Your Ultimate Weekend Guide to Louisville, KY

Louisville, Kentucky may be best known for mint juleps and fast horses, but there's a lot more to this city on the Ohio River than Derby Day fanfare. With a deep cultural heritage, roots in bourbon and baseball, and a world-class food scene, Louisville is a weekend destination that has plenty to keep you busy.



If you're looking for a two-day adventure packed with flavors and some Southern style, here's how to make the most of a weekend in Louisville.

Friday Night: Arrive and Acquaint Yourself

Kick off your weekend with a relaxing evening that sets the tone without draining your energy. After checking into your accommodations—more on that later—head downtown for your first taste of Louisville.

Grab dinner at Mussel & Burger Bar, a local favorite with globally inspired burgers and mussel pots that rival anything you'd find on the coast. Still have room for dessert? Walk a few blocks to Louisville Cream, where small-batch ice cream meets big flavors (bourbon smoked pecan, anyone?).

Wrap up the evening with a drink at Hell or High Water, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden behind a bookcase. It's moody, it's mysterious, and the drinks are top-tier. Just don’t tell everyone.

Saturday: Derby, Distilleries & Downtown Exploring

Start your Saturday with breakfast at one of our favorite breakfast spots. After fueling up, it’s time to pay homage to Louisville’s most famous event: the Kentucky Derby. Visit Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum. Even if you’re not a racing aficionado, the history, the hats, and the exhibits are compelling enough to convert you.

Next stop: bourbon. No trip to Louisville is complete without acknowledging its spirited side. Begin your journey at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Whiskey Row. The tour is informative and great for newcomers, and the tasting pours are generous.

Hungry again? Head to Feast BBQ in NuLu (short for New Louisville). The pulled pork is excellent, the brisket has street cred, and the bourbon slushies are a local legend. After lunch, spend some time exploring the NuLu neighborhood. It’s full of eclectic boutiques, galleries, and coffee spots that reflect the city’s historic past.

As the sun sets, make your way to the Big Four Bridge. This pedestrian-only bridge connects Louisville to Indiana and offers sweeping views of the river, skyline, and—if your timing is right—a killer sunset. Bonus: It lights up at night and creates a sight you don’t want to miss.

For dinner, try Jack Fry’s. This place has been around since 1933, and its jazz-filled dining room and elevated Southern menu are ideal for a night out.

Sunday: Ali, Art, And a Slower Pace

Ease into Sunday with a late breakfast at Please & Thank You, a quirky cafe with some of the best chocolate chip cookies in the country. Yes, cookies for breakfast. We’re not here to judge.

Next, take a walk through the Muhammad Ali Center, an inspiring museum that’s 100% worth your time. The exhibits do a stellar job of weaving Ali’s sports legacy with his civil rights work, and you’ll leave with more than a few things to think about.

Before you head out of town, stop by the Speed Art Museum, which combines classic works with contemporary installations in a beautifully modern space. It's the kind of museum that invites you to linger, even if you usually speed-walk through art galleries.

If you still have time for one more bite, stop at Royals Hot Chicken. It's casual, it’s spicy, and it’s an excellent way to close out a weekend of good eating.

Stay at Regina’s Country Livin’ Bed and Breakfast

Now, how about a place to stay? If you’re looking to swap cookie-cutter hotels for a more memorable stay, book a room at Regina’s Country Livin’ Bed and Breakfast. Located just outside the city in a peaceful rural setting, we offer the kind of hospitality that can’t be mass-produced.

With homemade breakfasts, cozy rooms, and a setting that feels like a true escape, it’s the perfect home base for your Louisville adventures.