Northern Kentucky

Travel Guide
Belle of Louisville which includes a bay or harbour, a ferry and a bridge
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
Fountain Square

Downtown Cincinnati

4/5(2 area reviews)

Ample dining options, fascinating museums, and great live music are just a few top things to explore in Downtown Cincinnati. A visit to Paycor Stadium or Great American Ball Park might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Fountain Square Tram Stop or Cincinnati Cyclones Tram Stop to get around town.

Downtown Cincinnati
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
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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Fairgrounds

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

Fairgrounds
Washington Park

Over-the-Rhine

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Over-the-Rhine. Cincinnati Music Hall is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Liberty & Race Tram Stop or 12th & Vine Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Over-the-Rhine
Radisson Hotel Louisville North
Radisson Hotel Louisville North
3 out of 5
505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, IN
The price is €73 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€73
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Clarksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the convenient parking and the clean ...
6.8/10 (1,205 reviews)
"Very nice hotel! Really nice indoor pool, wish I had time to have enjoyed it. Room was clean and staff was very nice. Weekends the bar has a dj that I did get to enjoy. Very close to downtown louisville which made it very convenient for me and the show I was seeing at Mercury Ballroom. I will use ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

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 €122 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€122
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,003 reviews)
"Hotel was old but clean and spacious. Room was large and bathrooms were updated and nice water pressure. My only complaint is the bed linens were terrible. It felt and sounded like you were sleeping on paper bags. Could not have spent another night on those sheets."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY
The price is €92 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€92
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,023 reviews)
Great Experience in This Hotel
"Staff was amazingingly friendly from Front Desk to Restautant.to Shuttle driver from Airport Although there was construction going on it was a nice room spacious and clean.Restaurant food and drinks were great and prices were not off the charts. I am thinking t would be a good place to hold a seminar ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center, an IHG Hotel
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 a children's pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,265 reviews)
Hemlock Lodge
"Like most KY state parks the facility is a little dated, but the staff was helpful, the breakfast was a good adder, the location was central to lots of trails and activities and overall it was a great choice at a good value."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Stellar Suites
Stellar Suites
4.5 out of 5
822 E Market St, Louisville, KY
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, free bicycles on site, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
Home Away From Home
"Location was great - walkable to popular Bardstown Road as well as distilleries, museums, and wonderful restaurants downtown. Bicycles are available so we biked along the riverfront park and the Big Four Bridge to Jefferson, IN. Ample parking right in front of the building. The suite was clean, modern, ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Stellar Suites
A Cozy Cottage Near the Heart of All Louisville Attractions!
A Cozy Cottage Near the Heart of All Louisville Attractions!
Louisville
Stay at this cabin in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (269 reviews)
Absolute Relaxation
"This was the perfect spot for my boyfriend and I to spend some quality time before he flew back home, we enjoyed the scenery, the tub, and the overall vibe of the place! We will definitely be coming back soon!"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

A Cozy Cottage Near the Heart of All Louisville Attractions!
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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