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Things to do in Louisville

Our most recommended things to do in Louisville

Old Louisville: History and Architecture Walking Tour

1. Old Louisville: History and Architecture Walking Tour

In the late 1880s, as the famous Southern Exposition drew hundreds of thousands of visitors to Kentucky's largest city, bourbon barons, racetrack royalty, and titans of tobacco constructed impressive Gilded Age residences. They left a visual legacy of stone and brick mansions and townhomes that run the gamut of Victorian architectural splendor. Italianate, Richardsonian Romanesque, Châteauesque, Queen Anne, Renaissance Revival, Georgian—these are just some of the styles scattered over 40-square blocks just a mile from downtown Louisville.  Join this walking tour through Old Louisville with a professional guide and marvel at more than 1,000 old houses, churches, and buildings of this iconic and beautiful neighborhood. Listen as your guide tells you all about this preserved district and the history of the people who lived there.  Enjoy the tour recommended by The New York Times as a "must" during your time in the city to discover the colorful history of Old Louisville in a very entertaining way.

Louisville: Old Louisville Walking Ghost Tour

2. Louisville: Old Louisville Walking Ghost Tour

If you love old architecture and spooky history, this is the tour for you! The New York Times recommends it as the first thing to do during your time in Louisville. Join a guide for this nightly walk that introduces you to the ghostly past and paranormal hotspots in America’s Most Haunted Neighborhood. Best enjoyed against the backdrop of gas lamps and hidden walking courts, this Louisville-based ghost tour has received awards and accolades from national and international publications. Stroll around and marvel at the old architecture as your guide tells you all about the spooky history of Old Louisville. Discover the fascinating stories behind some of Old Louisville's most famous legends such as the Witches' Tree, the lady in the stairs, the hanging man, and the James Carroll murder house. Hear the stories of supernatural activity and ghost apparitions as your guide tell you the convincing facts around the causes for the haunted houses, haunted church, the haunted street corner, or the haunted park

Louisville: Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour

3. Louisville: Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour

Explore the macabre relationship between sickness, death, and beauty on this eerie walking tour in Louisville. Uncover the grisly side of the Victorian neighborhood of Old Louisville. Feel shivers run up your spine as your guide reveals the haunted history of the city. Meet your guide and embark on you walking adventures. Get goosebumps learn about the ghoul on the First Church of Christ Scientists steps and learn hidden history behind the elegant, Victorian Dupont Mansion. Immerse yourself in the past at the former residence of Russell Houston and hear the legend behind the Witches Tree. Learn about the events that took place at the Women’s Infirmary. Stop by the imposing Conrad-Caldwell House and Listen to a facinating tale by the 19th-century James Court Fountain and learn about the protective entity that resides the Pink Palace. Leave the kids at home with a tour that is tailored to adults.

Louisville Prohibition Ghosts Cocktails & Bites Walking Tour

4. Louisville Prohibition Ghosts Cocktails & Bites Walking Tour

Venture out with us after dark to take a dive into into Louisville’s dark, haunted past. Meet the resident ghosts of Louisville’s historic downtown, trace the footsteps of the bourbon magnates and mobsters who ran this town during Prohibition, discover hidden speakeasies in the belly of Whiskey Row, and taste the story of Louisville through small bites and cocktails. This tour includes beer, cocktails, small bites, and one large dish. We do not recommend you drive yourself since you will have a lot to drink.

Louisville: Conrad-Caldwell House Museum Tour

5. Louisville: Conrad-Caldwell House Museum Tour

Take a self-guided tour or a docent-led tour to step back in time at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, one of the finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in Louisville. See the large collection of the original owner's personal possessions and if taking a docent-led tour, learn the unparalleled stories from the home owner's relatives, and more about the era and the families who once called this castle, home. Surrounded by a beautiful courtyard neighborhood at the center of the largest collection of Victorian homes in the United States, Conrad’s Castle featured the latest innovations of its day - including indoor plumbing and electric lighting. Known for its beautiful woodwork and parquet floors, this Bedford limestone home, featuring massive archways and intricate stone designs, incorporates seven types of hardwood and magnificent stained glass windows making it one of the most stunning homes in Old Louisville. The house has been lovingly restored to the Edwardian era, hosting a collection of items owned by the Conrads and Caldwells as well as many stunning period pieces. The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum stands as a testament to the abundant lifestyle of the owners, two of Louisville’s most prominent businessmen and entrepreneurs - Theophile Conrad and William E. Caldwell.

