We’ve long sung the praises of Louisville. Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville is home to over 633,000 residents and some of the most historic neighborhoods and iconic architecture and attractions in the state. 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 Louisville, Kentucky:
Boasting a stunning skyline and dazzling riverfront, there’s no place quite like Louisville, Kentucky. The largest city in Kentucky, Louisville has a decidedly small-town, Southern sensibility, warmly welcoming all who visit.
Louisville Tourism/Facebook
In fact, the city’s Big Four Bridge is a metaphorical “Welcome to Louisville” sign. 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 Tourism/Facebook Big Four Pedestrian Bridge, Louisville, KY, USA
Derby City attracts scores of folks for the annual Kentucky Derby each May; in 2022, 147,000 people attended the only-in-Kentucky event.
Louisville Tourism/Facebook
There are so many reasons to visit Louisville the other 51 weeks of the year, however. 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.
Waterfront Park/Facebook Waterfront Park, 129 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
In terms of views, nothing beats the skyline vistas afforded from Waterfront Botanical Gardens, a 23-acre botanical garden built, if you can believe it, at the site of a former dump!
Waterfront Botanical Gardens Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USAWaterfront Botanical Gardens
World-class attractions abound in Louisville, adding yet another reason to play tourist in this KY town. From the Kentucky Derby Museum and Muhammad Ali Center to the Louisville Mega Cavern and Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, you certainly won’t run out of things to do in this city.
Louisville Tourism/Facebook
This “little big” town is big on, well, big things, too. The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory opened on Main Street in 1996; the 120-foot-tall baseball bat weighs 34 tons and is made of hollow carbon steel, making it the world’s largest.
Louisville Tourism/Facebook (There’s also a massive and record-breaking baseball glove at this museum, too!) Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
In terms of dining and accommodations, there’s one place that offers both: The Brown Hotel. Known for its amazing gilded architecture, luxurious suites, and iconic restaurant, this legendary landmark is a place that belongs on every Kentuckian’s bucket list.
The Brown Hotel/Facebook The Brown Hotel, 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
It’s difficult to sum up such a marvelous city in just a few hundred words. These are just a few of the reasons we adore Louisville, Kentucky, and think you ought to make it your next vacation destination!
Louisville Tourism/Facebook
When was the last time you paid a visit to Louisville, Kentucky? We highly recommend playing tourist in this charming “little big” town, no matter where in Kentucky (or the U.S.) you live.
Louisville Tourism/Facebook
Big Four Pedestrian Bridge, Louisville, KY, USA
Waterfront Park/Facebook
Waterfront Park, 129 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USAWaterfront Botanical Gardens
(There’s also a massive and record-breaking baseball glove at this museum, too!)
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
The Brown Hotel/Facebook
The Brown Hotel, 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Address: Louisville, KY, USA
