and their world-famous bourbon should definitely be on your itinerary, Louisville offers so much more for you travelers out there looking to really experience some real bluegrass hospitality.
Whether you’re a history buff who loves antiquing, an artsy foodie in search of Instagram-worthy plates, or just someone whose ideal vacation involves bar-hopping and making questionable decisions, Derby City has something for everyone. Trust us, we’ve been there.
Anyhow, this travel guide will show you a side of Louisville outsiders rarely get to see. we’re talking the best local hangouts, the tastiest Kentucky-style comfort foods, where to catch underground shows from Louisville’s up-and-coming indie scene, and yes, even how to properly enjoy bourbon without ending up wearing most of your mint julep. Hey, it’s happened to all of us!
So skip the big brand hotels and instead stay at one of our unique historic bed and breakfasts, take a delicious and delightfully greasy food tour of Louisville’s best diners, and prepare for some hilariously good times mingling with our colorful cast of Derby City characters. Y’all are guaranteed to have more fun than the infield crowd at the Kentucky Derby…without waking up the next day wondering what exactly happened last night. Well, at least not as much. No promises!
About Louisville
If you’re considering visiting Louisville, Kentucky, there are a few things you should know. The climate in Louisville is humid and hot, but it’s a bit milder than in other parts of the South. You can experience brief but violent thunderstorms, but overall the weather is pleasant year-round. The most popular time to visit Louisville is April, although high summer can be oppressive.
Louisville is known for its diversity. It’s home to one of the largest theater scenes in the country and is welcoming to refugees and immigrants. It’s also a cultural hot spot with dozens of world-class museums. In addition, Louisville is a foodie’s paradise! It’s also proud to be weird.
While you’re in Louisville, consider visiting Cave Hill Cemetary and visiting the city’s historic homes. Visitors will be able to see the graves of many famous historical figures.
Why Go to Louisville
Louisville is a city full of quirky attractions. There’s a giant baseball bat, ancient skeletons, and a contorted tree, just to name a few. The oddities are all interesting and some even have interesting stories to tell. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but many of them are worth checking out.
Louisville is also home to some of the country’s best food and libations. The city’s many restaurants offer both upscale and regional fare. Don’t miss the Hot Brown sandwich, which is a regional specialty piled high with sliced turkey and covered in a French Mornay sauce. This dish was invented in 1926 at the Brown Hotel. You’ll also find bourbon-based Old Fashioned cocktails at many bars and restaurants throughout the city.
Louisville is also home to several excellent museums. The Speed Art Museum, adjacent to the University of Louisville campus in Old Louisville, is one of the state’s largest and oldest art museums. It was named “World’s Most Beautiful New Museum” by Travel & Leisure Magazine, and it has a rotating collection of artwork from a variety of genres.
Best Time to Go
If you’re looking for the best time to visit Louisville, Kentucky, you should know that the city has many different seasons. While summers in Louisville are hot and humid, the rest of the year has a very comfortable climate. The best months to visit Louisville include April, May, June, July, and August. The average temperature is around 13°C during this time, and there is an average of 5.1 hours of sunshine per day.
Louisville’s high season revolves around weather and horse racing. The live racing season at Churchill Downs starts in late April, a week before the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Spring is also the best time to visit Louisville, as bourbon production reaches its peak in the city during this time.
In January, the temperature in Kentuckiana is cold (average high of 43°F) but there are plenty of activities to keep you warm. During this time, the city is full of festivals, including NuLu Bock Fest, which celebrates Louisville’s German heritage. The city also hosts the Tailspin Ale Fest, Louisville’s signature craft beer festival, which includes goat races and live music. The city is also a big college basketball town, and bars are packed during March Madness.
How to Get Around
You’ll want to know how to get around Louisville if you’re visiting this Kentucky city. You’ll find numerous options for public transportation, including Uber and Lyft. Alternatively, you can use the public transit system, which is easy to use and has a comprehensive schedule. You can also use the city’s online transportation portal to plan your trip.
Downtown Louisville is laid out in a grid system, with streets running north-south and east-west. Fourth Street, near the Galt House, crosses Main and Market Streets and intersects with Muhammad Ali Boulevard. Other streets in this area include Second, Brook, Preston, and Floyd. Getting around the city by car can be a hassle, so be sure to bring along a map and plan your trip in advance.
