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

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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Jeffersontown

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

Jeffersontown
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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
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St. Matthews

St. Matthews is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mall St. Matthews and Saint Matthews Pavilion Shopping Center.

St. Matthews
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 4 May to 5 May
€96
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
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! (1,917 reviews)
"I just like staying here ,been staying since 1997."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
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 €162 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€162
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 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! (3,333 reviews)
"Always an enjoyable stay at the Galt house."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG
3.5 out of 5
830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY
The price is €87 per night from 19 May to 20 May
€87
includes taxes & fees
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (420 reviews)
"Clean and convenient."

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2025

Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG
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! (1,527 reviews)
VACA
"VERY CLOSE TO THINGS TO DO."

Reviewed on 16 Apr 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! (231 reviews)
"Thank you for a good stay"

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2025

Hancock House
Newly renovated 4BR CozySuites
Newly renovated 4BR CozySuites
4 out of 5
923 S Jackson St, Louisville, KY
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fourth Street Live! and KFC Yum Center ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2024

Newly renovated 4BR CozySuites
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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