Louisville Legends: Downtown Derby City Food and History Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Eat your way through Louisville’s foodie "bucket list" with locally-owned Louisville Food Tours! Stroll down Whiskey Row and Museum Row tasting the dishes that define Derby City, including the famous Hot Brown sandwich, the original Derby Pie, chocolate bourbon truffles and modjeskas - paired with iconic Bourbon City drinks.
Along the way, your guide will bring Louisville’s history to life with stories of the legends who shaped the city. As you walk past cast-iron facades and historic buildings, you’ll trace the city’s evolution from a small river town to a bourbon powerhouse.
Stop for a photo with the world’s largest baseball bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum, stand beneath the gleaming gold statue of David in front of a quirky hotel/art museum, and discover Louisville's thriving culinary scene.
Whether you're sipping a Mint Julep or savoring a sweet Modjeska, this tour is the ultimate way to discover the flavors and history of Derby City—just come hungry and ready to explore!
Available options
Food Included (No Drinks)
Food Included, No Drinks: Your tour includes filling tastings of delicious Louisville bucket-list foods, served with water to drink.
Food & Drink Pairings
Food & Drinks Included: Your menu includes food plus three half-size iconic Louisville drinks: barrel-aged beer, a Mint Julep, and an Old Fashioned.
What's included
Learn the stories behind Louisville’s fascinating history and the legends who shaped it
Taste iconic Louisville dishes and desserts including the Hot Brown, Derby Pie, and Modjeskas
Explore historic Whiskey Row and Museum Row with an expert guide.
Photos taken by your personal photographer/tour guide throughout your experience
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your tour guide at the foot of the Pepsi Plaza tower, and head to your first stop for a Kentucky-created dish paired with a barrel-aged craft brew.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Next, we'll stop for Kentucky-style fried chicken with a bourbon twist and an authentic Mint Julep along Museum Row, where the distilleries along Main Street give way to the many incredible museums in Louisville.
3
Stop for a chocolate bourbon truffle and another Louisville original confection at Art Eatables, the world's first bourbon-certified chocolatier.
4
As you eat and drink your way up Museum Row, you'll stop for a photo in front of the world’s largest bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum!
5
We'll stop for a Hot Brown - Louisville's famous hot sandwich - paired with Louisville's official cocktail along historic Whiskey Row, where Louisville’s bourbon legacy was born.
6
At our final stop, we'll enjoy Louisville's most famous dessert, a delicious slice of Derby-Pie®.
What's not included
Transportation
Guide Gratuity
Horse racing (but feel free to wear your Derby Hat anyway)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
5★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
31 reviews
5★
30
4★
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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
Louisville Food Tours is proudly locally owned and operated!
This tour is all-ages and family friendly. Children 2 and under are welcome to join without a ticket.
Meeting point
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time.
You'll meet your guide at the foot of the Pepsi Plaza tower in front of the KFC Yum! Center. Free parking in this area is rare, so it's easiest to walk or Lyft. There are plenty of metered street parking and paid parking garages nearby.
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
Instant confirmation
