Where to Stay in Louisville, KY

Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city, has it all—beautiful parks, amazing restaurants, delicious whiskey, the iconic Kentucky Derby, and so much more! If this sounds like your next holiday destination, it’s time to figure out where to stay in Louisville.

To help you decide quickly, I’ve compared all the neighborhoods and picked the 5 best areas to stay. In each, I’ve handpicked top hotels to suit every budget and travel style.

The best spot to stay is Downtown, where you’ll find major attractions, great restaurants, and some of the finest hotels in the city.

Be sure to book your hotel early to secure your spot and possibly snag a great deal. Let’s get started!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Need to book now? Check out this quick list of the best hotels in Louisville, KY, all situated in Downtown:

Here’s a map of the 5 best neighborhoods in Louisville, KY, that I’ll be talking about in this post:

1. Downtown – where to stay in Louisville for the first time

Downtown Louisville is a vibrant and lively neighborhood situated on the banks of the Ohio River. The Downtown area is the Louisville city center, and it’s home to many museums, event venues, restaurants, and hotels, making this the best place to stay in Louisville, KY, on your first visit to the city. 

Seeing as Downtown Louisville has so much to offer, you may be wondering where to start. Well, I suggest you start by visiting some museums! Head to the famous Museum Row Street, i.e., West Main Street (map), and decide which museums you want to see. 

I think you should definitely visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where you’ll learn a lot about the history of baseball bats and Louisville’s role in bat production. Even though it may not sound fun for everyone, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy yourself whether or not you’re an avid baseball fan. 

Other cool museums you should check out are the Kentucky Science Center – fun for both kids and adults – and the Frazier History Museum, which will take you back in time to the most important moments in Kentucky history. 

FUN FACT: The Frazier History Museum is the official starting point for the Bourbon Trail. While walking the Bourbon Trail in Downtown Louisville, you can visit 7 distilleries and try a variety of bourbons – you can get more info here.

When you get your share of science, history, and culture, go on and have some fun. If you just head straight along Main Street from Museum Row, you’ll reach Whiskey Row a one-block entertainment district dotted with bars and urban distilleries. Be sure to check out Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen – it’s one of the best restaurants in Downtown Louisville. 

Some other cool things to check out in Downtown Louisville include the Muhammad Ali Center, a museum celebrating the life and career of the boxing icon, and The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, where you can see a variety of performances: music, dance, theater – you’ll find it all here! 

And if all you want to do is relax and enjoy some nice views, spend your day in Waterfront Park! The park features many walking paths and lawns where you can have a picnic while admiring the views of the river and the Big Four Bridge, which connects Kentucky and Indiana.

TIP: You can walk across the Big Four Bridge and even cross to Indiana! But even if you don’t want to get to the other side, I recommend going for a walk along the bridge – sunset is the best time to go! 

Downtown Louisville is in a central location with great public transport connections, making it the best starting point for visiting any other area in the city. However, if you want to get around the city more quickly and with more freedom of movement, I recommend renting a car. This is true whether you’re staying Downtown or in any other part of Louisville. 

Sounds like the right area to stay in Louisville for your travel needs? Let’s check out the top-rated hotels:

Other options in Downtown Louisville

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Since Downtown Louisville is one of the most popular areas in the city, it offers countless hotels for any taste. So why not give you some more options? Check out these great Downtown Louisville hotels in the luxury and mid-range categories: 

• The Brown Hotel ($$$) – offering a free airport shuttle, on-site parking, and fitness facilities, this 5-star hotel is the ideal place for a luxury stay in Louisville, and the concierge staff can help you with any aspect of your stay
• Galt House Hotel ($$$) – this 4-star hotel features a full-service spa, a rooftop gym, and as many as 6 on-site restaurants. All rooms are modern and spacious, and guests can benefit from room service and access to stores in the lobby
• Aloft Louisville Downtown ($$) – situated directly on Whiskey Row, this hotel has an authentic industrial design, a 24-hour snack shop, and a nice bar where you can relax with a delicious drink
• Cambria Hotel ($$) – some of the top perks of staying at this hotel include a 24-hour front desk, an on-site ATM, and free Wi-Fi. Guests also get access to an indoor pool, 2 restaurants, and a fitness center

There aren’t too many budget hotels in Downtown Louisville, so if you’re traveling on a tight budget, consider staying in one of the other areas recommended in this post. 

