Asheville's Historic Streets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Asheville , United States

Asheville's Historic Streets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Active

2h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts the second-largest collection of Art Deco architecture in America.

On this walking tour, you’ll discover the city’s remarkable history, from its Cherokee origins to its Roaring Twenties boom. You’ll also hear about the unexpected preservation of its architectural treasures due to the Great Depression. (Don’t worry, it will make sense later.)

This tour starts at the Visitor’s Center and takes you through downtown Asheville’s most iconic landmarks. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the visionaries who shaped its distinctive character.

You’ll learn how wealthy entrepreneurs like E.W. Grove and George Willis Pack transformed the city’s skyline and see how the arts have flourished here, from traditional Appalachian folk music to contemporary crafts. You’ll discover the city’s literary connections to Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry while passing bustling music venues and artisan markets.

Available options

Asheville's Historic Streets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

You’ll pass by the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, a significant religious landmark with deep historical roots, but please note that entry to the basilica is not included in this tour.

You’ll pass by Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, a major venue for concerts, sports, and cultural events, but please note that entry to the venue or any events is not included in this tour.

Stop 3 Pass by

You’ll pass by Roman’s Deli & Catering, a popular local spot known for its classic deli fare, but please note that any purchases or costs related to visiting the deli are not covered in this tour.

Stop 4 Pass by

You’ll see The Flat Iron Hotel, an iconic building with distinctive architecture in the heart of Asheville, but please note that any costs related to visiting or entering the hotel are not covered in this tour.

Stop 5 Pass by

You’ll pass by the Asheville Pinball Museum, known for its collection of vintage and modern pinball machines, but please note that admission to the museum is not included in this tour.

You’ll pass by Spicer Greene Jewelers, a long-established local jeweler known for fine craftsmanship and elegant designs, but please note that any costs related to visiting or making purchases are not covered in this tour.

Stop 7 Pass by

You’ll pass by the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, the preserved childhood home of the famed American author, but please note that admission to the house is not included in this tour.

You’ll pass by Asheville Music Hall, a well-known venue for live performances and local music, but please note that entry to the venue or any events is not included in this tour.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at the Asheville Visitor Centre. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight-character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Asheville

Asheville is a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving arts scene, and rich history. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and culture seekers, offering a unique blend of mountain charm and urban sophistication.

Top Attractions

Biltmore Estate

America's largest home, built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, offers a glimpse into the Gilded Age. The estate includes a mansion, gardens, and winery.

Historical/Architecture 4-6 hours Moderate to Expensive ($60-$100 per adult)

Blue Ridge Parkway

A scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and waterfalls.

Nature Half-day to full day Free

River Arts District

A vibrant arts district with over 200 artists' studios, galleries, and murals, located in a historic industrial area along the French Broad River.

Cultural/Arts 2-4 hours Free to explore, costs vary for purchases and tours

Asheville Pinball Museum

A unique museum featuring over 100 playable pinball machines and arcade games from the 1960s to the present.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Budget ($15 per adult)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Biscuits and Gravy

A classic Southern breakfast dish featuring fluffy biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Slow-cooked, tender pulled pork served on a bun with coleslaw and BBQ sauce.

Lunch Contains gluten (unless served on a lettuce wrap)

Fried Chicken and Waffles

Crispy fried chicken served with sweet, fluffy waffles and maple syrup.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Zip-lining Whitewater rafting Spa treatments Yoga and meditation Scenic drives Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

September to November

Fall is the most popular time to visit Asheville due to the vibrant fall foliage, pleasant temperatures, and various festivals. It's perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's cultural attractions.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Asheville is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs or handling cash in public
• Avoid sharing personal information with strangers

Getting there

By air

Asheville Regional Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

Amtrak Asheville Station

By bus

Asheville Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with routes connecting major attractions, downtown, and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Asheville Montford West Asheville

Day trips

Chimney Rock State Park

25 miles (40 km) from Asheville • Half-day to full day

A stunning state park featuring a 315-foot chimney rock formation, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. The park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

50 miles (80 km) from Asheville • Full day to overnight

One of the most visited national parks in the U.S., offering stunning mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. The park is known for its waterfalls, scenic drives, and historic cabins.

Hendersonville

20 miles (32 km) from Asheville • Half-day to full day

A charming, historic town located in the heart of Western North Carolina's apple country. Hendersonville is known for its historic downtown, local shops, and apple orchards.

Festivals

LEAF Festival • October Asheville Wine & Food Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit the Biltmore Estate early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful lighting for photos
Explore the River Arts District on a weekend to catch studio tours and see artists at work
Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway for stunning views and photo opportunities
Try local craft beers at one of Asheville's many breweries, such as Wicked Weed Brewing or New Belgium Brewing
Sample farm-to-table cuisine at one of Asheville's many innovative, eclectic restaurants