We’ve long sung the praises of visiting Louisville, Kentucky. As the largest city in the Bluegrass State, Louisville is home to over 633,000 residents and some of the most historic neighborhoods and iconic architecture and attractions you’ll find anywhere. It has a dazzling riverfront, vibrant business (and bourbon!) districts, and some of the loveliest parks in Kentucky. We love this town, and we’re not the only ones who do. Louisville was one of only 12 U.S. destinations on The New York Times list of “52 Places to Go in 2023” — and indeed, here’s why you need to visit!

Boasting a stunning skyline and dazzling riverfront, there's no place quite like Louisville, Kentucky.
Louisville Tourism/Facebook
The largest city in Kentucky, Louisville has a decidedly small town, Southern sensibility vibe that we really feels warmly welcomes all who visit.
There is even a metaphorical "Welcome to Louisville" sign.
Louisville Tourism/Facebook
And that is the city's Big Four Bridge. A proud and inextricable part of the Louisville skyline, it was constructed in 1895 as a railroad bridge for freight and passengers traveling between Louisville and Southern Indiana. Today, the Big Four Bridge is a proud beacon welcoming all to Derby City.
Louisville is called Derby City because of its signature annual event - the Kentucky Derby.
Louisville Tourism/Facebook
The Kentucky Derby attracts an estimated over 147,000 people each May from all over the country. It is just one of the many wonderful things to do in Louisville.
There are so many reasons to visit Louisville the other 51 weeks of the year, however.
Waterfront Park/Facebook
During the summer, Waterfront Park is the Bluegrass State's very own Central Park, hosting community events in its lovely green space at the water's edge.

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In terms of views, nothing beats the skyline vistas afforded from the Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Waterfront Botanical Gardens, is a 23-acre botanical garden built, if you can believe it, at the site of a former dump! Now we think that is what you call the best of "repurposing."
World-class attractions abound in Louisville, adding yet another reason to play tourist in this Bluegrass State town.
Louisville Tourism/Facebook
From the Kentucky Derby Museum and Muhammad Ali Center (which we can tell you are, unfortunately, among the most underrated attractions in town} to the Louisville Mega Cavern, and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, you certainly won't run out of things to do in this city.
This "little big" town is big on, well, big things, too.
Louisville Tourism/Facebook
Case in point is the The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Opened on Main Street in 1996, it features a 120-foot-tall baseball bat weighing 34 tons and made of hollow carbon steel, making it the world's largest. There's also a massive and record-breaking baseball glove at this museum, too!
In terms of excellent dining and upscale accommodations, there's one place that offers both...
The Brown Hotel, 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
The Brown Hotel/Facebook
...The Brown Hotel. Known for its amazing gilded architecture, luxurious suites, and an iconic restaurant, this legendary landmark is a place that belongs on every Kentuckian's bucket list. When you enter the lobby you're sure to have a jaw-dropping experience just like us!
It's difficult to sum up such a marvelous city in just a few hundred words.
Louisville Tourism/Facebook
Nevertheless, these are just a few of the reasons we adore Louisville, Kentucky, and think you ought to make it your next vacation destination!

We highly recommend playing tourist in this charming “little big” town, no matter where in Kentucky (or the U.S.) you live!

Have you ever paid a visit to Louisville, Kentucky? If so, what were your favorite places? Do you have other wonderful reasons to visit Louisville to share? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

For outdoor enthusiasts, be sure to read The Swimming Hole Near Louisville That Will Make Your Summer Epic.

If you want to stay a night or two, we highly suggest the Aloft Louisville East.

Looking for more Kentucky adventures? Then take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More Kentucky Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | September 14, 2023

Where can we find waterfall hikes in Kentucky?

  • The Flat Lick Falls Trail just outside of McKee is a short, family-friendly, and easily accessible trail.
  • The Tioga Falls Trail on the property of Fort Knox leads to one of the most spectacular falls in Kentucky.
  • The Bark Camp Trail in Whitley County is a beautiful, remote, and somewhat challenging trail offering spectacular views.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful waterfall hikes in Kentucky.

Where can we go bargain hunting in Kentucky?

  • T New Life Thrift in Owensboro sells all sorts of good bargain items in great condition at reduced pricing.
  • he Flea to the Farm Barn Market in Augusta is an annual fall event that brings folks from all over the state.
  • The Awesome Flea Market in Shepherdsville is a year-round market with hundreds of both indoor and outdoor vendors.

Read on to embark upon this fun bargain hunting in Kentucky road trip.

Where can we go camping in Kentucky?

  • Renfro Valley KOA Holiday in Mt. Vernon is the best kid-friendly campground in the state.
  • Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mammoth Cave is a themed campground with traditional camping sites, an inflatable water park on the lake, and lots of other activities.
  • Nolin Lake State Park in Mammoth Cave features RV, tent, and beach spots right on the lake.

Read on to learn more about the many places to go camping in Kentucky.

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