Louisville Food and History Tour of NuLu

6. Louisville Food and History Tour of NuLu

Visit Louisville's trendy East Market District, known as NuLu, on a guided history & walking tour for foodies. Explore the popular neighborhood, stopping at 6 locations along the way to taste Kentucky classics. Meet your guide in the NuLu District and wander down streets lined with art galleries, eclectic stores, and historic brick buildings decorated with vibrant murals, and learn about the city from your guide. As you make your way through NuLu and neighboring historic Butchertown you'll unravel the history of Louisville, visit a historic home once occupied by Thomas Edison, trace the history of German immigrants, learn about a flood that devastated the city, and more. Make a total of 6 stops along the way to taste the local fare and get to know Louisville through its cuisine. Try bourbon balls, fried chicken, and pulled pork. You'll even get to sample a curious confection inspired by a Victorian-era actress and learn the story behind the sweet treat. And once your tour comes to an end, make the most of discounts at local stores and restaurants and keep exploring on your own.

Louisville: Family Friendly Ghosts Walking Tour

7. Louisville: Family Friendly Ghosts Walking Tour

Discover Louisville's darker history on a spooky yet family friendly guided walking tour of its most haunted places. Visit some of the city's most prominent houses and enchanting landscapes while exploring the hauntings behind each location. Stroll through Old Louisville, admiring its historical architecture and lush botanical elegance. With a variety of different ghost stories to chill the hearts of all ages, the tour encompasses the haunting beauty that can only be found in this part of the city. Continue to see St. James Court Fountain surrounded by a leafy park. Then carry on to see the castle-like Conrad-Caldwell House, built in 1893, featuring striking Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Next, see the three-story Infirmary for Women, which offered medical help to low-income women in the early 20th century. Many of its patients are said to still roam its halls today. Stroll over to the gnarled and twisted Witches' Tree, likely the scariest tree in North America, where practitioners of the dark arts used to meet under the craggy branches to cast spells and exact revenge. See other spooky locations, including the Floral Terrace, the Speed Mansion, and Widmer House on your tour. Leave feeling thoroughly spooked and with a good smattering of Louisville history.

Louisville: Highlands Food and History Guided Walking Tour

8. Louisville: Highlands Food and History Guided Walking Tour

Tree-lined streets. Colorful murals. Eclectic shops. Ornate Victorian homes. And incredible food! The Highlands neighborhood is one of the oldest in Louisville, and has long been one of its most lively and beloved. Built around the vibrant Bardstown Road corridor, the walkable Highlands neighborhood is scenic, quirky, lush, historic, and home to many of Louisville’s best local businesses and restaurants. As you walk along some of Louisville’s oldest and most iconic streets, you’ll taste (and drink) local specialties like biscuits & gravy, beer cheese, and bourbon balls; visit the final resting place of Muhammed Ali and Colonel Sanders; try a dish inspired by the Hot Brown at Muhammed Ali's former boxing gym; learn about a devastating flood and the glory days of Louisville’s 24-hour streetcar; admire opulent Victorian homes, and more.

Louisville: Derby City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour

9. Louisville: Derby City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour

Louisville may be known for Mint Juleps and baseball bats, but the ghosts of the Derby City remember a much darker time. Come explore the horrific and heartbreaking events that shaped Louisville forever — from the days of the slave trade to the Great Flood of 1937. You’ll meet your guide at the River Walk, where ghosts and monsters converge on the Ohio River. From there, you’ll wind through six other historic, haunted locations, including the iconic Louisville Slugger Museum. Find out why the George Rogers Clark statue has an aggressive, vengeful energy. Hunt for the spirits of bourbon and tobacco workers at a former warehouse complex. Hear tales of Native American legends, insane asylums, and the first female riverboat captain. You may even spot the ghost of Babe Ruth. By the time you reach the final stop, you’ll have plenty of reasons to sleep with the lights on. Book a tour today. The spirits are waiting for you.

Louisville: Photoshoot Walking Tour with Pictures

10. Louisville: Photoshoot Walking Tour with Pictures

Discover Louisville in a unique way: on a photoshoot walking tour. Walk through the city having your picture taken, all while learning about the area's history and culture from your professional photographer guide. Choose between a private or a shared group experience and explore Louisville on this walking tour. Pose or look candid for your photographs as you walk through the city's historic downtown area. Pass by a number of famous locations, including the Kentucky International Convention Center, Waterfront Park, the KFC Yum Center, Slugger Field, and more. Choose which locations you prefer to have as the backdrop for your photos. Learn about the city and its sights as you walk between these areas with your photographer guide.

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What people are saying about Louisville

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 75 reviews

Excellent time on a Saturday afternoon. Jeremy is engaging and is very knowledgeable about the area and its history. Food and beverage location choices were well thought out and give a wide spectrum that captures a representation of the food scene in Louisville. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys good food and drink and likes to hear a little story telling along the way. A good way to spend 3 hours on a beautiful fall afternoon.

Friendly your guide and very knowledgeable. Very interesting history of the house and family! Loved it.

Great way to learn about Louisville’s NULU district and enjoy great local food and drink!

very enjoyable. Jeremy was very entertaining and informative. Highly recommend

Guide was very professional and passionate about the history of these weapons