Northern Kentucky

Travel Guide

Belle of Louisville featuring a river or creek, a sunset and a ferry
Belle of Louisville showing a bridge, a bay or harbour and a ferry
Muhammad Ali Center which includes night scenes and modern architecture
Louisville featuring signage
Newport which includes 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 tranquil scenes and farmland

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
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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
Conrad Caldwell House which includes heritage elements and signage

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 Asia Institute Crane House while in the area.

Old Louisville
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

3.5 out of 5
668 W 5th St, Covington, KY
The price is S$195 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$195
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,083 reviews)
"It was ok"

Reviewed on 13 Jul, 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 S$211 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
S$211
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (3,436 reviews)
"Great location!"

Reviewed on 16 Jul, 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 S$142 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$142
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (651 reviews)
"Nice and spacious. Absolutely wonderful service when we needed something."

Reviewed on 12 Jul, 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! (1,626 reviews)
"Very good location, with trial head right next to the hotel"

Reviewed on 13 Jul, 2025

Natural Bridge State Resort Park
The Lodges at Eden Reserve

The Lodges at Eden Reserve

3 out of 5
500 Mercedes Dr, Williamstown, KY
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Williamstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Ark Encounter and William Arnold Log House are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"Would love to come back if in atea"

Reviewed on 12 Jul, 2025

The Lodges at Eden Reserve
The Bellwether Hotel

The Bellwether Hotel

2 out of 5
1300 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY
Stay at this aparthotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, bathrobes, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Louisville Zoo and Fourth Street Live! are ...
7.8/10 Good! (15 reviews)
Very pleased!
"I took a solo trip for myself this past weekend & booked a room at the Bellwether. I’ll start off by saying I couldn’t have been more pleased with my stay. The hotel is beautiful! Clean lobby and clean & spacious room! The bed was firm but inviting. I slept like a baby. The only issue I had was finding ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul, 2025

The Bellwether 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.

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