Since 2004, Louisville Historic Tours has been the premier choice for walking tours of Old Louisville, bringing visitors face-to-face with one of the country’s largest collections of Victorian mansions. But did you know that we have always offered tours in other fascinating areas of the Derby City? One of our most popular destinations outside of Old Louisville is the NuLu district, a must-visit neighborhood that perfectly blends history, culture, and a cutting-edge food scene. It makes the perfect pairing with one of our evening ghost tours or an early morning jaunt to explore the historical architecture and hidden past of Old Louisville.
NuLu, short for New Louisville, sits to the east of the downtown business district and is about halfway to the bustling Highlands and famed Bardstown Road. Also known as the “East Market District,” NuLu has rapidly become the city’s trendiest and most talked-about hotspot. Formerly an overlooked industrial and warehouse quarter, it has transformed into a vibrant hub featuring restored historic buildings, boutique shops, contemporary art galleries, and award-winning restaurants today. It’s no surprise that NuLu has always been a particular favorite for private parties and coach groups looking for a curated experience with a Louisville Historic Tours guide.
After breakfast or brunch at the extremely popular Biscuit Belly, Visitors to NuLu can learn about the role developer Gill Holland played in revitalizing the area while they explore landmarks such as the small shotgun house once inhabited by famed inventor Thomas Edison and the Green Building, a pioneering example of sustainable architecture. They can also sample sweets like bourbon barrels and modjeskas at a century-old candy shop and sip bourbon at new distilleries— Rabbit Hole or Angel’s Envy, for example. Food lovers can treat themselves to meals at nationally recognized eateries like Edward Lee’s acclaimed Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse and Bob Dylan’s new restaurant, The Last Refuge, housed in a beautifully repurposed 19th-century church. NuLu’s vibrant street art, unique shopping experiences, and buzzing bourbon scene make it a neighborhood unlike any other in Louisville.
Praised for its engaging storytelling and earning recognition in the New York Times, Louisville Historic Tours has always strived to show off the best of the Derby City to locals and out-of-towners alike. We’re especially pleased when we can leave the bounds of Old Louisville, where we started some two decades ago, and highlight other fascinating neighborhoods such as NuLu. Whether you’re looking to uncover the haunted history of Old Louisville, the misfits and mayhem of the downtown area, or the immersive contemporary culture of NuLu, our tours offer something for every kind of traveler.
