Northern Kentucky

Travel Guide

Belle of Louisville showing a sunset, a ferry and a river or creek
Belle of Louisville which includes a bay or harbour, a ferry and a bridge
Muhammad Ali Center showing night scenes and modern architecture
Louisville which includes signage
Newport showing signage
Encounter Kentucky’s most famous cultural exports, from legendary horse racing to fiery liquor, in the fun-filled northern reaches of the state.

Northern Kentucky is synonymous with horse racing and bourbon, making it one of the most popular regions in the “Bluegrass State.” Join in the riotous festivities of the Kentucky Derby and tour numerous distilleries for a true Northern Kentucky experience. Beyond its celebrated attractions, the region also offers fascinating historical sites and lively arts venues.

Marvel at the mammoth fossils in Big Bone Lick State Historic Site for a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. Northern Kentucky also featured in America’s major wars. Tour Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park to learn about its role in the War of Independence. Follow the Lincoln Heritage Trail to learn about the great Civil War president. Augusta, on the Ohio border, features heritage sites related to African-American history and the Underground Railroad.

Lexington, styled as the “Horse Capital of the World,” is surrounded by fields where thoroughbreds live. Meet race-winning champions at the Kentucky Horse Park, which you can tour in a horse-drawn carriage.

For the ultimate equine experience, head to Churchill Downs in May for the Kentucky Derby. Enjoy a festival atmosphere that includes fireworks and balloon racing. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn more about this historic competition.

Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to visit the best distilleries in the state. Charming Bardstown is known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” and is also one of the most picturesque towns in the nation. Discover how the popular drink is made in the informative Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center.

Experience the arts and culture scene in Northern Kentucky. The Kentucky Artisan Center in creative Berea celebrates the work of local craftspeople, while Louisville’s Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts is a popular venue for ballet, opera and orchestral performances.

Louisville International Airport and Blue Grass Airport in Lexington both offer direct daily flights to other destinations around the U.S. Northern Kentucky’s museums and distilleries are open throughout the year. Come during the first weekend in May for Derby Day in Louisville.

Where to stay in Northern Kentucky

Louisville showing street scenes and signage as well as a small group of people

Downtown Louisville

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Downtown Louisville is beloved for its fantastic nightlife. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Whiskey Row and KFC Yum Center.

Downtown Louisville
Lexington featuring farmland and tranquil scenes

Downtown Lexington

While visiting Downtown Lexington, you might make a stop by sights like Lexington Opera House and Rupp Arena.

Downtown Lexington
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Fairgrounds

While visiting Fairgrounds, you might make a stop by sights like Freedom Hall and Kentucky Kingdom.

Fairgrounds
Louisville Science Center which includes outdoor art

West Main Historic District

A noteworthy feature of West Main Historic District is its fantastic nightlife. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Frazier International History Museum and Louisville Slugger Museum.

West Main Historic District
Conrad Caldwell House showing signage and heritage elements

Old Louisville

3/5(2 area reviews)

Old Louisville is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Conrad-Caldwell House Museum and Louisville Auto Museum while in the area.

Old Louisville
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Jeffersontown

Jeffersontown is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Bluegrass Indoor Karting and Jeffersontown Commons Shopping Center while you're in town.

Jeffersontown
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
3.5 out of 5
668 W 5th St, Covington, KY
The price is €96 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€96
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Covington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7/10 Good! (1,881 reviews)
"Our room wasn’t ready so they upgraded us for free with complimentary drinks and breakfast! Amazing customer service"

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2025

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
Radisson Hotel Louisville North
Radisson Hotel Louisville North
3 out of 5
505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, IN
The price is €60 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€60
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Clarksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall ...
6.8/10 (1,938 reviews)
"Bar and food options"

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2025

Radisson Hotel Louisville North
Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
4 out of 5
140 North Fourth Street, Louisville, KY
The price is €173 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
€173
includes taxes & fees
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,365 reviews)
"Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2025

Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
3.5 out of 5
2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Slade. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,517 reviews)
Nice short getaway to Natural Bridge State Park
"The lodge rooms appear to have been recently updated. Clean and comfortable. Nice private balcony. Friendly staff and good service in restaurant."

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2025

Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Hancock House
Hancock House
3 out of 5
601 East Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions KFC Yum Center and Fourth Street ...
8/10 Very Good! (216 reviews)
"Came into town for a concert at the Yum Center. The hotel isn’t close enough to walk but we did Lyfts there and back and it worked out really well. The room was very clean and the bed was comfy. The only draw back was the heat/air unit hummed, it didn’t bother me one bit, but my husband mentioned ..."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2025

Hancock House
Secluded Cabin with a private waterfall at Spirit Lake and internet
Secluded Cabin with a private waterfall at Spirit Lake and internet
Rogers
Stay at this cabin in Rogers. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Natural Bridge State Park and Muir Valley are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
Lovely Cabin in the Woods
"This was a delightful stay. The area with the cabin is rustic. I recommend 4 wheel or all wheel drive. The views are amazing. You do get your own waterfall! The cabin was clean and appropriately furnished. It's a short drive to local attractions and great hiking. The hosts communicated well, but ..."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Secluded Cabin with a private waterfall at Spirit Lake and internet
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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