Phantoms of Prohibition: Ghosts Cocktails & Bites Walking Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Louisville's Prohibition history on this haunted walking food & cocktail tour in downtown Louisville!
Travel back in time to Whiskey Row during the era of hidden speakeasies to savor handcrafted Prohibition-era cocktails paired with delicious small bites. Along the way, you'll unravel salacious true stories of Prohibition: ruthless bootleggers, Whiskey distillers, mobsters, the Louisville origins of the Great Gatsby, and even an axe-wielding temperance supporter. You'll also hear chilling ghost stories that have left their mark on the city's checkered past.
Our expert guides will transport you to the days of secret bars and underground revelry in Prohibition-era downtown Louisville. One part ghost tour, one part Jazz-Age cocktail tour, this 3-hour immersive experience combines dinner and cocktails with spine-tingling ghost stories and a host of colorful characters from Louisville's bootlegging past. You'll leave with a taste of history- and perhaps a shiver down your spine.
Available options
Premium Bourbon Upgrade Ticket
Premium Bourbon Pour: Elevate your experience with 4 rare, premium bourbon pours served throughout your tour.
Standard Adult Ticket
Cocktails and Bites: Enjoy delicious cocktails and small bites paired with fascinating stories from Prohibition and haunted history.
What's included
Fun & knowledgeable guides
Spine-tingling ghost stories
Fascinating untold tales from Louisville's Prohibition past
Small group for a more personalized experience
Delicious Prohibition-era cocktails (mocktails available on request)
Small bites served at multiple stops
Detailed itinerary
1
You'll begin your tour with a cocktail at a speakeasy hidden underneath Whiskey Row as we go back in time to the Prohibition era.
2
We will pass by Old Forester Distillery on Whiskey Row and learn about the ghosts that haunt this historic block, while stopping at a pub next door for bites and a bourbon cocktail.
3
Learn about the famous bootlegger which inspired the Great Gatsby and Louisville's ties to F. Scott Fitzgerald, as well as the escapades of mobster Al Capone during his time in Louisville. Plus, a grisly murder whose forlorn victim still haunts this glamorous hotel next to bustling 4th Street Live.
4
Go back in time to a Prohibition-era speakeasy and 1920's style bowling alley to sip a Jazz age cocktail and nibble on some tasty treats.
5
Hear tales of ghosts spotted in this historic jail intertwined with tales of the bootleggers, tee-totallers, and whiskey distillers who colored the checkered landscape of Prohibition.
6
Admire Louisville's skyline from high above the city for your final drink and a delicious dessert to end your food & cocktail tour.
What's not included
Gratuity
Transportation
Actual ghosts
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
46 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
327 reviews
5★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour is 21+ and infants are NOT allowed per Kentucky law.
Mocktail options available for non-drinkers, please message us to let us know.
Please note that the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
Suitable for all fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers roughly 1.5 miles of walking.
Tours run in rain, shine, or snow unless weather becomes severe or constitutes a dangerous situation.
This tour can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Please notify us in advance at least 24h before the tour start time if you have any dietary restrictions.
Louisville Food Tours is proudly locally owned and operated.
Meeting point
You will meet your guide at the park, on the corner of N 1st St & E Washington St. (Kitty-corner from Zombie Taco). Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time.
Free parking in this area is rare. Look for metered street parking, which is free after 6PM, or park in a paid parking garage.
About Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and the famous Kentucky Derby. Nestled along the Ohio River, it offers a unique blend of Southern charm and Midwestern hospitality, making it a compelling destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Churchill Downs
Home of the Kentucky Derby, this historic racetrack offers tours and year-round racing events.
Historical/Entertainment
2-3 hours for a tour
Free to enter, tours from $18
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
A must-visit for baseball fans, this museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Louisville Slugger bats.
Museum
1-2 hours
$20 for adults, $15 for children
Muhammad Ali Center
Dedicated to the life and legacy of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, this museum offers interactive exhibits and a glimpse into his personal and professional life.
Museum/Cultural
1-2 hours
$22 for adults, $15 for children
The Frazier History Museum
This museum offers a comprehensive look at Kentucky's history, with exhibits ranging from frontier life to modern times.
Museum
1-2 hours
$14 for adults, $10 for children
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
A beautiful arboretum and forest offering hiking trails, scenic views, and a chance to see wildlife.
Nature
Half-day to full-day
Free entry, parking fee for non-members
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hot Brown
An open-faced turkey sandwich topped with mushrooms, bacon, and a rich cheese sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains dairy, meat
Bourbon Ball
A chocolate truffle-like candy filled with bourbon-infused cream.
Dessert
Contains dairy, alcohol
Bourbon Chicken
Chicken marinated in a bourbon-based sauce, often served with rice and vegetables.
Dinner
Contains meat, alcohol
Derby Pie
A chocolate and walnut pie, a traditional treat during the Kentucky Derby.
Dessert
Contains nuts, dairy
Popular Activities
Cave exploration
Hiking
Horseback riding
Spa treatments
River cruises
Park picnics
Museum visits
Art gallery tours
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The Kentucky Derby in May is a major highlight.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5:00, GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Louisville is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Be cautious when using ATMs at night
Getting there
By air
- Louisville International Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown
By train
Louisville Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and reliable, with various routes covering major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
The Highlands
Nulu (NuLu District)
Old Louisville
Day trips
Mammoth Cave National Park
90 miles (145 km) • Full day
The world's longest known cave system, offering guided tours and stunning underground landscapes.
Bardstown
35 miles (56 km) • Half day to full day
A charming small town known for its historic sites, bourbon distilleries, and beautiful architecture.
Kentucky Horse Park
10 miles (16 km) • Half day to full day
A working horse farm and educational theme park dedicated to horses and horse-related activities.
Festivals
Kentucky Derby • First Saturday in May
Louisville Jazz Festival • July
Bourbon & Beyond • September
Pro tips
- Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum even if you can't attend the Derby itself
- Explore the NuLu District for unique shopping and dining experiences
- Take a bourbon distillery tour to learn about Louisville's rich history in bourbon production
- Check out local events and festivals for a taste of Louisville's vibrant culture
- Use the TARC app for easy navigation of the public transportation system
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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