Louisville, Kentucky may not be the first destination that comes to mind as you’re planning a weekend getaway, but it’s a super underrated city that deserves your consideration. Located on the Ohio River, right along the Indiana border, Louisville is a small but vibrant town with lots to offer.
Louisville is perhaps best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, a famous horse race. The city is also notable for being home to the factory where baseball bats for Major League teams are manufactured. All in all, Louisville is a beautiful city that is perfect for a 3-day visit. Here’s exactly how to spend one weekend in Louisville!
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How do I get to Louisville?
One of the easiest ways to get to Louisville is by air. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, named after the legendary boxer and Louisville native, is a convenient option for getting to Louisville. The airport hosts almost 100 daily flights from a number of major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Denver, and New York City. It’s also common to drive to Louisville, as the city is just a few hours away from Nashville, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.
A car is recommended for your visit to Louisville, as the city is a bit spread out. Louisville does offer an extensive public transportation system, known as TARC, that services the Greater Louisville Region. Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services are also popular in Louisville, and you should have no issue finding a ride if needed.
Tip! If renting a car, be sure to check out the Discover Cars Search Engine for the best deals in Loisville!
What is the best time to visit Louisville?
The best time of year to visit Louisville is spring or fall. Both seasons provide mild temperatures that make it comfortable to explore the city and enjoy its various outdoor activities. Summer can get uncomfortably hot in Louisville, and winter is known for being quite cold and windy.
Perhaps the most popular event that Louisville hosts is the Kentucky Derby, which takes place annually in the month of May. If you plan to visit during this month, be prepared for a large influx of crowds and tourists virtually everywhere you go.
Throughout the year, the city does host a number of music festivals, art shows, and events that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Where should I stay in Louisville?
Downtown is the ideal place to stay on your trip to Louisville, especially if you’ll be visiting for the first time. Although Louisville is not the most pedestrian-friendly city, downtown is one of the more walkable areas. There are also plenty of dining and shopping options, as well as some of the city’s most popular activities, in downtown Louisville, making it a great home base for your trip.
Cambria Hotel Louisville Downtown-Whiskey Row is an excellent, budget-friendly option located in the heart of downtown Louisville. A more luxurious option is 21c Museum Hotel Louisville, an upscale hotel that’s also in a great location. Louisville Bourbon Inn is a unique B&B option in Old Louisville where you’ll find yourself just 2 miles from Churchill Downs.
Sample 3-Day Louisville Itinerary:
There are so many fun things to see and do in Louisville! Here’s a jam-packed 3-day Louisville itinerary!
Day 1 in Louisville:
Morning
A great way to kick off your Louisville trip is by enjoying some of the city’s natural beauty at Harrods Creek Park. Harrods Creek Park consists of over 100 acres of land where you can hike, kayak, canoe, or go fishing. The park is technically located in the town of Prospect which is less than a half-hour outside of Louisville, making it a super easy day trip.
Harrods Creek Park is a beautiful area that provides a relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy the local flora and fauna. As you hike the trails or hit the river, you’ll likely forget you’re just a short drive from bustling Louisville!
Afternoon
After doing some hiking or boating, it’s time to venture onto another kind of trail: the Urban Bourbon Trail. Kentucky is known for being a major hub of bourbon production, and Louisville is a great place to learn more about this liquor.
The Urban Bourbon Trail highlights some of the best bars and restaurants in Louisville, and you can earn yourself a t-shirt to commemorate the trail by visiting six of the participating locations. Be sure to try an Old Fashioned on your adventures, as it’s considered the official drink of Louisville!
Evening
End your first day in Louisville with a visit to Logan Street Market, a large food hall and farmer’s market. Logan Street Market is a massive spot where locals and tourists alike gather to eat, drink, and socialize. Logan Street Market is home to a wide variety of vendors serving up all kinds of fare, from Southern to Asian and French.
Whatever your dietary preferences or needs may be, Logan Street Market is sure to have something for everyone to enjoy. The market also hosts events, such as live music and performances, for visitors to enjoy.
Traveling to Louisville with your pup? Check out this Dog-friendly Guide to Louisville to help with planning!