Things to do in Downtown Louisville

• Walk along Museum Row and visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
• See the exhibitions at the Kentucky Science Center and the Frazier History Museum
• Check out the bars along Whiskey Row and have dinner at Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen
• Learn more about the boxing legend at the Muhammad Ali Center
• Go on a guided ghost tour along Whiskey Row
• Catch a performance at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts
• Spend a relaxing day at Waterfront Park and admire the views
• Go for a sunset walk along the Big Four Bridge

2. NuLu – the trendiest place to stay in Louisville

NuLu – short for New Louisville – also known as East Market District, is a hip and trendy neighborhood situated a 20-min walk East of Downtown. Even though it’s a smaller neighborhood, NuLu is packed with galleries, cool bars and eaters, and some unique shops, which makes it a magnet for the cool crowds. 

Your first stop during a NuLu stay should be the Rabbit Hole Distillery (map), a craft bourbon distillery where you can learn more about the production process and try some delicious samples.

While in NuLu, you should check out the Louisville Antique Market and get some one-of-a-kind souvenirs, and if you’re up for some physical activity, try your hand (and feet) at Climb NuLu. 

In case you’re still looking for things to do, you can always check out the nearby neighborhood of Butchertown, or even head to Clifton. Both of these neighborhoods are super cool and boast plenty of bars and restaurants, just like NuLu. 

Other accommodation options in NuLu

Things to do in NuLu

• Go on a tour of the Rabbit Hole Distillery and sample some bourbon
• Enjoy a delicious drink and a meal at the Garage Bar
• Have dinner at La Bodeguita De Mima or Guaca Mole Modern Mexican
• Embark on a food and history walking tour of NuLu
• Shop for unique souvenirs at the Louisville Antique Market
• Try rock climbing at Climb NuLu
• Explore the nearby neighborhoods of Butchertown and Clifton

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3. Old Louisville – best area to stay for history lovers

With its many attractions, delicious restaurants, and historic charm, the charming neighborhood of Old Louisville is the best place to stay in Louisville, KY, for anyone interested in history. Situated a short, 5-min drive from Downtown Louisville, the neighborhood’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring more of the city. 

Old Louisville is a perfect representation of the city as one side of the area hosts the largest collection of restored Victorian homes in the US on charming leafy streets, and the other more modern side offers cool parks, shopping options, upscale dining places, and good breweries!

Definitely take some time just to walk the streets and admire the buildings and their architecture. And if you’re more into green spaces, you have to check out Central Park, where you can rest under the tree’s shadows, read a book, have a picnic, or do some jogging if you like to stay active during your travels.

After you leave the park, you should check out The Witches’ Tree (map) (great photo spot!) and the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum!

If you’d like to explore a bit more of your surroundings, the University area is directly South of Old Louisville and hosts the Speed Art Museum, which features both classic and contemporary art. 

From Old Louisville, you can also easily reach Churchill Downs (map) – it’s less than a 10-min drive away. This famous racecourse hosts the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday of every May. So, if you’re in town for the derby, Old Louisville makes a great base – just keep in mind that the good hotels sell out super quickly for this weekend! 

Old Louisville is a very walkable area, so you won’t need to rent a car or take public transport unless you need to go to another neighborhood. Doesn’t it sound like the perfect place? 

Other accommodation options in Old Louisville

Things to do in Old Louisville

• Walk around the neighborhood and admire the well-preserved Victorian architecture
• Spend a relaxing morning in Central Park
• Stop by and snap a photo of The Witches’ Tree
• Visit the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum and the St. James Court Fountain
• Take an Old Louisville ghost tour
• Explore the University area and stop by the Speed Art Museum
• Attend the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

4. The Highlands – where to stay in Louisville with family

The Highlands area of Louisville actually consists of 2 laid-back neighborhoods: the Original Highlands and Cherokee Triangle, which are located about a 10-min drive Southeast of Downtown Louisville. Due to the many green surfaces, eateries, and kid-friendly attractions, these are the best areas to stay in Louisville, KY, on a family trip. 

