15 Fantastic Tours & Things To Do In Lexington

Lexington, Kentucky, isn’t just the Horse Capital of the World; it’s also a city brimming with unique tours and activities that capture its rich culture, history, and vibrant local scene.

Whether you’re a foodie eager to taste Kentucky specialties, an art lover craving murals and galleries, or a horse enthusiast wanting to see thoroughbreds in action, Lexington has something that will pique your interest.

One of our favorite experiences is the Walking Food Tour Downtown Lexington (see details), which offers a perfect blend of history, local flavor, and a small-group atmosphere.

And if you’re into horse racing or breeding, the Thoroughbred Horse Farm Tours (see details) provide a behind-the-scenes look at Kentucky’s legendary equine industry. These tours are just the tip of the iceberg in a city that combines tradition with lively modern attractions.

Quick Overview

Lexington’s top tours span several themes: food and drink with walking tastings and bourbon experiences (see more), horse farm visits (see details), arts and culture including art walks and gallery tours (see details), and history and haunted sites (see details). Each offers a distinct look at what makes Lexington special.

Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each experience to help you decide which fits your interests and schedule.

1. Walking Food Tour Downtown Lexington

At number 1, this 3-hour walking food tour (see details) offers a delightful way to explore downtown Lexington. The tour makes five stops, sampling Kentucky specialties like Benedictine spread, and includes insights into the city’s history and culture. Led by a personable guide, the small group (limited to 12) keeps the experience intimate.

Highlights include stories about African-American heritage and visits to historic sites like the Old Fayette County Court House and Lexington Opera House.

Reviewers praise the tour for its entertaining storytelling and delicious food, with comments such as, “The guide was incredible with great stories.” It’s a perfect intro to Lexington’s vibrant downtown, especially for those who love combining history with good eats.

Bottom line: A fun, tasty way to get your bearings in Lexington’s historic core.

2. Lexington: Thoroughbred Horse Farm Tour and Scenic Bluegrass

For around $42, the Thoroughbred Horse Farm Tour and Scenic Bluegrass (see details) offers a half-day immersion in Kentucky’s famed equine world.

During this 3.5-hour adventure, you visit multiple horse farms, learn about breeding and training, and explore the historic Keeneland Race Course (if available). The tour also touches on film locations for movies like Secretariat and Seabiscuit, adding a bit of Hollywood flair.

Tour guide Kelly is an expert on Kentucky’s horse industry, making the experience both informative and engaging. Guests often mention the beautiful scenery and up-close encounters with horses, including the chance to feed them.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for horse lovers and those wanting a scenic escape into the Bluegrass countryside.

3. Bites of the Bluegrass Cocktails & Bites Tour

At number 3, this 3-hour tour (see details) takes you through Lexington’s East End neighborhood. You’ll sample craft cocktails, gourmet food, and learn about local lore from an enthusiastic guide.

Stops include Epping’s on Eastside for farm-to-table flavors, a glass-blowing studio where you can watch artisans craft glass and sip cocktails, and The Void Sake Company for spirits and gourmet bites. This tour is very wheelchair-friendly and perfect for socializing.

Reviewers appreciate the informative narration and delicious food and drinks, calling it one of the “best food tours” they’ve experienced.

It’s ideal for those who enjoy combining culinary delights with local stories. Expect a lively, interactive experience with well-chosen venues.

Bottom line: Great for food and drink enthusiasts eager to explore Lexington’s East End.

4. From Lexington: Kentucky Horse Farms Tour

Number 4 on our list, this 3-hour tour (see details) offers an insider look at three horse attractions outside downtown Lexington.

You’ll visit KatieRich Farms and The Thoroughbred Center, where you can interact with horses, learn about racing, breeding, and care, and even witness horses swimming. The guide shares fun facts about Kentucky’s horse industry, making this tour perfect for equine enthusiasts.

Several reviews mention the personalized experience and the opportunity to get close to the horses. The tour is a solid value at $49, especially if you’re keen to see Kentucky’s world-famous horses in action.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting an authentic horse farm experience with interactive elements.

5. Distillery District Food & History Tour in Lexington

Number 5 is a 3-hour walking tour (see details) exploring Lexington’s historic Distillery District. Led by a local foodie, you’ll taste bourbon, burgoo stew, and craft ice cream, while learning about the area’s rejuvenation and history. Highlights include visiting the James E. Pepper Distillery, which has roots dating back to 1879, and sampling diverse local dishes and drinks.

Reviewers love the friendly guide and the variety of tastings, describing it as a “fabulous history, food, and drink” experience.

This tour offers a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunity to chat with locals and soak in Lexington’s evolving neighborhood.

Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in Lexington’s bourbon heritage paired with good food.

6. Mary Todd Lincoln House Guided Tour Ticket

At number 6, this guided tour (see details) offers a deep dive into the life of one of America’s most intriguing First Ladies. Visiting her childhood home, the tour covers her personal story, family, and the marriage to Abraham Lincoln. The small group size (up to 15) allows for questions and personalized insights.

Reviewers find the guide knowledgeable and engaging, noting that it’s a great way to understand Mary Todd Lincoln’s complex character. The ticket includes a self-guided walking tour of downtown Lexington, making it both informative and convenient.

Bottom line: A must for history buffs interested in early American history and presidential stories.

7. Mary Todd Lincoln House Self Guided Tour Ticket

Number 7 offers a self-guided experience (see details) for those who prefer exploring at their own pace. For $16.35, you can tour her childhood home and see period furniture and artifacts that tell her story. The house is partially wheelchair accessible and located conveniently downtown. Reviewers note that the informational plaques and artifacts make the tour educational and engaging.

