Things to do in

Louisville

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

Pre-book your skip-the-line entry ticket to the multicultural Muhammed Ali Center, an award-winning museum with interactive exhibits. Journey into the heart of a champion, and explore the history, values, and iconic character of this Louisville native. Located in the heart of historic downtown Louisville, the Muhammed Ali Center is inspired by the ideals of this hometown hero and his legendary life. It’s also the only place in the world dedicated to preserving and promoting the heavyweight champion's legacy. During your visit, you will not only see how Ali became the heavyweight world champion and an Olympic-gold-medal winner in boxing, but you’ll also follow the history behind the people's champ and learn about his accomplishments outside the ring. Get inspired by the exhibits and galleries that invite visitors to discover the global humanitarian and cultural icon to reflect upon one’s own values, inner strength, and character. Try out some hands-on boxing fun, such as shadow boxing, or feel the power of an Ali punch on a heavy bag. The interactive and multimedia exhibits reveal Ali’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality. Fueled by these principles, Ali became the best athlete he could be. See firsthand how Ali garnered the strength and courage to stand up for what he believed in and provided inspiration to millions of people around the world, regardless of ethnicity, religion, culture, gender, or age.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy an app-based self-guided outing with a visit to Banff National Park. Travel at your own pace and discover interesting facts about the National Park via your smartphone app. Start by downloading the local provider's app, which functions as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Note: This 2.2+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Banff's Cave and Basin in 1-2 hours. Once downloaded, begin your tour outside the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Get the opportunity to explore the amazing underground hot springs that first put Banff on the map. Then, pay a visit to a free museum documenting the internment camps which operated nearby during the first World War. Begin walking along the easy, gorgeous Marsh Loop Trail. En route, listen to stories about the discovery of Banff’s famous hot springs and the dramatic legal battles that ensued. Learn how the discovery eventually led to the creation of Canada’s first National Park. Hear about an ancient superstition regarding bears which forever changed the way they are referred to by locals. Your walk follows the bank of the Bow River, offering plenty of amazing views as you hear about even more of Banff’s fascinating history. End your adventure by returning to the parking area where you began.

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.

Step into the past on a haunting journey through the heart of downtown Louisville. As the sun sets and the city’s vibrant façade fades, uncover the sinister secrets and chilling tales that lurk behind the historic architecture and storied streets. Led by expert storytellers, this immersive tour delves into the darker chapters of Louisville’s history. Wander through Whiskey Row and along the shores of the murky Ohio River, where the echoes of bygone eras resound with spine-chilling tales of forlorn soldiers, unsolved murders, ruthless bootleggers, and the oppression of marginalized groups. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or someone with a curiosity for the macabre, our Dark History Evening Tour promises an unforgettable journey into the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of Louisville’s charming exterior. Dare to explore the shadows with us.

Your creative, nontraditional scavenger hunt begins at a scenic spot that's a local favorite. You'll get your digital quest from your live and interactive remote host. Then you’ll take off on your own to experience a wide variety of carefully curated locations in town. You'll walk or drive to the various checkpoints as you interpret creative tasks, accept wacky challenges, and get outside your comfort zone! Both family and dog friendly, the game alternates between the indoors and outdoors, with plenty of bonus challenges too! You'll text photos and videos to your remote host, who cheers you on and assists, as you play - to document your progress. You can even interact with the locals to interpret the creative challenges. You won’t be able to avoid having fun, uncovering hidden gems and local secrets, making memories, laughing, and learning along the way! You’ll be part of the rich culture of this dynamic city! Every turn is full of surprises, so questions in advance are welcomed. Check out all 500 of our city hunts! Great for corporate groups, tourists, curious locals, bachelors(ettes), birthdays, families, friend trips, and other special groups! Ask us about our custom-designed experiences and virtual team builders too!

Embark on a digital adventure with Wandering Tours, your guide to exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of your favorite cities. Our digital walking tours offer a unique blend of engaging storytelling, customizable stops, and fascinating facts—all accessible through your smartphone's web browser. With Wandering Tours, there's no need for a physical guide or cumbersome apps. Simply choose your tour, follow the well-chosen route, and immerse yourself in the history and future of the neighborhoods you're exploring. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our tours showcase the best of each city while uncovering stories not found in guidebooks. At Wandering Tours, our passion for exploration drives us to curate unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a curious traveler, a history enthusiast, or simply love to wander, our tours offer something for everyone. So join us on a journey of discovery, where every corner reveals a new story and every step brings you closer to the heart of the city. With Wandering Tours, the world is yours to explore, one neighborhood at a time. How it works: Start straight from your web browser and get reading about the places around you and the untold stories behind them faster. You never know what you might discover. Keep your eyes peeled. At each stop there's a question that reveals our favorite facts - it could reference something around you or something you learned from three stops ago. Then, follow the written directions to help you navigate to your next stop. If at any point you get turned around, click the link and let your favorite Maps app take you there with turn by turn GPS directions.