Louisville is weird, and that comes from the locals. Over the last few years, campaigns have been held in the city to ‘Keep Louisville Weird.’ This sums up this city fairly well.
It’s filled with trees, amazing parks, more restaurants than you would expect, and a culture that’s southern with a tinge of the Southern Appalachia and the Midwest. This intoxicating mix is what makes the whiskey delicious, the horse riding fierce, and basketball one of the city’s favorite pastimes.
Louisville isn’t on most people’s travel bucket list, which is why you might have a bit of trouble finding the best places to stay in Louisville. But we’re here to help. With our Louisville neighborhood guide, you’ll find your ideal base quickly and be able to enjoy all this city has to offer.
Looking for specific accommodation? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Louisville.
The Showstopper in NuLu | Best Airbnb in Louisville
Located in the best area in Louisville to stay in for easy access everywhere, this apartment is truly unique. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, it’s suitable for up to six guests and is a charming pre-Civil war home with lots of modern additions. The apartment is close to the Downtown area, so you can walk from your comfortable base to the best shops and restaurants in the city.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites | Best Hotel in Louisville
If you want a combination of comfort and convenience, this hotel is for you. It’s also one of the best Louisville accommodation options if you’re on a budget. It’s within walking distance of local attractions and offers a fitness center, business center, and laundry facilities.
21C Museum Hotel | Best Luxury Hotel in Louisville
This hotel is one of the coolest places to stay in Louisville if you like history and culture. Located in a stately old building, it’s close to everything and offers luxurious extras such as a spa, restaurant, bar, parking, gift shop, and sauna. It also has bright, museum-type decor that will make any stay extra special!
Don’t forget to check out our Airbnbs in Kentucky post for even more Louisville accommodation inspo!
Old Louisville
Old Louisville is close to – and almost part of – the Downtown area, so it offers great access to attractions and restaurants. However, the charm of this neighborhood can’t be ignored.
Butchertown
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Louisville on a budget, try Butchertown. This unappetizingly named neighborhood is up-and-coming, with as many renovated warehouses as boutique shops.
Downtown
The Downtown area in Louisville is obviously one of the most convenient areas to stay in because of its strong transport links. But this neighborhood is the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Louisville for families for more than that.
Louisville is a slightly odd city all around, but we reckon it’s one of the best places to visit in the USA. It has more attractions and restaurants than you could ever see in a short stay. It also has several smaller cities within its borders that are technically part of Louisville but have their own separate governments. The oldest parts are the Downtown and Portland areas, and each neighborhood has its own distinct vibe and weirdness.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Louisville KY for your first time, then take a look at Old Louisville. It’s close to the Downtown area and the city’s best attractions but holds a lot of history at the same time.
The second area to think about is Butchertown. This is one of the best places in Louisville to stay if you’re on a budget as it’s an up and coming area still mostly dedicated to warehouses and culture.
And the final area in this list is the Downtown area. Great for families because of all the activities and attractions, this area has enough to keep the whole family busy for days.
Louisville’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Here’s where you’ll find Louisville’s best neighborhoods, whether for a first trip or a return one.
1. Old Louisville – Where to Stay in Louisville First Time
COOLEST thing to do in Old Louisville – Visit the Speedy Art Museum and check out the city’s culture.
BEST place to visit in Old Louisville – Check out what’s on at Shady Central Park.
Old Louisville is close to – and almost part of – the Downtown area, so it offers great access to attractions and restaurants. However, the charm of this neighborhood can’t be ignored. It’s all leafy streets and restored mansions along with unusual food places and breweries, where you can try some local tipple.
Old Louisville is a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Louisville KY for your first time, mostly because of the easy access to attractions. No member of your travel group will ever get bored in this part of the city!
Vu Guesthouse | Best Hotel in Old Louisville
This guesthouse is budget-friendly, comfortable and in one of Louisville’s top locations. It offers a mix of classical and chich furnishings and amenities including a lobby bar for drinks at night and coffee during the day, free parking, and family rooms.
The Brown Hotel | Best Luxury Hotel in Old Louisville
This stately hotel in Louisville has a pretty stimulating vibe, with historical features and furnishings reflecting the old South everywhere. It’s close to local restaurants and shops and has a business center, babysitting services, a restaurant, and family rooms to make your stay easier.
Charming Home in Historic Neighborhood | Best Airbnb in Old Louisville
Located in one of the best places to stay in Louisville for old-world charm, this Victorian-style house has spacious rooms, hardwood floors, and lots of period touches. It’s in a quiet neighborhood close to the center of the city and has enough space for up to eight guests with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Top Things to Do in Old Louisville
- Head into the Downtown area to enjoy its attractions.
