Luxury holidays in Louisville

When to go

Visits to Louisville in spring might avoid summer’s sticky temperatures, but you’ll be among punters who pile in for the Kentucky Derby at the start of May. But Louisville is lively at any time.

Getting there

• Planes

  Louisville International Airport is about 10 minutes by car from the city’s downtown and 15 minutes’ drive from Bardstown Road’s restaurants, hotels and bars.

• Automobiles

  Louisville’s individual neighborhoods — downtown, the Highlands — invite strolling; rely on taxis or public transport to navigate between them. Wheels come in handy if you plan on getting out of the city, otherwise leave the driving to someone else.