Historic Walking Tour of Victorian Louisville with Food & Bourbon

Louisville , United States

Historic Walking Tour of Victorian Louisville with Food & Bourbon

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(216 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover Louisville’s Victorian Charm — With Local Food, Drinks & No Crowds!

Escape the crowds in Old Louisville and experience a side of the city most visitors miss. Just five minutes from downtown and NuLu, the Highlands is a local’s favorite, home to Louisville’s iconic Victorian architecture and “restaurant row”. Brimming with with tree-lined avenues, opulent Victorian mansions, and quirky charm, this hidden gem is over 50 years older than Old Louisville — and far more delicious!

You’ll stroll tree-lined streets lined with colorful murals and grand historic homes, hear fascinating stories of immigrants, icons, and innovators, and enjoy generous tastings of signature Louisville flavors at beloved local eateries you’d never find on your own.

Unlike Old Louisville’s large group walking tours (no food, no drinks, no fun), this small-group experience includes everything you came to Louisville for: bites, bourbon, history, charm, and no hassle!

Available options

Standard Food Tour Ticket

Food & Alcoholic Drinks: Your tour will include food, and either beer, bourbon, and cocktails (21+) or mocktails (youth/non-drinking adults).

Premium Bourbon Upgrade Ticket

Premium Bourbon Pours: Elevate your experience with 4 rare, premium bourbon pours served throughout your tour.

What's included

Admire Victorian-era architecture in a neighborhood 50 years older than "Old Louisville"

Led by an expert local guide

4 Delicious dishes representing Louisville's culinary heritage on Restaurant Row

Taste a Hot Brown-inspired dish at Muhammed Ali's former boxing gym

Bourbon tasting at the city's oldest bar, plus craft beer & cocktails

Dessert and cocktail at a farm-to-table restaurant to end your tour

The unfiltered history (and glamour) of Louisville's most historic neighborhoods

Detailed itinerary

Stroll the lush, tree-lined avenues of the Original Highlands and Cherokee Triangle as you see some of the oldest homes in Louisville. This neighborhood predates "Old Louisville" by over 50 years!

We will pass by the entrance to beautiful Cave Hill Cemetary, the final resting place of Muhammed Ali, Colonel Sanders, and other notable Louisvillians

This beautiful historic neighborhood is brimming with Victorian mansions, charm, and tree-lined streets.

Welcome to Restaurant Row! We will stop at 5 locally owned establishments for food, drinks, and stories. Bourbon tasting at the city's oldest bar; a Hot Brown-inspired treat at a gym where Muhammed Ali once trained; a farm-to-table treat topped with Kentucky's favorite southern sweet sauce, and more.

What's not included

Gratuities

Transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

17 reviews

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4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

199 reviews

5★

189

4★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not recommended for travelers with severe food restrictions or multiple food allergies

Meeting point

Meet your guide on the sidewalk in front of the Irish pub at 956 Baxter Avenue. We recommend parking on a side street such as Morton or Highland, and NOT on busy Baxter Ave. (Note: There are two pubs with the same name in Louisville - ensure you are going to the one on Baxter, not Main!)

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