It’s ideal for visitors comfortable with self-paced exploration, especially if you’re tight on time but still want a meaningful experience.

Bottom line: Excellent for independent travelers who want a compact dose of history.

8. Lexington’s Art Walk Tour

Number 8 is Lexington’s only dedicated art tour (see details), taking about two hours to explore murals, sculptures, galleries, and public art across downtown Lexington. Led by an engaging guide, the tour showcases over 50 murals, public artworks, and even visits a cooperative studio of over 20 artists.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the chance to see local art in its natural environment, with some citing the unexpected discoveries and stories behind the murals. It’s perfect for art lovers looking for a dynamic, walkable experience that highlights Lexington’s cultural side.

Bottom line: A lively, visual journey into Lexington’s art scene.

9. Lexington: Downtown Walking Food & History Tour

Number 9 is a 3-hour guided walking tour (see details) that combines history and local cuisine. You’ll enjoy four food tastings with less than a mile of leisurely walking, all while learning about Lexington’s historical landmarks and food scene. It’s ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of edible delights and cultural stories, and reviews mention the friendly atmosphere and delicious samples.

Bottom line: A tasty way to learn Lexington’s story while sampling its best bites.

10. 3 Hour Walking Food & Haunted History Tour

Number 10 combines food, history, and ghost stories in a 3-hour adventure (see details). Starting inside Lexington’s historic courthouse, the tour explores haunted sites like Gratz Park and hears tales of restless spirits and unsolved murders. Along the way, you’ll stop at local eateries for morsels and cocktails.

Reviewers mention the spooky stories and unique combination of fright and flavor. It’s perfect for those who love ghost stories with a side of Southern cuisine.

Bottom line: A fun, spooky twist on Lexington’s food and history.

11. Distillery District Food, Drink, and History Tour

Number 11 immerses you in Lexington’s Distillery District (see details), where you’ll sample bourbon, artisan ice cream, and local dishes over four hours. The tour includes two bourbon tastings and explores the district’s history, from its whiskey roots to current revitalization. Reviewers highlight the friendly guide and the diverse tastings that give insight into Lexington’s bourbon heritage.

Bottom line: A comprehensive experience for bourbon fans and history enthusiasts alike.

12. Lexington: Brewery and Distillery Campus Tour with Tastings

Number 12 offers a guided 1-hour tour of the Lexington Brewing and Distilling campus (see details). Sample Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Town Branch spirits with your four tasting tokens.

The tour explains production processes and is suitable for all ages, making it a fun, educational stop for families or adult travelers interested in brewing and distilling. Real fans enjoy the close-up look at how Lexington’s iconic drinks are made.

Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a quick but informative look at local brewing and distilling.

13. Tasting Experience

Number 13 is a bourbon tasting session (see details) led by a professional mixologist, offering a hands-on experience exploring aroma, flavor, and food pairings. For $30, you’ll learn to build a custom Old-Fashioned and discover seasonal craft cocktails.

Reviewers describe the experience as informative and fun, especially noting the expert guidance. It’s well-suited for those looking to deepen their knowledge of bourbon and enjoy some interactive tasting.

Bottom line: A great choice for bourbon lovers wanting to refine their palate.

14. Behind the Scenes Thoroughbred Tour

Number 14 provides an exclusive look at race horse training (see details). On this 1.5-hour tour, you visit the Thoroughbred Center with a guide, see training sessions, and learn about care routines. Transportation is included. Reviewers appreciate the personalized access and the chance to see racehorses in action. It’s ideal for anyone fascinated by horse racing and training.

Bottom line: A must for horse racing fans wanting a behind-the-scenes look.

15. 2-Hour Guided Walking Art and Appetizers Tour

Finally, number 15 combines art, food, and socializing over two hours. Starting at the Artists’ Attic, you’ll see working artists’ studios, then explore Lexington’s murals and landmarks, ending at the 21c Museum Hotel with appetizers and drinks (see details).

Reviewers say it’s a fun, interactive way to experience Lexington’s arts scene while enjoying good food and drinks. It’s best suited for art lovers who enjoy social outings.

Bottom line: A lively, social tour combining Lexington’s artistic and culinary sides.

How to Choose Your Lexington Tour

Picking the right experience depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you’re into local food and history, the Walking Food Tour (see details) or the Distillery District Food & History Tour (see details) offer a deep dive into Lexington’s culinary scene. For horse enthusiasts, the Thoroughbred Horse Farm Tour (see details) or Behind the Scenes Thoroughbred Tour (see details) are ideal.

If you love art and culture, the Lexington Art Walk (see details) or Art and Appetizers (see details) are perfect ways to explore local creativity. For a unique, spooky experience, the Haunted History Tour (see details) combines ghost stories with Lexington’s dark past. Budget, time, and specific interests should guide your choice.

Final Thoughts

Lexington offers a range of engaging tours that showcase its food, horses, art, and history. For a balanced experience, the Walking Food Tour (see details) and the Horse Farm Tours (see details) stand out as top picks. Art lovers should consider the Art Walk or Art and Appetizers for a lively cultural outing.

Travelers should reserve popular tours early, especially during peak seasons, and consider combining activities if time allows. Whether you want to savor Kentucky’s culinary delights, learn about its legendary horses, or explore its vibrant arts scene, Lexington has something to suit your travel style. Now’s the time to plan your visit and book the experiences that will make your trip memorable.