Featured Gay Friendly Hotel in Louisville

Hotel Genevieve

Go boldly into the bluegrass

Gay Louisville

Known as the Gateway to the South, Louisville attracts travelers looking for an authentic way to sample the best of the Bluegrass State. Though Louisville hasn’t always been on gay travelers’ radars, it’s beginning to turn heads with its many bourbon distilleries, its culinary offerings, and its proximity to the state’s splendid natural assets. Even those who come just for a weekend will be impressed by how much they can pack into their itineraries, from sampling bourbon and touring mansions to catching a local drag show and zip-lining through underground caves. Don’t let Louisville’s modest size fool you — there’s a lot to see and do in this charming Southern city.

Gay Scene in Louisville

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Kentucky since 2015, though the state is less progressive when it comes to gender identity and anti-discrimination protections for LGBT citizens. Still, Louisville has a reputation as being open, welcoming, and gay-friendly. In fact, the city has received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index from 2015 to 2018. Louisville even hosts two separate Pride Festivals!

Photo: Kybluegrass/Wikimedia Commons

When to Visit

Louisville has four distinct seasons, with the summer months being the most pleasant for visiting weather-wise. If you’re hoping to catch the Kentucky Derby, sometimes called “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” plan to go the first Saturday in May. If you go in fall, you won’t have as much competition for space. Hotels rates are at their lowest in the winter months.

Activities and Attractions

Gay Louisville visitors might be surprised to learn how much variety they have at their fingertips when it comes to exploring this town. Below, we highlight a few outstanding options to add to your list.

Taste some famous Louisville bourbon: The increased interest in Kentucky’s bourbon industry has led to a boom in distilleries in and around town, driving much of the tourism buzz around Louisville. This beloved spirit is as celebrated in Louisville as wine is in Napa Valley, and visitors can get acquainted with this American whiskey through distilleries tours at one of the 16 member distilleries on the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail in lush Bourbon Country. Keep in mind that with Louisville as your base, you can visit a maximum of three or four in one day. Feeling ambitious? Sign up for the passport program and get a free T-shirt for getting stamps at all of the distilleries on the trail. (Download a map of the distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.) To make planning and getting around easy, sign up for a bourbon tour from highly rated Mint Julep Tours. 

Photo: Mint Julep Tours

Prefer to stick to the city proper? Check out the Urban Bourbon Trail, a collection of more than 20 bars, restaurants, and hotels, all of which offer unique bourbon-infused drinks or culinary creations. Pick up your passport and have it stamped at six of these establishments for a free T-shirt and a "Citizen of Bourbon Country" certificate. 

Check out Museum Row on Main Street: Choose from popular attractions such as the Frazier History Museum, the Kentucky Science Center, Muhammad Ali Center, and the Louisville Slugger Museum.

Experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby: This much-anticipated annual horse race is held following a two-week festival that includes a parade and a fireworks display, among other events.

Take a stroll along the scenic River Walk: Starting from Waterfront Park, and open green space overlooking the lush banks of the Ohio River, this series of walking paths is a peaceful break from downtown’s urban frenzy.

See a live performance at the Brown Theatre on Broadway: This restored Jazz-era theater is a glam spot to catch a play or a musical act.

Admire well-preserved Victorian houses in Old Louisville: Architecture-lovers will find this neighborhood’s vast collection of Victorian homes and picture-perfect streets hard to resist.

Gay-Friendly Dining

Jack Fry’s

A longstanding favorite of tourists and locals alike, Jack Fry’s has been open since 1933. The awards keep rolling in thanks to Southern-inspired fare and a live jazz that sets the mood as you dine.

Mayan Café

Looking for the tastiest, most authentic Mexican food in town? Head to this upscale eatery, focusing on flavors of the Yucatan peninsula.

V-Grits

Not into meat so much? This all-vegan Southern-style restaurant and brewpub is for you. Munch on decadent classics and sip on beers from local breweries. This is an excellent spot for Sunday brunch.

Gay-Friendly Nightlife

A healthy collection of gay bars and LGBT-friendly hangouts is proof of a lively gay scene in Louisville. Below are a few bars we recommend for fun nights and lasting memories.

Play Louisville

One of the city’s most beloved gay bars, Play Louisville is a top spot to dance, drinks, and witness high-energy drag shows. Plan to make friends here — it’s impossible not to.

Chill Bar

As the name suggests, a chill vibe prevails in this gay bar located in the Highland neighborhood. Come for daily drinks specials enjoyed on a gorgeous patio.

Big Bar

Despite its name, Big Bar is a cozy spot with bohemian décor and a fun, open atmosphere. Settle in for solid drinks and good conversation, but don’t expect to find much space to dance.

Safety

Though Louisville is generally safe for gay travelers (it ranked No. 11 on a recent Gallup survey of metropolitan areas with the highest rates of LGBT residents, after all), it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. As in any big city, crime does happen.

Transportation

Louisville’s downtown is quite walkable and the city does have public transit options, but most travelers will probably find it’s easier to get around by car. We recommend you book a rental car with Advantage Rent A Car, which offers a 20% discount and a free additional driver when you use the GAYTRAVEL promo code.

Related Blog Posts

View All Blog Posts in Louisville

Gay NYE 2019: Where to Drink, Dance, and Be Merry

2019 Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships