The 15 best Airbnbs in Louisville right now

Neighborhood: Audubon

A 1930s cottage with a firepit, a basement games room and a whole attic bedroom for the kids? We’re listening. Original details give this home plenty of old-school charm, while the comfy living spaces and modern kitchen make it an easy place to settle into. There’s foosball, pool and air hockey downstairs for rainy-day entertainment, while the backyard is made for grilling and gathering around the fire. And yes, your four-legged family members can come too.

Time Out tip: Make a family day of the nearby Louisville Zoo, then head back to the cottage for an evening of backyard games and firepit time.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Washer/dryer, TV, air conditioning, fireplace, WiFi, dedicated workspace, kitchen, coffee maker, outdoor propane grill, private backyard, firepit, cornhole, game room, free parking, pets allowed.

Price: From $760 for two nights. 

Neighborhood: Clifton

Two minutes from Frankfort Avenue, this three-bedroom home is a brilliant base for eating, drinking and generally mooching around Louisville. We love the bold flourishes throughout, particularly those spectacular pink bathrooms, while the big kitchen and light-filled living spaces make it easy to settle in for a lazy brunch. There’s also a huge rain shower for washing off the day, plus a private backyard for when you fancy a bit of downtime. And with a bakery across the street and restaurants just a short stroll away, you won’t need to go far when hunger strikes.

Time Out tip: Start the morning with a wander across the street to Payne Street Bake House for fresh bagels or biscuits, then walk it off around nearby Clifton Park.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Kitchen, WiFi, TV, rain shower, washer/dryer, air conditioning, bath, dedicated workspace, private fenced backyard, free parking.

Price: From $490 for two nights.

Neighborhood: The Highlands

Round up the gang: this big four-bedroom Victorian house has three king beds, two living rooms and enough space for eight to spread out without constantly bumping into each other. Traditional details meet modern comforts, with a proper kitchen, dining space and a particularly tempting primary bedroom with a jacuzzi tub. When everyone needs some fresh air, there’s a private courtyard with a firepit and BBQ grill, while the walkable Highlands location puts restaurants, coffee shops, bars and parks practically on the doorstep.

Time Out tip: Skip the car for dinner and wander down to Bardstown Road instead. Tyler Park is also around a five-minute walk away when you fancy a post-meal stroll.

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: Kitchen, WiFi, two living rooms, jacuzzi tub, washer/dryer, air conditioning, private courtyard, firepit, BBQ grill, two-car garage and dedicated workspaces.

Price: From $1,400 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Central Louisville

There’s a whole lot of Kentucky packed into this three-bedroom home, from the down-home decor to the little nods to Derby day and bourbon. It manages to feel properly local without going full souvenir shop, with cozy bedrooms, a big kitchen and a coffee bar for lazy mornings. The fenced backyard and deck are another bonus, particularly if you’re travelling with a dog. Best of all, you’re within walking distance of Downtown, NULU and the Highlands, with breweries, distilleries and restaurants all around you.

Time Out tip: Village Market is just steps away, so leave the car parked and make an evening of drinks and dinner at Paristown.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Kitchen, coffee bar, WiFi, dedicated workspaces, washer/dryer, air conditioning, TV, fenced backyard, furnished deck, pets allowed and free parking.

Price: From $345 for a night.

Neighborhood: NuLu

Bring the dog, ditch the car and get ready to make the most of NuLu. This cosy three-bedroom home puts you within easy walking distance of the neighborhood’s restaurants, bars, coffee shops and bourbon spots, while still giving you a comfy place to flop at the end of the day. There’s a relaxed living room, fully equipped kitchen and fenced backyard, plus three queen bedrooms for spreading out. Best of all for four-legged travellers, the house welcomes up to three cats or dogs and even provides a pet bed, kennel, bowls and litter box.

Time Out tip: Take the pups for a wander around Irish Hill Park, then reward yourselves with a pint at Falls City Brewery, just a minute or so down the street.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Kitchen, WiFi, TV, washer/dryer, air conditioning, fenced backyard, pet bed, kennel, pet bowls, litter box and free parking.

Price: From $225 for a night.