Day 2 in Louisville:
Morning
It wouldn’t be a proper trip to Louisville without enjoying some Southern food, and Biscuit Belly is the perfect place to grab some mouthwatering classics. Of course, Biscuit Belly is probably best known for its biscuit creations, including their signature Gravy Train dish where you sample three different gravies with a basket of miniature biscuits.
This isn’t your run of the mill biscuit establishment, however: they have a huge variety of biscuit sandwich options with unique toppings ranging from fried green tomatoes to brie and brisket. They also offer other breakfast staples, like pancakes and breakfast platters, if biscuits aren’t your thing.
Afternoon
One of the best ways to walk off a massive, delicious breakfast is with a visit to the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is a beautiful Victorian home that was converted to a museum in the 1980s. The home, which was first built in the 1800s, has a rich history, and you’ll learn all about the architecture of the home, its former residents, and the city of Louisville during your visit.
You can experience Conrad-Caldwell House Museum through a self-guided or staff-guided tour, and ticket prices are $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and military, and $9 for students.
Evening
To close out day two of your Louisville trip, head over to Waterfront Park to catch some great views of the sunset. Waterfront Park is located right along the Ohio River in the heart of Louisville. The park is a popular destination for walking, biking, picnicking, and also features a number of monuments and public art displays.
Big Four Bridge, which connects Kentucky to Indiana, can also be found in Waterfront Park. The park is a true urban oasis, offering a sense of peace and quiet among the hustle and bustle of Louisville. You’ll often find families, couples, and solo visitors congregating in the park to enjoy the beautiful views of the sunset.
Day 3 in Louisville:
Morning
Kick-off day three of your Louisville trip with some shopping at the city’s best antique stores. Antique markets are fairly common throughout the city, and you’re sure to find some unique items on your search. Many of the antiques reflect the local history of Louisville and its changing culture over the decades.
Whether you’re on the hunt for furniture, vinyl records, or just prefer to browse for fun, Louisville’s antique stores are a great way to acquaint yourself with the city and potentially discover some hidden treasures. Fleur de Flea is one of the most well-known stores in the area, as well as Louisville Antique Market.
Afternoon
One of the most popular Louisville destinations that’s well worth a visit is the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Tour the factory where the famous Louisville Slugger bats have been manufactured since the 1800s, and learn about the historical impact of these bats on the sport by touring the museum.
The building is even complete with a giant baseball bat that sits at the front entrance! Tickets are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors 60+, and $11 for kids 6-12 (admission is free for children 5 and under).
Evening
For your last night in Louisville, take a stroll down Frankfort Avenue. Frankfort Avenue, also known as simply “the Avenue” by locals, is a charming and historic street that connects several of Louisville’s distinct neighborhoods.
Along the Avenue you’ll find a wide variety of shops, cafes, art galleries, bars, and restaurants. Frankfort Avenue is an excellent place to wander around and explore at a leisurely pace. Many of the stores contain goods handcrafted by local artisans where you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, and there are plenty of dining options once you’ve worked up an appetite.
Other things to do in Louisville:
- Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn all about the legendary horse race (there are a variety of tour options but one of the most popular, the Historic Walking Tour, is $17 per person and appropriate for all ages)
- Enjoy some food and drinks at one of several speakeasies in town – Hell or High Water is one of the most popular (reservations are required so plan accordingly)
- Pay your respects to Colonel Harlan Sanders (the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken) and Muhammad Ali by visiting their graves at the beautiful Cave Hill Cemetery
- Visit the Muhammad Ali Center with this skip-the-line ticket!
- Take a spooky ghost tour around the city!
- Check out the street art and murals with this (competitive) self-guided scavenger hunt.
Other tips to know before visiting Louisville:
Make sure to enjoy a Hot Brown on your trip to Louisville! A Hot Brown is considered the signature dish of Louisville and consists of an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and cheese, smothered in a creamy sauce. The sandwich was first served in 1926 at the Brown Hotel in Louisville.
3-day Louisville Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
Use this map to make planning your weekend in Louisville stress-free!
- Day 1: Harrods Creek Park, Urban Bourbon Trail, Logan Street Market
- Day 2: Biscuit Belly, Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, Waterfront Park
- Day 3: Antique Markets, Louisville Slugger Museum, Frankfort Ave.
Keep Reading::: Continue your Kentucky road trip with a weekend trip to Lexington!
One Weekend In Louisville Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Louisville that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Louisville itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Louisville!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Louisville” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
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