While you’re staying here, you have to take the kids to Louisville Zoo, where they can meet a variety of different animals and go on fun rides. 

The Cherokee Triangle is another fun neighborhood with impressive architecture, bordered by the large Cherokee Park. The park has many trails where you can go on long, relaxing walks and numerous picnic areas for a nice lunch with the family. 

If you’re staying in the Highlands, I highly recommend renting a car – especially if you’re traveling with young kids. This will give you the freedom to explore other family-friendly attractions, such as the Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park and the Louisville Mega Cavern, a former limestone quarry-turned-amusement park. 

Other accommodation options in the Highlands

Things to do in the Highlands

• Try delicious Southern cuisine at Jack Fry’s
• Have the best breakfast at Big Bad Breakfast
• Spend a fun day at Louisville Zoo
• Pack a picnic and enjoy it in Cherokee Park
• Take the kids to the Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park
• Try ziplining at the Louisville Mega Cavern

5. Louisville East – where to stay on a budget

If you’re looking for a quiet and tranquil place to stay in Louisville that’s also budget-friendly, then Louisville East is the ultimate choice for you. Situated a 15-min drive East of Downtown, this neighborhood is also a great option for those of you who want to escape the tourist crowds and explore at a more leisurely pace. 

Seeing as this is not a touristy area, you won’t find any cultural or historical attractions. Luckily, there are plenty of shopping opportunities – the Mall St. Matthews and the Oxmoor Center are both great places to spend the day, checking out the stores and grabbing a casual meal. 

Even if it lies a bit far from the rest of the city, Louisville East is connected with the most central neighborhoods with very efficient bus transport, and accommodation prices are super affordable… What else do you need?

Other accommodation options in Louisville East

Things to do in Louisville East 

• Do some shopping at Mall St. Matthews or the Oxmoor Center
• Have a nice meal at the Texas Roadhouse or the Mission BBQ
• Relax in St. Matthews Community Park
• Go for a walk at Arthur K Draut Park

FAQs about where to stay in Louisville, KY

📍 What’s the best area to stay in Louisville, KY?

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Where to stay in Louisville, KY, with kids?

The ultimate spot for staying with kids in Louisville is the Highlands, with its many green spaces and attractions like the Louisville Zoo. Here, you can stay in some of the best family-friendly hotels in Louisville, KY, like The Bellwether Hotel and The Myriad Hotel. 

🐶 Which are the best places to stay in Louisville, KY, with a dog?

🏨 What are some unique places to stay in Louisville, KY?

🚶‍♀️Is Louisville, KY, a walkable city?

Yes, Louisville is a very walkable city, especially the Downtown and Old Louisville neighborhoods. However, you can also use public transport to get around the city or alternatively, rent a car. 

⚠️ Is downtown Louisville safe for tourists and residents?

Yes, Downtown Louisville has seen many improvements in safety in recent years, but it’s advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially at night.

📅 How many days do you need in Louisville?

The ideal amount of time to spend in Louisville is 4 to 5 days, during which you can visit some of the best museums Downtown, check out some of the distilleries on the Bourbon Trail, and eat delicious food. 

🤔 Which is better to visit, Louisville or Lexington?

Louisville is the better choice for an urban getaway, while Lexington is smaller and more laid-back, perfect if you’re looking for a spot for a relaxing vacation.

Final words on the best places to stay in Louisville, KY

Congrats! You made it to the end of this guide on where to stay in Louisville! I hope this was helpful and that you’ve already decided where you’ll be staying on your next trip. 

If you’re still undecided, no worries, here are my 2 favorite hotels in Downtown Louisville:

• Omni Louisville Hotel – an upscale hotel featuring 10 restaurants, a pool, and an amazing spa center
• Homewood Suites By Hilton – a comfortable hotel in a central location offering private parking, gym access, and a good breakfast

If you find a hotel you like, don’t let too much time pass before booking. The best hotels in Louisville, Kentucky, sell out months in advance, so you don’t want to risk losing your spot! 

If you have any questions or doubts, please drop them in the comments below, and I will answer them as soon as possible.

Have an amazing holiday,

Hristina 

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