Neighborhood: East Louisville

Some holiday homes are made for sightseeing; this one makes a very convincing case for staying in. The enormous dining table seats 10 and sets the scene for long, lazy breakfasts with the whole family, while two separate living spaces give everyone room to play. Then there’s the basement movie setup, complete with a 96-inch projector, surround sound and comfy seating, plus a fenced backyard with a pergola. With three king-size bedrooms, an additional double bed downstairs and family-friendly extras including a portable mini-crib, toys and a sandpit, it’s a particularly easy option for big family vacations.

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the easy interstate access and make a day of exploring Louisville, then come back to the house for a movie on that enormous screen.

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: Kitchen, dining table for 10, two living spaces, 96-inch HD projector, surround sound, fenced backyard, pergola, WiFi, dedicated workspace, washer/dryer, air conditioning and driveway parking.

Price: From $320 for a night.

Neighborhood: Highlands

There’s something satisfyingly grown-up about this beautifully blue Highlands house, from the big open-plan kitchen and living area to the two proper master suites upstairs, each with its own renovated bathroom. The kitchen comes complete with a walk-in pantry for anyone who takes holiday cooking seriously, while a private patio offers a nice spot for morning coffee. Tyler Park is about a three-minute walk away, and the surrounding Highlands streets are packed with bars, restaurants and other reasons to leave the house, although we wouldn’t blame you for hanging around to admire that kitchen.

Time Out tip: Fancy a game with your sightseeing? Tyler Park has tennis and pickleball courts just five minutes from the house, so pack a racket and work off all those bourbon-and-barbecue calories.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Kitchen, walk-in pantry, WiFi, dedicated workspace, free parking, TV, washer/dryer, air conditioning and private patio.

Price: From $1,000 for two nights.

Neighborhood: NuLu

If walls could talk, these ones would have quite the story. Dating back to 1843, this former church has been transformed into a brilliantly memorable guesthouse, with the Revival Loft occupying the top floor beneath soaring original windows. The historic bones get a modern makeover with a chef-worthy kitchen, luxurious king bed, soaking tub and a bar area with a record player, because obviously an old church deserves a soundtrack. And with NuLu’s restaurants, galleries, shops and distilleries just outside, you're well placed for a culture-heavy getaway.

Time Out tip: Start with a coffee at Please & Thank You, then spend an afternoon hopping between NuLu’s galleries, boutiques and bars.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Kitchen, soaking tub, record player, TV, WiFi, dedicated workspace, washer/dryer, air conditioning and free on-street parking.

Price: From $650 for two nights.

Neighborhood: East Louisville

This sweet place has a little bit of Kentucky charm, a lot of personality and a backyard that’s ideal for a lazy afternoon. It mixes vintage touches with bright, cheerful decor, while the kitchen is impressively stocked for anyone who considers cooking part of the holiday. There are board games, books and toys for younger guests, plus a fenced backyard with a firepit, gas grill, cornhole, pickleball net and hammock. When the season’s right, the hosts even leave fresh eggs, so you can absolutely make brunch part of the itinerary.

Time Out tip: You’re only five minutes from the Parklands at Floyds Fork, with 60 miles of trails for hiking, biking and paddling. Go burn off some bourbon calories, then retreat to the hammock.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Kitchen, dedicated workspace, WiFi, TV, board games, books and toys, fenced backyard, firepit, gas grill, cornhole, pickleball net, hammock, sandpit, washer/dryer and free parking.

Price: From $450 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Downtown Louisville

This cheerful one-bedroom apartment packs a surprising amount into a relatively compact space. The bright decor gives it an easy, breezy feel, while the building’s shared amenities are a big draw: there’s a gym, golf simulator, yoga studio, rooftop clubhouse, shuffleboard and a seasonal pool and hot tub. You’ll also have a full kitchen, king-size bed, complimentary coffee and free parking, while 4th Street Live!, Whiskey Row and plenty of restaurants and bars are all within walking distance. 

Time Out tip: Walk over to the Muhammad Ali Center, then make your way towards the riverfront before stopping for dinner and drinks around 4th Street Live!

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Kitchen, complimentary coffee, gym, golf simulator, yoga studio, rooftop clubhouse, shuffleboard, seasonal pool and hot tub, TV, WiFi, dedicated workspace, washer/dryer and free parking.

