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Travel and Outdoors

Louisville named a top 50 travel destination in 2024

Travel + Leisure included Derby City alongside international destinations like Paris and Hawai’i

November 17, 2023 • 
Jeff Milby
Horses racing around a dirt track with crowds of people and two spires in the background.

The 150th Kentucky Derby is part of the reason Louisville made the list.

Photo by Louisville Tourism

Louisville has a lot to offer —ahem — for locals and tourists alike, and the recognition is rolling in like a red carpet.

Travel + Leisure magazine recently included Derby City on its “The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024" list. That’s after making the New York Times’ list of “52 Places to Go in 2023" — go off, Louisville.

The upcoming 150th Kentucky Derby, recent hotel developments, opening of “Ali” the musical, and the spirits scene were a few of the reasons for Louisville’s inclusion.

Here are a few more reasons we think Louisville is worth a visit:

  • The parks: Louisville has one of only four completed park systems designed by the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted.
  • The landmarks: Churchill Downs is worth seeing, even when it’s not the first Saturday in May.
  • The museums: There’s a lot learn in Derby City — from history, to art andscience.
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