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 centre. 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 centre.

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, characterised by gentle rolling plateaus and fertile soil. The biggest city in Kentucky is Louisville, 78 miles (125 kilometres) 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 artefacts 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 centre 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 which includes farmland and tranquil scenes

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

4/5(1 area review)

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

Liberty Area
Lexington which includes farmland and tranquil scenes

Northside District

While visiting Northside District, you might make a stop by sights like Lexington Opera House and Hunt-Morgan House.

Northside District
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Georgetown

When in Georgetown, you can plan a visit to Mary Todd Lincoln House and Rupp Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Georgetown
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Historic South Hill

While Historic South Hill may 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

While Beaumont Residential isn't home to many top sights, Kentucky Aviation Museum and Keeneland Racing Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Beaumont Residential
Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park

Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park

2.5 out of 5
1938 Stanton Way, Bldg A, Lexington, KY
The price is RM266 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
RM266
RM309 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,649 reviews)
"It’s an old building that needs more tlc, and dare I say police or security. I saw what looked to be drug dealers in the parking lot on 2 occasions"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park
Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg

Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg

2.5 out of 5
2381 Buena Vista Rd, Lexington, KY
The price is RM284 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
RM284
RM330 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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! (113 reviews)
"The staff was super nice. The hotel itself was average. It didnt have a microwave, which was a bummer."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg
The Manchester

The Manchester

4 out of 5
941 Manchester St, Lexington, KY
The price is RM785 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
RM785
RM985 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (947 reviews)
"Decor and condition was fantastic. We stopped overnight on our way back East, but after our experience, we are considering making a trip back just to stay in the Manchester again. Only drawbacks were limited seating in our room (stayed in the Quad) and both bars were closed by 11 pm on a Thursday ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 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! (1,655 reviews)
"Room was nice, smelled good. Bathroom needs updated. A little musky in the main area. Overall the room was comfortable. We would stay again due to the convenience of hiking."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 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 Whiskey Row and KFC ...
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 20 Jul 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! (36 reviews)
Must stay!!
"Amazing property and location."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 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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