Price: From $320 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Progress Park

For a taste of the great outdoors without giving up your creature comforts, this lovingly restored 1983 Airstream is a pretty good compromise. The Yaya has a bright, modern interior, a proper kitchen, full bathroom, comfy full-size bed and pull-out sofa, plus its own covered patio, firepit and grill. The real fun, though, is outside: guests get access to a shared pond with kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, as well as a games lawn with shuffleboard, volleyball and cornhole. There’s even a hiking trail around the property, so you can spend the day playing outside before settling in around the firepit with some s’mores.

Time Out tip:The Highlands is just five miles away, making it an easy option for dinner, drinks and a wander around its shops and galleries before retreating back to your little Airstream haven.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Full kitchen, full bathroom, WiFi, TV, air conditioning, covered patio, private firepit, charcoal grill, shared pond, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, life jackets, hiking trail, games lawn and free parking.

Price: From $245 for a night.

Neighborhood: Clifton

This Clifton duplex has a fun mix of old-school touches and modern comforts, with sage-green velvet, Persian-style rugs, leather furniture and darker walls giving it plenty of character. There are two bedrooms, a big eat-in kitchen and a living room with a pull-out sofa, so there’s plenty here for a group of six without feeling like you’re all on top of each other. Out back, the private patio has Adirondack chairs, a gas grill and a firepit, while Bingham Park is just steps away. 

Time Out tip: Head up to Frankfort Avenue for coffee and a browse around its independent shops, then settle in for dinner at one of Clifton’s many restaurants.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Pull-out sofa, kitchen, private patio, covered front porch, gas grill, firepit, WiFi, TV, washer/dryer, air conditioning and off-street parking.

Price: From $430 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Irish Hill

This place is not afraid of a flower. There’s floral wallpaper, floral cushions, a floral armchair and a shower curtain that deserves its own fan club. Add in a pink velvet bed, wicker wall baskets and a turquoise desk and you’ve got a cottage with a very clear aesthetic. There are two king-size bedrooms, a full kitchen and a cosy living room with a huge 65-inch TV, plus a fenced backyard for sitting outside when the weather behaves. It’s also nicely placed for the Highlands, with restaurants, breweries and parks all within walking distance.

Time Out tip: Walk over to Irish Hill Park, then carry on to Cave Hill Cemetery for a wander through one of the city’s prettiest historic spots.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Kitchen, TV, WiFi, dedicated workspace, private fenced backyard, washer/dryer, air conditioning and parking.

Price: From $445 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Shelby Park

There’s no mistaking where you are in this two-bedroom shotgun house. The walls are packed with Louisville history and local references, giving the place the feel of a very comfy crash pad for people who actually want to get to know the city. And yes, that' a massive painting of the Colonel himself. Out back, things get even better: there’s a covered porch, outdoor seating, a firepit and giant Jenga for settling the age-old question of who is most competitive in your group. Toasty’s, Breeze and Canary Club are all just steps away, too.

Time Out tip: Start with drinks at one of the nearby Shelby Park bars, then grab dinner in the neighbourhood before heading back for a firepit night. If you fancy going further afield, the airport, Churchill Downs and downtown are all around a 10-minute drive.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Pull-out sofa, kitchen, coffee machine, Louisville-themed decor, TVs, board games, giant Jenga, covered porch, private backyard, firepit, WiFi, washer/dryer, air conditioning, pets allowed and free parking.

Price: From $175 for a night.

Neighborhood: Irish Hill

Artists, this one’s for you. Art supplies, instruments, books, CDs, movies and games are dotted throughout this cute cottage, and guests are actively encouraged to make something of their own to take home or add to the collection. There’s a queen bedroom downstairs with big windows and a gas fireplace, plus another queen bed tucked into a skylit loft reached by ladder. Outside, several decks and a covered patio make the most of the cottage’s perch above the city, with leafy views in summer and twinkling Louisville lights after dark. 

Time Out tip: Take a morning wander through Cave Hill Cemetery, then head towards the Highlands for coffee, food and a browse around the neighbourhood before retreating to the cottage to make some art.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Art supplies, music-making supplies, books, games, movies, kitchen, gas fireplace, multiple decks, covered patio, city skyline views, WiFi, dedicated workspace, washer/dryer, air conditioning and free parking.

Price: From $500 for two nights.