Old Louisville Hidden Secrets Walking Tour

Keeping it local for more than 20 years! Unlike large national companies that move into a city and cannibalize mom-and-pop enterprises, Louisville Historic Tours is a local tour operator started and run by locals. Showing off the best of the Derby City since 2004, our curated experiences rely on the talents of passionate individuals who live in and have a vested interest in the neighborhoods they showcase. In addition, our guided treks and experiential tours--all researched and written by Louisville author David Dominé--consistently receive accolades from national and international media sources, including The New York Times. When you sign up for a tour with Louisville Historic Tours, you're taking a tour with a local, and all of your money goes to local businesses and individuals. On average, Louisville Historic Tours pays its guides twice the rate paid by the national tour operators.

Meeting Point

Biscuit Belly - Nulu

900 E Main St #101, Louisville, KY 40206, USA

Arrive ten minutes early for about three hours of walking on generally flat surfaces, with some stairs involved. We end at Evergreen Liquors, several blocks away. If driving, find street parking between the starting and ending points. Parking in NuLu can be challenging, so please plan accordingly.

What's included:

• Trained guide

Not included:

• Food and/or drinks tour-goers might order on their own

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours

Biscuit Belly - Nulu

900 E Main St #101, Louisville, KY 40206, USA

Start your NuLu foodie walking tour here and start off with a sample of local biscuit flavors.

20 minutes

Thomas Edison Butchertown House

729 E Washington St, , Louisville, 40202-1050, Kentucky

Learn about the famous inventor's time in Louisville, when he occupied a brick shotgun house in the Butchertown neighborhood.

Pass by without stopping

Goodwood Brewing

636 E Main St, Louisville, 40202-1004, Kentucky

Sample the Kentucky specialty known as beer cheese at this brewery that specializes in wood-aged products.

15 minutes

Garage Bar

700 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Learn about the unique art installation at this popular NuLu. watering hole known for its country ham selections.

Pass by without stopping

Muth's Candies

630 E Market St, Louisville, 40202-1117, Kentucky

Around for more than a century, Muth's is the place to get local favorites like the modjeska.

5 minutes

The Last Refuge

600 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Find out about Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan's recent venture in NuLu in a restored church from the mid-19th century and make reservations to come back for dinner or a drink on your own!

Pass by without stopping

Billy Goat Strut Alley

Billy Goat Strut Alley, Louisville, KY, USA

Discover the history behind Louisville's fascinating alley system!

Pass by without stopping

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. Louisville

610 Nanny Goat Strut, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

What's a whiskey thief? Find out as you pass this newer addition to NuLu's bourbon tasting scene and make a plan to stop in later because walk-ins are always welcome!

Pass by without stopping

The Holy Goat Louisville

220 S Clay St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Learn about one of NuLu's most interesting Airbnb options, which is housed in a brick church from the mid-1800s and pays homage to some of the city's civil rights' icons.

Pass by without stopping

St John Center

700 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Learn a bit about the Derby City's attempts at providing services to lower income residents and houseless individuals in its downtown neighborhoods. At the same time, hear a fascinating story about a controversial priest assigned to this former church and the gruesome crime he was accused of in 1909.

5 minutes

Hamilton Ed Studios

543 S Shelby St, Louisville, 40202-3602, Kentucky

Discover more about the River City's thriving art scene and find out why Ed Hamilton has long been considered one of the country's premier sculptors.

Pass by without stopping

St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church

639 S Shelby St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Immerse yourself in NuLu's rich Catholic heritage and German-American history at this stunning church from the mid-1800s. The only Louisville church open 24 hours a day, it is worth a visit for its stained-glass windows and religious art alone; the fascinating relics on display are an added bonus.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Falls City Beer

901 E Liberty St, Louisville, KY 40204, USA

Stop in and wet your whistle with a local brew whose recipe goes back more than a century and sample the pizza version of a River City culinary icon, the hot brown.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Goldie's

829 E Market St Suite A, Louisville, KY 40206, USA

Sample another Louisville specialty, Derby Pie, at this popular NuLu gourmet shop.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Nulu Market Place

823 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40206, USA

This mixed-use development opened in 2020 to blend retail, dining, and social spaces while focusing on supporting local entrepreneurs. It occupies the entire 800 block of East Market Street and features a variety of establishments, including boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants. Make sure to come back after your walking tour to see more!

5 minutes

Evergreen Liquors

720 E Market St Suite 200, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Cap off your walking tour with a tasting of Kentucky's most famous spirit and find out why all bourbons are whiskey but not all whiskeys are bourbon.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included