Lexington

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Jeff Rogers /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Gene Burch /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau/Gene Burch
Photo provided by Lee P. Thomas /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau

Lose yourself exploring the “Horse Capital of the World,” with its historic houses, breweries, wilderness parks and horse farms.

Located in the heart of Kentucky’s fertile bluegrass region, Lexington is a big city with a strong rural identity. Nicknamed the “Horse Capital of the World,” the city edge is surrounded by horse farms. Take the time to discover its historical houses, sample fresh brewed beer and see the majestic American Saddlebred, the region’s native horse.

Downtown is a mix of modern glass structures and old brick buildings. Start the day with a coffee from one of the many cafés. Pick up local produce from the Bluegrass Farmers Market on Richmond Road. Get around downtown by bus or on foot. 

Head to ArtsPlace for a cultural experience in the city center. In this impressive beaux-arts style building you’ll find a number of art exhibitions and workshops. Children can get hands on with science at the children’s museum, Explorium of Lexington. See real planes and try flight simulators at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky just outside the city center. 

Lexington is famous for its locally brewed beer. Sample some of the region’s finest beer and spirits at the Barrel House Distillery or Kentucky Ale. Take a guided tour, browse gift shops and try fresh brews in the tasting rooms.

Rent a car to leave town and breathe in the fresh air of the city’s rural outskirts, characterized by gentle rolling plateaus and fertile soil. The biggest city in Kentucky is Louisville, 78 miles (125 kilometers) west of Lexington.

Take a tour of one of the many horse farms to see champion steeds. Watch the speed of these majestic animals at the historic Keeneland Race Course. The American Saddlebred Museum showcases artifacts and displays about this local breed of horse.

Take in the scenic beauty of the region on a hike through the nearby Boone Creek Outdoors wilderness park. Challenge yourself with a zip line canopy tour to see the Boone Creek Gorge from above. Guided tours, fly-fishing trips and more can be booked at the information center at the entrance to the park.

After a busy day, treat the family to local cuisine such as a farmer’s steak and Kentucky chocolates from restaurants in downtown.  

Where to stay in Lexington

Lexington showing tranquil scenes and farmland

Downtown Lexington

While visiting Downtown Lexington, you might make a stop by sights like Lexington Opera House and Rupp Arena.

Downtown Lexington
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Liberty Area

If you're spending some time in Liberty Area, Hamburg Place and Hamburg Pavilon are top sights worth seeing.

Liberty Area
Lexington showing tranquil scenes and farmland

Northside District

If you're spending some time in Northside District, Lexington Opera House and Hunt-Morgan House are top sights worth seeing.

Northside District
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Georgetown

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Georgetown and surrounding area, you can visit Mary Todd Lincoln House and Rupp Arena.

Georgetown
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Historic South Hill

While Historic South Hill might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lexington Memorial Coliseum and Rupp Arena.

Historic South Hill
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Beaumont Residential

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Beaumont Residential and surrounding area, you can visit Kentucky Aviation Museum and Keeneland Racing Course.

Beaumont Residential
GLō Best Western Lexington

GLō Best Western Lexington

3 out of 5
1935 Stanton Way, Lexington, KY
The price is P5,437 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,437
P6,311 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,248 reviews)
"Great hotel!"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

GLō Best Western Lexington
Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg

Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg

2.5 out of 5
2381 Buena Vista Rd, Lexington, KY
The price is P3,906 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P3,906
P4,533 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (100 reviews)
"good to stop by while on a road trip"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg
The Manchester

The Manchester

4 out of 5
941 Manchester St, Lexington, KY
The price is P10,789 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P10,789
P13,535 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (943 reviews)
"We loved the trendy vibe of the hotel — everything felt stylish but still cozy. We ended up eating most of our meals right at the hotel and honestly, the food didn’t disappoint. Service was consistently great, our bed was super comfortable, and the whole place was spotless. Would definitely recommend ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Manchester
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

3.5 out of 5
2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Slade. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,645 reviews)
"We were so impressed with the whole experience"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Stellar Suites

Stellar Suites

4.5 out of 5
822 E Market St, Louisville, KY
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Louisville. Enjoy free WiFi, free bicycles on site, and in-room massages. Popular attractions KFC Yum Center and Fourth ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (100 reviews)
Our sons 21st birthday getaway
"Overall was a great trip. Downfalls we experienced our room smelled like plant food but was clean. A little room air freshener then it was good. The plants made it feel homie. We had to pay for parking due to event we were unaware of prior to arriving. Loved the little kitchen it had in the room, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Stellar Suites
The Lodges at Eden Reserve

The Lodges at Eden Reserve

3 out of 5
500 Mercedes Dr, Williamstown, KY
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Williamstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Ark Encounter and William Arnold Log House are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Quiet location near the ark . The cabin looked new and was very clean"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

The Lodges at Eden Reserve
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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