Louisville Travel Info

Getting There

Louisville International Airport is south of downtown, along I-65. You can take city bus #2 or a taxi ride (about $17) into the city.

Around Town

Transit Authority River City(TARC) buses cover almost all areas of the city, and you can take a ride for 75 cents.

If you want to rent a bicycle, try Highland Cycle (502/458-7832), where it will cost $15 per day.

Where to Stay

It can be difficult to find a cheap place to stay in town. If you have a rental car, try finding a room at one of the motels on I-65 near the airport or in nearby Jeffersonville or Newburg.

Days Inn Downtown, 101 E. Jefferson Street (502/585-2200) is a centrally located motel.

Louisville Convention Center Travelodge, 401 2nd Street (502/583-2629) is downtown, and has singles ($49) and doubles ($59).

Tourist Sites

Churchill Downs
The Kentucky Derby, the most famous horse race in the country, is held here. Visit during racing season (April-June, and October-November), when it's open each day, and see if you can pick a winner.

Belle of Louisville
An authentic steamboat dating back to 1914, the Belle leaves Riverfront plaza for daily cruises along the Ohio River.

Riverfront Plaza
This downtown area beside the river is the heart of the city, and a perfect place to watch the Falls of the Ohio and the Louisville Falls Fountain.

Bardstown
This town east of Louisville is called the 'Bourbon Capital of the World'. To learn everything about this form of whiskey, visit the Jim Beam's American Outpost, the Maker's Mark Distillery and the Heaven Hill Distillery.

Museums

J.B. Speed Art Museum
The collection is a fine assortment of worldwide art, with an especially strong European section.

Louisville Slugger Museum
The most famous, popular maker of baseball bats gives tours which show how they're made, has a collection of baseball memorabilia, and screens a film about the Slugger's history.

Kentucky Derby Museum
Watch footage of every Derby recorded on film, see displays about the history of the race, and learn about betting, racing, and horses at this museum. Plus, you'll get a complete tour of Churchill Downs, the stadium where the race is held.

Harlan Sanders Museum
Better known in America as 'the Colonel', Sanders is the man who brought Kentucky Fried Chicken to the world. The museum is devoted to his life and the history of the KFC empire.

Pubs and Music

Brewery, 426 Baxter Avenue
Hear live music, including famous bands touring through town, and play outdoor volleyball at this popular bar.

Phoenix Hill Tavern, 644 Baxter Avenue
Listen to your choice of different bands playing on the four different stages here.

Sparks, 104 West Main Street
Dance until you drop at this club.

Stevie Ray's, 230 East Main Street
he best place to hear live blues music in town.

Twice Told Coffeehouse, 1604 Bardstown Road
An intimate space where local-and sometimes famous-folk musicians play live.