Things to Do in Louisville
Here are our top picks for things to do in Louisville.
Louisville is a cultural crossroads. It's where Southern hospitality meets big-city amenities. Where the farms of rolling bluegrass hills meet a revitalized downtown on the rolling Ohio River. Where real Civil War stories are told at the site of a Great American Novel. And where horseracing and a heavyweight champion have made Louisville a world-famous sports destination for kings and commoners alike.
Here are our top picks for things to do in Louisville:
1. Bet on Fun

Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau
2. A Home Run for Everyone

James Moses / Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau
3. “The Greatest” Inspires Others

Photolibrary / Getty Images
4. A Miniature March Through History

The Frazier History Museum
(Along with the Ali Center and the Slugger Museum, the Frazier Museum is part of “Museum Row,” 9 cultural attractions along West Main Street—the “Main Ticket” offers discounted prices.)
5. Steam Dreams

Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau
6. Go Wild

Louisville Zoo
7. Lodging: Literary and Luxe

Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Nearby, the more intimate Brown Hotel was built in 1923. With its hand-painted relief ceilings and a gilded marble second floor lobby, you can just picture Al Jolson, Elizabeth Taylor, Jimmy Carter and other celebrity guests socializing here in days past. The English Grill trades “best restaurant” accolades with the Seelbach’s Oakroom, and features the original Louisville sandwich, The Hot Brown.
Check into the 21c Museum Hotel, and then check out its renowned contemporary art (thus the “21st Century” reference). You don’t even need to be a hotel guest to see the collection. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Proof on Main works with regional farmers, showcasing Ohio River Valley culinary artistry alongside the art itself.
Wherever you stay, all 3 of these hotels are stops on…
8. The Urban Bourbon Trail

Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau
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