Visit Louisville

Louisville is Kentucky's largest city, known for the Kentucky Derby, bourbon heritage, and vibrant arts scene.

Welcome to Louisville

Louisville is Kentucky's Derby City and a vibrant city located in the heart of Kentucky, known for the Kentucky Derby, bourbon heritage, and vibrant arts scene. This dynamic city is known for its horse racing culture, bourbon heritage, and unique "Kentucky" personality that has shaped the Bluegrass State region for generations.

From the iconic Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs to the beautiful Waterfront Park and Louisville Slugger Museum, Louisville offers visitors a perfect blend of racing experiences, bourbon activities, and Kentucky hospitality. The city also boasts Bourbon Distilleries, Speed Art Museum, and some of the best racing attractions in America.

633,045 Population
466 ft Elevation
189 Sunny Days

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Essential travel data to help you plan your perfect Louisville adventure

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March-May) Kentucky Derby season, bourbon festivals, perfect weather
Fall (September-November) Comfortable temperatures, bourbon trail tours, cultural events
Peak Season May (Kentucky Derby), September-November (Fall tourism)

Average Temperature

Jan 28°F / 42°F
Apr 48°F / 65°F
Jul 70°F / 88°F
Oct Oct 52°F / 70°F

Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters

Airports

Louisville International Airport (SDF)

Main airport, 6 miles from downtown Louisville

  • Major airlines: American, Delta, United, Southwest
  • Direct flights to major US cities
  • Rental car services available

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG)

Secondary airport, 100 miles from downtown Louisville

  • Major airlines: All major carriers
  • Domestic and international flights
  • Shuttle services to Louisville

Travel Statistics

Annual Visitors 1+ million
Hotel Rooms 2,500+
Restaurants 300+
Cultural Attractions 20+
Average Hotel Price $120/night
Public Transit TARC bus system and local transit services

Flight Statistics

Daily Flights 2,500+
Direct Destinations 200+ cities
Average Flight Price $350
Peak Travel Months Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Major Airlines 10+ carriers
On-time Performance 85%

Airport Operations

Terminals 1
Gates 200+
Parking Spaces 50,000+
Rental Car Companies 15
Distance to Downtown 6 miles
Ground Transportation Shuttle, Taxi, Bus

Local Transportation

Bus Routes 30+ routes
Bus Frequency 15-30 min
Fare $1.75
Operating Hours 5AM-12AM
Bike Share Stations 50+
Ride Share Uber, Lyft

Cultural & Entertainment

Cultural Attractions 200+
Sports Venues 15+
Entertainment Districts 20+
Movie Theaters 25
Museums 60+
Annual Events 400+

Outdoor Recreation

Ohio River Water recreation
Bike Paths 100+ miles
Golf Courses 20+
Waterfront Park Urban recreation
Parks 120+
Weather Year-round activities

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Top Domestic Origin Indiana
Top International Origin Canada
Popular Airlines American, Delta, Southwest
Average Age 37 years
Manufacturing Industry 25%
Average Stay 3.5 days

Shopping & Retail

Cultural Attractions 200+
Sports Venues 15+
Average Spending $450/person
Manufacturing Industry $8B annually
Tax Rate 10.25%
Popular Items Deep-Dish Pizza, Architecture, Culture

Safety & Health

Crime Rate Low
Hospitals 15 major
Urgent Care Centers 50+
Pharmacies 100+
Emergency Services 24/7
Tourist Safety Excellent

🚗 Rent a Car in Louisville

Explore Louisville and the beautiful Kentucky Bluegrass State region at your own pace with a rental car

🌟 Top Attractions in Louisville

Discover the must-see destinations and experiences in Kentucky's Derby City

Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby

Experience Louisville's iconic Kentucky Derby featuring horse racing history, cultural experiences, and the authentic heart of Kentucky's racing industry.

May (Derby Week) All day Churchill Downs, Louisville
Get Tickets Admission required Read More
Louisville Slugger

Louisville Slugger

Discover Louisville's famous Louisville Slugger featuring premier baseball exhibits, heritage activities, museum experiences, and cultural treasures that make it one of Louisville's most important attractions and a premier baseball destination.

Year-round 2-4 hours Downtown Louisville
Get Tickets Admission required Read More
Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs

Experience Louisville's famous Churchill Downs featuring beautiful racing landscapes, cultural programs, heritage experiences, and racing heritage that showcase Kentucky's premier racing destination.

Year-round 2-4 hours Louisville, Kentucky
Get Tickets Admission required Read More
Bourbon Distilleries

Bourbon Distilleries

Explore Bourbon Distilleries featuring beautiful distillery landscapes, heritage programs, cultural experiences, and bourbon heritage that make it one of Louisville's most important attractions and a premier bourbon destination.

Year-round 2-3 hours Bourbon Trail, Louisville
Get Tickets Admission required Read More
Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park

Visit Waterfront Park featuring beautiful park exhibits, cultural activities, outdoor experiences, and park preservation that showcase Louisville's commitment to community and outdoor recreation.

Year-round 2-3 hours Waterfront District, Louisville
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Speed Art Museum

Speed Art Museum

Experience Speed Art Museum featuring premier cultural experiences, art heritage, cultural programs, and heritage experiences that showcase Louisville's rich arts heritage.

Year-round 1-2 hours Cultural District, Louisville
Get Tickets Admission required Read More

🍽️ Louisville's Derby & Bourbon Flavors

Savor the flavors of Kentucky's bourbon heritage and Bluegrass State culinary heritage with Louisville's diverse dining scene

Derby & Bourbon Flavors

Experience Louisville's diverse bourbon heritage and Bluegrass State dining scene featuring local ingredients, Kentucky-style dishes, and multicultural culinary experiences that showcase the region's rich food culture and Kentucky heritage.

Top Derby & Bourbon Restaurants:

  • Louisville Derby Heritage Dining
  • Bourbon District Restaurants
  • Louisville Derby Cuisine
Read More About Derby & Bourbon Flavors

Louisville Cuisine & Local Flavors

Discover Louisville's diverse food culture featuring bourbon-themed restaurants, fine dining, and innovative culinary experiences influenced by the city's bourbon culture and Kentucky heritage.

Must-Try Local Spots:

  • Bourbon-Themed Restaurants
  • Downtown Louisville
  • Bourbon District Eateries
Read More About Louisville's Food Scene

🏨 Where to Stay in Louisville

Find the perfect accommodation for your Louisville adventure

✈️ Find Flights to Louisville

Search for the best flight deals to Louisville International Airport (SDF) or Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

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