- Have a meal at choices like Buck’s, Burger Boy, or QDOBA Mexican Eats.
- Try some local drinks at the Monnik Beer Company.
- Head out of the city to Huber’s Orchard and Winery.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI2. Butchertown – Where to Stay in Louisville KY on a Budget
COOLEST thing to do in Butchertown – See a game at the Lynn Family Stadium.
BEST place to visit in Butchertown – Get into nature in the Waterfront Botanical Gardens.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Louisville on a budget, try Butchertown. This interestingly named neighborhood is up-and-coming, with as many renovated warehouses as there are boutique shops. If you want to get away from the tourist traps and enjoy local prices, this is where you’ll be able to do it. And the quirky charm of the artisan shops and cafes in this area will only make your visit even more enjoyable.
Butchertown Hideaway | Best Airbnb in Butchertown
Located inside a 150-year-old building on a historic street in Louisville, this up and coming neighborhood in Butchertown is an awesome place to stay. The apartment is within walking distance of Downtown, and is surrounded by shops and restaurants. It has a small kitchenette, comfortable living space and a single bedroom, suitable for two guests.
Omni Louisville Hotel | Best Hostel in Butchertown
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Louisville KY for nightlife or convenient access to all the city’s quirks and charms, this hotel suits the bill. With sleek furnishings, it nonetheless retains some of its old-world style. It also has a hot tub, outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant to keep you entertained during your stay.
AC Hotel Louisville | Best Hotel in Butchertown
This is a great choice for anyone looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Louisville. Located in the heart of Butchertown and close to local attractions, it’s within walking distance of several great eating and shopping areas. There’s a mini-mart on-site for easy snacking, and a bar where you can have a drink at the end of each day.
Top Things to Do in Butchertown
- Have a brandy tasting at Copper & Kings.
- Experience true genius at the Thomas Edison House.
- Have a meal at local places like Quill’s Coffee Firehouse, Chik’n Mi, or the Butchertown Grocery.
- Get active on foot or two wheels at the Eva Bandman Park & Cyclocross Venue.
- Check out the art galleries, cafes, and shops at the Mellwood Art Center.
3. Downtown – Best Neighborhood in Louisville for Families
COOLEST thing to do in Downtown – Book a tasting tour at Angel’s Envy Distillery.
BEST place to visit in Downtown – Check out a show at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.
The Downtown area in Louisville is one of the most convenient areas to stay in because of its strong transport links. It’s also the best neighborhood for family accommodation, and is filled with great restaurants where you can try a variety of Southern foods. It’s best known for its museums and cultural attractions, which have enough variety to keep even the smallest family member interested. Plus, if history and culture is your vibe, the alluring city of Cincinnati is just a couple hours drive away and makes for an epic day-trip.
Louisville Marriott Downtown | Best Hotel in Downtown
This hotel in Louisville is ideal if you want to be close to everything and have a comfortable base. It’s within walking distance of local attractions and offers a fitness center, childcare, laundry services, hot tub, and an indoor pool and sauna where you can sit back and relax.
Galt House Hotel | Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown
This hotel is a great choice whether you’re visiting with kids or with friends. It’s walking distance from the Downtown area and offers a spa, salon, shops, and six restaurants, as well as luxurious surroundings.
1 Br in Louisville | Best Airbnb in Downtown
This one-bedroom apartment is located right in the heart of the Downtown Louisville area. It has one bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. You’ll enjoy complete privacy during your stay as well as spacious living areas and modern, comfortable décor.
Top Things to Do in Downtown
- See a show at the Actors Theater of Louisville.
- Have a meal at the Old Spaghetti Factory or Wild Eggs.
- Have a meal, a drink, and play some games at the Diamond Pub & Billiards Highlands.
- Book a tasting tour at Rabbit Hole Distillery.
- Take the kids skateboarding at the Dave Armstrong Extreme Park.
- Learn about the history of baseball at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.
- Go walking or take the kids to the play areas at the Waterfront Park.
- Explore the city’s past at the Frazier History Museum.
- Take a boat tour down the river and see the city from another side.
- Take a photo with the Lincoln Memorial Sculpture.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Louisville
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Louisville and where to stay.
What To Pack For Louisville
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Louisville
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Louisville
Louisville is one of those unique places you wouldn’t want to miss out on during your USA travel experience.
This southern-with-a-twist city is filled with culture, food, surprises, and sports fans. Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Louisville KY for one night or for a longer stay, you can choose a place that will let you be a part of all that.
And, if you are looking for a more rural retreat, you can actually find some stunning accommodation options just a 30 minutes over the border in Indiana. There’re some lush cabins in Indiana that would make for the ideal base in Louisville.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Kentucky instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
