10 Places to Visit in Louisville

Louisville is known as the home of a particularly important cream-of-the-crop horse race that draws thousands of visitors to the city each year. While the race itself might only last two minutes, there’s no shortage of things to do and sights to see while you’re in town. Check out some must-visit places in the vibrant city of Louisville.

Boasting 350,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space, Fourth Street Live! Is an attraction that has something for everybody and then some. Enticing shops, dining, bars, and activities make this an excellent place to start or end your day.

Family-friendly options are also plentiful here, so it’s a great place to visit if you want to entertain the youngsters.

Where: 411 S 4th St STE 180, Louisville, KY 40202

A little less family-friendly, but arguably a whole lot more fun, Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar delivers on cocktails, beer, and some of the best food in the city. A lively yet upscale environment ensures that you can enjoy a post-race drink and meal in style.

Pro Tip: Split up your order to make sure you get some of their famous barbecue and a few items off the raw bar menu.

Where: 127 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40207

A modern brewpub filled with handmade woodwork, HopCat is the place to get your beer fix in Louisville. Offering a massive list that features everything from go-to IPAs to out-there Lambic options, HopCat is a great spot for brunch, lunch, dinner, and evening drinks.

You should also check out the Crack Fries – locals are literally (okay, not literally) addicted to them.

Where: 1064 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204

Louisville may not be known around the world for their craft beer scene, but Gravely Brewing is trying to change that. Offering house-made options in a comfortable setting, Gravely Brewing has quickly become a staple of the Phoenix Hill neighborhood.

Come in for a pint and leave with a new respect for Louisville’s burgeoning brewing tradition.

Where: 514 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204

As the oldest and largest museum in the state of Kentucky, the Speed Art Museum is a modern space showcasing everything from traditional African Art to modern sculpture installations commissioned just for their space. Live music and film events can also make a trip to the Speed more exciting if you’re in town on a Friday or Saturday night.

Where: 2035 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40208

If shopping is more your speed , the Oxmoor Center can help you spend every penny in your checking account. A traditional indoor mall full of designer brands and everyday classics, this is an excellent place to get out of the sun or pick up some much needed new clothing while you’re away from home.

Don’t forget to grab a pretzel on your way out!

Where: 7900 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40222

Horse racing might be the main attraction of Kentucky, but if you’ve ever played little league or intramural softball, there’s a good chance you’ve held a bat made in the great state at least once. At the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, you can check out a little bit of baseball history as part of a museum row tour.

You can even pick up a personalized bat as a souvenir for a budding big leaguer in your family.

Where: 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

Bourbon cocktails, chicken and waffles, and a comfortable spot in the shade. What more could you want from a Louisville bar and eatery? While The Silver Dollar adds a touch of southern charm and, the relaxed atmosphere might be just what you need after a couple (dozen) mint juleps over race weekend.

Where: 1761 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206

Self-described as a shotgun shack, Tin Roof Louisville isn’t a place to celebrate with 1,000 of your closest friends. It is an awesome place to dig into some creative takes on classic American dishes and hear live music until 3am most nights of the week though.

Where: 3921 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40207

An upscale steakhouse with a white tablecloth vibe, Jeff Ruby’s is your spot to celebrate after a major racetrack win. Be careful with the surf and turf and off-the-charts amazing wine list or you won’t have any money to take back home.

The big race might be the attraction on May 5, but you can also place your bets on some of these Louisville hot spots while you’re in town.Hit the town and check out these top spots once the winner is crowned.