There are many public transportation options in Louisville, including shuttle buses and cabs. If you don’t want to rent a car, you can use Moovit, a free ride-sharing app that connects drivers and passengers with their destination. The app also gives you live directions to get to your destination and tells you how many stops you have to catch. If you can’t find a public transit route in Louisville, you can communicate with other users to arrange carpools.
Best Restaurants
Louisville is a city that prides itself on its independent businesses and restaurants. Many of these places are known for their creativity and ingenuity. The city has even been the setting for several major motion pictures, such as Goldfinger and The Insider. And it’s not just restaurants that make Louisville a unique place to visit.
One of the best restaurants in Louisville is Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. The menu features traditional and contemporary American fare. It’s a little expensive, but the service is impeccable. The food features Kentucky-inspired recipes and is complemented by live music. You can also try Japanese wagyu filet and sushi bar fare. You can even try the Ruby roll.
Another great place to dine in Louisville is Jack Fry’s Restaurant, which specializes in contemporary American fare. The menu changes regularly, incorporating seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s signature dessert is the Chocolate Striptease, which is finished with flaming Bacardi 151 rum.
Things to Do
There are several things to do in Louisville, Kentucky. First, you can visit the Louisville Zoo, which is an incredible place to see animals in their natural habitat. There are two miles of trails to explore, a butterfly garden, and a bird blind. The Zoo is open six days a week and is one of the most visited attractions in the city. In addition, the Louisville Mega Cavern is located nearby.
Another popular activity in Louisville is to take the trolley. For only $10, you can tour downtown Louisville while enjoying food, music, and games. You can also try your hand at ax-throwing, VR, and rage rooms. Another recent attraction in Louisville is the OVRDRIVE entertainment complex, which has an indoor racing track, motion simulators, and virtual reality experiences.
While you’re in Louisville, don’t miss out on the Muhammad Ali Museum. This world-renowned museum is a must-see for any Muhammad Ali fan. This famous former boxer was born in Louisville, and he became a three-time World Heavyweight Champion. He later converted to Islam, which gave him his new name, Muhammad Ali.
Neighborhoods to Know
The historic neighborhoods of Louisville are packed with culture and history. You can find Victorian mansions and renovated meatpacking warehouses here, as well as great food and nightlife. These neighborhoods also feature several travel-worthy breweries and interesting shops. The best part of Louisville’s downtown is that it’s easy to get around on foot.
The oldest neighborhood, Butchertown, is experiencing a renaissance. The neighborhood is home to Bourbon Country’s only brandy distillery, Copper & Kings. Visit the rooftop tasting room for a spectacular view of downtown Louisville. Another interesting attraction in Butchertown is Vernon Lanes, one of the oldest operating bowling alleys in the country. You can also enjoy Vietnamese cuisine in the neighborhood at the Vietnamese Kitchen and Annie’s Cafe.
While visiting Louisville, be sure to explore all neighborhoods. The GoToLouisville website has a comprehensive guide to all the neighborhoods. Some of the most interesting places to visit in Louisville include the downtown skyline and Slugger Field. Other attractions include the Waterfront, where you can find many bridges and the historic steamboat town of West Main Street.
Weather
Weather in Louisville varies from month to month, but there are some common patterns you should be aware of. The hot season starts around June 15 and ends around November 6. The hottest month in Louisville is July, with an average high temperature of 87°F. Conversely, the coldest month is January, with an average high temperature of 52°F and the lowest is July, with an average high temperature of 7.6°F.
The growing season in Louisville lasts about seven months, or two hundred and seventy-seven days. It rarely begins before March 14 and ends after April 20. Similarly, the growing season does not end before October 19 and does not end before November 24. The average wind speed in Louisville varies by hour but is at least 17% higher on November 14 than it is on July 13.
The climate data for Louisville is based on historical hourly observations. The figure above shows the average temperature during January since 2010. The axis indicates average temperatures and shaded overlays indicate nighttime and civil twilight. You can also view the average temperature in Louisville compared to other cities.
