Lexington

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Jeff Rogers /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Gene Burch /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau/Gene Burch
Photo provided by Lee P. Thomas /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau

Lose yourself exploring the “Horse Capital of the World,” with its historic houses, breweries, wilderness parks and horse farms.

Located in the heart of Kentucky’s fertile bluegrass region, Lexington is a big city with a strong rural identity. Nicknamed the “Horse Capital of the World,” the city edge is surrounded by horse farms. Take the time to discover its historical houses, sample fresh brewed beer and see the majestic American Saddlebred, the region’s native horse.

Downtown is a mix of modern glass structures and old brick buildings. Start the day with a coffee from one of the many cafés. Pick up local produce from the Bluegrass Farmers Market on Richmond Road. Get around downtown by bus or on foot.

Head to ArtsPlace for a cultural experience in the city center. In this impressive beaux-arts style building you’ll find a number of art exhibitions and workshops. Children can get hands on with science at the children’s museum, Explorium of Lexington. See real planes and try flight simulators at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky just outside the city center.

Lexington is famous for its locally brewed beer. Sample some of the region’s finest beer and spirits at the Barrel House Distillery or Kentucky Ale. Take a guided tour, browse gift shops and try fresh brews in the tasting rooms.

Rent a car to leave town and breathe in the fresh air of the city’s rural outskirts, characterized by gentle rolling plateaus and fertile soil. The biggest city in Kentucky is Louisville, 78 miles (125 kilometers) west of Lexington.

Take a tour of one of the many horse farms to see champion steeds. Watch the speed of these majestic animals at the historic Keeneland Race Course. The American Saddlebred Museum showcases artifacts and displays about this local breed of horse.

Take in the scenic beauty of the region on a hike through the nearby Boone Creek Outdoors wilderness park. Challenge yourself with a zip line canopy tour to see the Boone Creek Gorge from above. Guided tours, fly-fishing trips and more can be booked at the information center at the entrance to the park.

After a busy day, treat the family to local cuisine such as a farmer’s steak and Kentucky chocolates from restaurants in downtown.

Where to stay in Lexington

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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Liberty Area

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Liberty Area, Hamburg Place and Hamburg Pavilon are top sights worth seeing.

Liberty Area
Lexington featuring farmland and tranquil scenes

Northside District

While visiting Northside District, you might make a stop by sights like Lexington Opera House and Bluegrass Distillers Downtown Lexington.

Northside District
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Historic South Hill

While Historic South Hill may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lexington Memorial Coliseum and Rupp Arena.

Historic South Hill
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Georgetown

When in Georgetown, you can plan a visit to Bluegrass Distillers Downtown Lexington and Mary Todd Lincoln House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Georgetown
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Beaumont Residential

While Beaumont Residential isn't home to many top sights, Kentucky Aviation Museum and Keeneland Racing Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Beaumont Residential
Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park
Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park
2.5 out of 5
1938 Stanton Way, Bldg A, Lexington, KY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €63 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
€63
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,628 reviews)
"Ice machine were all broken. Luggage carts were broken too. Room was clean & quiet."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park
Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg
Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg
2.5 out of 5
2381 Buena Vista Rd, Lexington, KY
The price is €63 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
€63
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (34 reviews)
Very nice hotel - new and clean.
"This hotel was very clean and appeared to be new or newly renovated. Beds were comfortable and dedign of the room was great. The only negative was a very loud air conditioner outside our window that would run regularly throughout the night."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream
3.5 out of 5
1801 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY
The price is €113 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
€113
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
"Great stay! It hasn’t been updated in a while, but exactly what was expected for an Embassy Suites."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream
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.
Capital City Cottage
Capital City Cottage
Frankfort
Stay at this cottage in Frankfort. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Buffalo Trace Distillery and Jesse R. Zeigler House are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"Nice amd clean! Easy walking distance to Capitol!"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Capital City Cottage
This house is a 2 bedroom(s), 1 bathrooms, located in Frankfort, KY.
This house is a 2 bedroom(s), 1 bathrooms, located in Frankfort, KY.
Frankfort
Stay at this vacation home in Frankfort. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Buffalo Trace Distillery and Old Governor’s Mansion ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (28 reviews)
Cross Country road trip, 1 night in Frankfort
"We arrived early evening. Had a bit of a challenge obtaining rental access information via host. Issue was promptly resolved with call VRBO customer service. Enjoyed our stay and downtown Frankfort was lovely."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2025

This house is a 2 bedroom(s), 1 bathrooms, located in Frankfort, KY.
"Centrally Located to Many Distilleries" House on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
"Centrally Located to Many Distilleries" House on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Frankfort
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Frankfort. Enjoy laundry facilities, concierge services, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)
"Nice little home to stay in. Close to the places we wanted to visit."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

"Centrally Located to Many Distilleries" House on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Lexington

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

With hindsight we'd have spent more nights in Lexington. There's history to explore, numerous stud farms welcome visitors, and the restaurants are good.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If the opportunity arises a visit to the local stud farms, were you can meet some of the worlds top stallions. Coolmore Ashford stud is a must.