The 148th Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 7.
Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, there is much to see and do in this fascinating city at the crossroads of the South and Midwest.
If you’re heading to town for Derby Day, the Kentucky Derby Festival in the spring, or planning a trip to River City in the near future, there are a few things to check out while you’re in town.
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And a note to travelers during Derby season: It’s not just race day that has all the excitement. The month-long celebration leading up to the Kentucky Derby (the Kentucky Derby Festival) has a slew of great events like the Pegasus Parade, Thunder Over Louisville fireworks display, and the Great Steamboat Race.
Call the venues or check the website for availability when you’re in town on the big day.
The 148th Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 7. Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, there is much to see and do in this enchanting city at the crossroads of the South and Midwest. (Louisville tourism)
Restaurants
For a smaller city, Louisville is bustling with many types of restaurants, from bustling Cuban haunts to classic barbecue joints.
Against The Grain Brewery & Smokehouse
For good food at Slugger Field, head to this cheerful eatery with lots of TVs and great barbecue. Craft beer aficionados will love the sizeable brew list. Whatever you do, don’t miss the mac and beer cheese.
J. Graham’s Café or the lobby bar at The Brown Hotel
Don’t skip town without ordering one of the city’s famous Hot Brown sandwiches. A place to order one is at The Brown Hotel. A Derby City staple invented at this hotel in 1926, this sandwich features roasted turkey breast, toast points, Mornay sauce, Pecorino-Romano cheese, bacon, and tomato.
Wagner’s Pharmacy
Located across the road from Churchill Downs, this beloved greasy spoon has been serving breakfast and lunch since 1922. PS You may very well run into a horse trainer or jockey while staying here.
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La Bodeguita
This chic Cuban restaurant in the bustling NuLu neighborhood teleports you to Havana with huge platters of hits like tostones, arroz con pollo (chicken and yellow rice), and salmon marinated in guava. Sister restaurant Guacamole recently opened just down the street.
Hip-hop candy store
Are you a sweet tooth? This bakery has delectable cookies, hot chocolate and milkshakes. Be sure to try the popping banana pudding and “foxxy” brownies in Oreo, plain, or turtle flavors.
Ghosts
Kentucky is known for its bourbon heritage. Here are three choices for where to raise a glass. If you really love your bourbon, check out the Urban Bourbon Trail, where every restaurant on the route sells at least 60 varieties of bourbon. You check in at least six locations to win a prize.
The envy of the angel
Enjoy a distillery tour in the center of Louisville’s Bourbon District at this much-loved distiller. Don’t miss the gift shop to take home some liquor and presents for those back home.
The envy of the angel (Louisville tourism)
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North of Bourbon
Opening in 2021 in Louisville’s historic Germantown neighborhood, this bourbon bar is a tip for the link between New Orleans and Louisville. If you want to chase your drink with some great food, grab a bourbon barrel-shaped booth and feast on Louisiana and Mississippi cuisine.
Black Jockey’s Lounge
Grab dinner or drinks at this spot that pays homage to the black jockeys who dominated the Kentucky Derby. It’s located on historic South 4th Street, so walk off those wings and “first call” bleu cheese coleslaw with a postprandial stroll.
Whooper Swan
“For the thirsty and curious,” this establishment is tucked inside The Grady Hotel, one of Louisville’s recently reordered 1883 buildings. In its past life, the building was occupied by JB Wilder – the owner of a pharmacy and bourbon distillery in the basement of the building, where diners and drinkers can now enjoy delectable cocktails and Southern dishes.
The Mocktail Project
If you’re not much of a drinker but still want to take part in the city’s festivities, check out this local initiative for alcohol-free fun.
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Culture and Attractions
Kentucky Derby Museum
Come for the races, stay for the history and tradition. Visit this unique location brimming with memories of the most famous horse races. You can also combine your ticket with a tour of Churchill Downs.
The Kentucky Derby Museum (Louisville tourism)
Old Louisville Walking Tour
Talented guides lead you through Old Louisville with its beautifully preserved homes and more than a few friendly ghosts. Fun fact: The neighborhood is home to the largest contiguous collection of Victorian-era mansions in the country, and history buffs are in for a real treat as you learn about the region’s storied past.
Hermitage farm
About a half-hour drive from downtown Louisville in Goshen, Kentucky, this working thoroughbred ranch offers horseback riding, a local and seasonal restaurant (Barn8), and bourbon tastings with retired horses at Barn6.
TRF (Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation) at Chestnut Hall
Head to East Louisville for a tour of the historic ranch, where you’ll see many beautiful horses. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown Louisville, but you feel ages away from city life.
Louisville Mega Cave
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, try underground zip-lining at this 100-acre former man-made mine turned tourist attraction under part of the Louisville Zoo. The world’s only fully underground zipline course is a 2.5-hour expedition you won’t soon forget, taking you through six ziplines and two challenging bridges through part of the cave’s 17-mile (27 km) underground passages.
Where to stay
Hotel Distill
This Autograph Collection hotel is within walking distance of the Big Four Bridge, a six-span former railroad truss-turned-bicycle and pedestrian bridge that crosses the Ohio River and connects Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana, and an adjacent waterfront park. There is also Slugger Field, the Muhammad Ali Center and much more. Located on Whiskey Row, the hotel pays tribute to the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 with a complimentary bourbon cocktail for guests each evening at 7:33 PM military time, and also offers great on-site dining and drinking options.
The Brown Hotel
This luxury property first opened in 1923 and has been hosting Derby Day visitors ever since. The gold-and-black Muhammad Ali Suite, complete with a king-size four-poster bed and marble Jacuzzi tub, is the perfect splurge for a special occasion.
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The Galt House Hotel
The city’s only riverfront hotel is the official host hotel of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. Stroll to Jockey Silks bar for a celebratory drink to start your stay, then relax in rooms with river or city views.
The Holy Goat
Post in an 1843 church redesigned as four individual spaces. There is also a courtyard where you can catch your breath between events. You can book each suite separately or combined for up to 16 people.
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