How to Visit Louisville on a Budget

Urban destinations aren’t much more affordable than Louisville. Located on a quiet bend in the Ohio River, it offers inexpensive accommodations, inexpensive restaurants, and plenty of attractions that won’t break your budget.

Some of the best ways to see Louisville won’t cost you anything, whether it’s strolling through walkable neighborhoods like the Highlands or having a picnic in Cherokee Park. You can get around cheaply by public transport or, even better, by pedaling, with bikes available through LouVelo, the city’s extensive network of self-service bikes. If you plan your visit carefully, you can also enjoy free art events and free entry to iconic sites. Here are some of the best ways to save money while visiting Kentucky’s most vibrant city.

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Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville offers direct flights to cities on the East Coast, Midwest and South, with discount airlines like Spirit offering rock bottom fares. You can sometimes save money and avoid an extra layover by flying to Cincinnati’s larger airport, about a 90-minute drive northeast of Louisville. If you’re not traveling across the country, you can save money by taking a Greyhound bus or renting a car, which can come in handy for exploring the outskirts of Louisville.

The best room rates are generally from November to March, although the trade-off for saving on accommodation is experiencing colder temperatures. If you’re traveling during these winter months, just be prepared for freezing weather, especially in January and February when lows hover around freezing. You can still get good rates in spring and summer, especially September, by booking well in advance.

A cardinal rule when it comes to Louisville: remember the Derby. On the first Saturday in May, thousands descend on the city for “the most exciting two minutes in sports” (aka the Kentucky Derby). Expensive stays of a minimum of three nights are then the norm and places book up quickly.

Accommodation doesn’t have to put a huge dent in your travel budget. Staying outside of central River City, you can often find decent double rooms for less than $100 a night (more spartan quarters can be had for even less). For something even more budget-friendly, you can pitch a tent or stay in a cabin at Louisville North Campground, just a short drive across the river in Jeffersonville. Even with the added cost of transportation, you’ll spend a lot less than if you were staying at a hotel or B&B near the city center.

Once the idea of ​​spending the night in a chain hotel is calmed down, you can focus on the undeniably positive aspects: many chains have spacious and well-equipped rooms, and some even have small kitchen units, which which allows you to save a little more by saving on meals. Also, keep an eye out for places offering free breakfast.

The River City Transportation Authority (TARC) operates many bus routes around the city, and you can get to just about anywhere using public transport. The downside is that the buses don’t always run on time and you may have to switch between lines to get to your destination. Fares range from $0.75 for short circulation loops to $2.75 for express services. Pay in exact change or purchase a myTARC card at the TARC kiosk at 1000 W Broadway or at select Kroger grocery stores.

Louisville has become much more bike-friendly in recent years. The city’s bike share program LouBike makes it easier than ever to reduce your carbon footprint while getting from point A to point B. Some 321 bikes at 32 different bike kiosks are scattered throughout Downtown, Old Louisville, Nulu and even beyond. across the river at Big Four Station Park in Indiana.

The cost is $3.50 for a single 30-minute ride or $7.50 for unlimited one-hour rides during a 24-hour period (you’ll pay extra if an individual ride exceeds one hour during that time period ). LouVelo can even offer you a free helmet if you don’t have one (just stop by their office at 822 E Market St). Keep in mind that all cyclists under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a helmet in Louisville.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to eat well in this foodie city. You can taste from around the world at inexpensive restaurants dotted around Louisville. Pho Baa Lou serves Vietnamese street food like Pho (noodle soup) and Bahn mi (chopsticks), while El Molcajete cooks up some of the best Mexican food in town (with tacos under $4, you’ll want to make repeat visits). To Pollo deliciousyou can feast on Peruvian-style charcoal-grilled chicken and all the toppings, two of which are pretty good eats for under $25.

You can visit one of Louisville’s best collections without spending a dime by carefully timing your visit. On Sundays until 2024, there is no admission to visit the Speed ​​Art Museum, which is well known for its large-scale works ranging from masterpieces by Rembrandt and Rodin to multimedia pieces by Hank WillisThomas.

Probably the most famous track in the country, Churchill Downs offers an action-packed range of horse racing from late April to early July and then mid-September to November. Outside of special events like the Kentucky Derby, general admission is just $7 (kids under 12 free) most days, and if you place your bets correctly, you can walk away richer than yourself. upon your arrival.

One of the liveliest times to visit Louisville is the First Friday Hop, when dozens of art galleries and shops celebrate a new month with art walks, live music, food and drink specials, and… other events. Artists are often there to talk about their work, and the whole city center becomes a kind of street party.

One of the best ways to spend a sunny day is to grab some groceries at the nearest grocery store and head out to Louisville’s leafy backyard. The hills, meadows and woods of Cherokee Park make a memorable backdrop to a mobile feast.

Aptly named waterfront park is another nice place for a picnic. You’ll find lush green lawns and shaded pavilions, with sweeping views of the Ohio River. Then you can stretch your legs with a stroll along the 6.9-mile Riverwalk.

Louisville has attractive green spaces within a half-hour drive from downtown. When you need a quick natural fix, head to the Floyds Fork Park. Covering some 1,600 hectares spread over four parks, this entry-free nature reserve has 100 km of hiking and biking trails, from easy walks along Beckley Creek to more challenging hikes along the Chinkapin Trail in the Turkey Run park.

Rustic cabin outside of town: $50
Economy hotel room for two: $80
Independent apartment (including Airbnb): from $110
One-way transportation by TARC bus: from $0.75
Coffee: $2 to $5
Tacos: $3-4.50
Dinner for two: $40-70
Beer/pint at a microbrewery: $5-7