Home of the legendary Kentucky Derby, Louisville is a stately city on the banks of the Ohio River. Whether you want to stroll through its historic neighborhoods, hop your way through museums or discover its vibrant food scene, Louisville matches its reputation as Kentucky’s cultural hub.

Things to do

Churchill Downs is the proud host of the annual Kentucky Derby horse race, also known as the “greatest two minutes in sports”. If you’re not visiting over Derby Day, you can still stop by the Kentucky Derby Museum. Inside, you’ll find race track memorabilia, thoroughbred profiles and jockey silks.

Louisville serves up an inspired food scene with a myriad of artisan cafes, trendy bars and farm-to-table restaurants. No trip is complete without sipping on a dram of Kentucky bourbon. Proof is one of the best places to sample American whiskey, pouring everything from barrel-aged reserves to bourbon cocktails.

Love sport? Visit the Muhammad Ali Centre, which in addition to celebrating Ali’s legendary moments in the ring, also spotlights his role as an African-American activist, Vietnam War protester and Parkinson's Disease spokesperson.

Known for its historic “shotgun” houses, Germantown is one of Louisville’s oldest neighborhoods. It’s also one of its hippest areas, with a smorgasbord of bars and eateries to explore. Don’t miss Check’s Café, a local staple that’s been serving up comfort food since the 1940s.

Getting around

Louisville has a network of local buses, with most departing from the historic Union Station depot. Free electric buses also service the downtown area, which can also be explored on foot. From the city center, the drive to Louisville International Airport takes around 20 minutes.