If you happen to find yourself spending a short amount of time in Louisville, KY, do not let that go to waste. There are so many things to things to do in Louisville, KY in just 24 hours. “Looo-ville” (how the locals pronounce it) is known for the Kentucky Derby, KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), the University of Louisville and its Cardinals, Louisville Slugger baseball bats, but aside from all of that, it’s a fun little spot to visit.

Prior to your time in Louisville, be sure to pack these essentials:

• Lightweight weather proof jacket (weather is a little unpredictable)
• Some cute but comfy walking shoes (I wore my glittery tennis shoes I bought off of Amazon)
• A hair oil you TRUST because the humidity is unreal.

My friend is a flight attendant and saw she had a 35 layover in Louisville, KY. Naturally, she asked her traveling friend if she wanted to tag along, and of course, I said “hell yeah!” 35 hours might not seem like a lot upfront, but if you are committed to the journey, you can do a lot in Louisville, KY. Here is how we spent 35 hours in the Derby City

Where to Stay in Louisville, KY

We stayed at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Louisville Downtown which is right smack-dab in the middle of downtown. Downtown is where the action is. With 24 hours in Louisville, proximity is key! There are plenty of places to eat are nearby as well as a solid nightlife situation. This hotel has some wicked nice rooms with a lot of amenities. They have a wicked decent free breakfast selection equipped with an omelet station. Be sure to take advantage of their reception (AKA Happy Hour) from 5-7. Drinks and snacks are free for guests on the 3rd floor.

Book a Bourbon Distillery Tour

We took a redeye to Louisville so our day started a smidge later in the afternoon. We prescheduled a tour at the Old Forester Distillery, and let me tell you, that was one of the best distillery tours I have been on. I’m not even a bourbon fan, but after that tour, I have a mega appreciation for the craft. Louisville is HUGE on bourbon so be sure to book a tour at any of the distilleries or even the Bourbon Trail. Tours fill up quickly, so my biggest recommendation is to not chance it.

Enjoy some Southern Food at Royals Hot Chicken

We asked our tour guide what Louisville was know for food-wise, and she said southern fried chicken (obvious question once we asked). And, after all that bourbon, we sure worked up an appetite. We made our way down Market street and got us some fried chicken and bourbon slushes at Royals Hot Chicken – 736 E Market St. Definitely a solid snack to tie us over. 

Eat and Shop on Market Street

Just a hop skip and a jump away from a few distilleries ais Market Street. This space is flooded with small businesses and restaurants. Pop into a few and find some keepsakes to take home for you or your loved ones. My personal favorites were Six Sisters, Sugar Town Shop, and White’s Mercantile were some of my favorites. There is also a cute little ally way that will take you through to a patio set up where additional bars and restaurants mingle. 

Scoot back to your hotel!

You are on a time crunch when you only have 24 hours in Louisville. Ain’t nobody got time for walking. You could Lyft but take some time to see the city! This is such a fun pastime. I wish they had scooters in Vegas but we just don’t have space for it. We were about 2 miles away from our hotel and our feet were a smidge tired, along with our bodies haha. We scooted back on the Lime scooters around town (Use code: RUEWH5HB for $5 off). I promise it is not scary. It is like riding a bike after one or two “push-offs.”

Visit 4th Street Live

This was right next to our hotel. We spent our evening listening to live music at Howl at the Moon. If you like 80’s + pop music, this is going to be your spot. Regardless of your drink of choice, you have to try the Hot Girl Summer Bucket – Fruit Roll-Up. It comes in a cute little bucket with silly straws which is totally Insta-worthy. If country is more your styles head right upstairs to the PBR bar. Great drink specials and you can ride the bull. 

WARNING: Food stops serving at midnight at most places. Anything later you’re going to want to order from Spinelli’s Pizza. Know it’s going to be a 1 hour+ wait but it’s worth it. 

Brunch at The Brown Hotel

If traditional is your vibe, and good food, J. Grahams’s Cafe is the spot for you. Order a Mint Julip (yes, more bourbon) so you can get a fun taste of that during your time in Louisville, KY. But, more importantly, order the Hot Brown, it is their signature dish. They even have a recipe card for you to take with you.

PRO TRAVELERS TIP

Talk to your locals. You might be doing a lot of things on the fly so ask your cashier where their favorite spot to eat is. Ask your server where her favorite spot to go out is. 

So, there you have it. That was 24 hours in Louisville, KY. It is a lot packed into one day. I know we didn’t even scratch the surfs of what this beautiful city has to offer. After exploring, I think a bachelorette party in Louisville, Kentucky would be the most fun.