ORIGINAL Old Louisville Walking Tour seen in The New York Times!
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
March through November, daily; limited dates in the off-season!
Our tours include more than St. James Court. We see twice as much as other neighborhood walking tours, visiting Ormsby Avenue, Park Avenue cottages, Floral Terrace, the Witches' Tree, and Millionaires Row. Bourbon barons, racetrack royalty, and titans of tobacco settled here in the 1800s. Today, impressive Victorian mansions and quirky residents have earned national attention for Old Louisville.
Author David Dominé often guides groups himself. The New York Times recommends his tours as a MUST during a visitor's "36 Hours in Louisville." Learn more in A DARK ROOM IN GLITTER BALL CITY, David's next book—out in October 2021!
Narrated walks depart from the transitional edge of the neighborhood. If you love old houses, this is the tour for you! If you do not like an up-and-coming neighborhood with a diverse racial make up, please stay home. If you can't go 90 minutes without a bathroom, this is not for you!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
FYI The starting point is in a transitional area where you might encounter panhandlers, homeless people, and people who don't look like you.
Not recommended for visitors with mobility issues
MUST BE ABLE TO WALK 90 MINUTES WITHOUT A BATHROOM BREAK!
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Certified Guide
What To Expect
With more than a thousand structures spread out over 40 square blocks, Old Louisville is one of the largest historic districts in the United States. This is a transitional neighborhood and you should expect to encounter things you would in any larger city. Panhandlers and homeless people, for example, are often found along Fourth Street at the north edge of the neighborhood. This is a walking tour and we do not enter any structures, as most of the houses in Old Louisville are private residences. We do stop in front of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, and you can arrange with them to tour the mansion for a fee.
The Witches' Tree
A gnarled tree rose up on the spot where a tree cherished by local witches once stood. When the city chopped down the original tree, townsfolk incurred the wrath of the crones, who sent a tornado to destroy the city in revenge. Visitors often leave offerings on the twisted trunk to make amends.
Options
Old Louisville Walking Tour Recommended by The New York Times! @ 4th and Ormsby
Reviews
685 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very informative!
Pam B,
Jun 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great information and background into Old Louisville history. Gabe was very knowledgeable and kept a nice pace.
Great toE
Jeffrey S,
Jun 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Gabe was an excellent guide, good pace to the tour, very knowledgeable. If you like a little history mixed with some beautiful old homes this is the tour for you.
Awesome walking tour.
Marla A,
Jun 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing architecture and our guide Angelique was super knowledgeable about all things Louisville including trees, flowers, people, neighborhood cats, etc. Definitely recommend this tour.
A Delightful Experience
pjfriend30,
Jun 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00We learned about and saw homes and gardens in Louisville that are gorgeous. The guide was knowledge, professional, and the entire experience a delight.
Amazing tour
Marie L,
Jun 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00David was amazing! He was an expert on all things Old Louisville and made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Highly recommend!
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Operated by Louisville Historic Tours