Downtown Asheville Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour
Active
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
Discover the best of Asheville on this 2-Hour Public or Private Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Guide. As you take in some of the historical city sites and learn about the best places to eat, drink and play, we will provide a map with discounts all over town, including a beer tasting and some free artwork!
This tip-based tour allows you to pay what you think it’s worth in the end! You will learn how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and what we are doing to "Keep Asheville Weird."
Your Local Guide will lead you along the Urban Trail, passing by top sites such as the S&W cafeteria, Basilica of St Lawrence, and Grove Arcade. Stop along the way for private tour of Leaf Global Arts Center. Tastings are provided by local businesses who provide them when open/available.
On the private tours only, we will explore the secret tunnels of Pack's Tavern Restaurant! These tunnels were a part of Asheville's underground clandestine routes used during Prohibition.
Available options
Private Tour+Custom Itinerary
Private Tour: 2-Hour Private Group Tour Option where you may customize your itinerary. Lead by Local Guide.
Evening tour
Public Tour Option
Public Tour: 2-Hour Public/Shared Discover Asheville Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour with Spirit/Beer tastings.
Private Tour Option
Private Tour<br/>Private Tour: This is a 2-Hour Private Group Tour Option of the Discover Asheville Sightseeing Tour & Spirit Samples included.
What's included
Beer Tasting at Twisted Laurel
2-Hour Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour of Asheville
Private tour of Leaf Global Arts Center
Public & Private Tour Options Available
Only private tours operate in Spanish/Portuguese/French
Free Artwork from Local Artist Shipped directly to your house!
Follow along the Urban Trail, a walking tour of the city's historical sites
Popcorn
Beer Sample at Archetype (tickets provided at the end)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Walkthrough beautiful Grove Arcade and provide tips for unique bars and restaurants inside.
2
We will discuss the history of Pack Square and the unique architecture that surrounds us! We will then walk down Patton and Haywood road, discovering all of the historical monuments on the way to the Basilica.
3
Your guide will lead you along the Urban Trail, stopping along the way to sample some local spirits and beer, as well as a donut from Underground Cafe.
4
Stop 4
Taste a local beverage called the Salt Face Mule! *Only 2pm guests
5
Discuss the background and artwork surrounding this historic structure.
6
An African-American Cultural Venue with art and history exhibits.
7
Pass by Wall street to arrive at Pritchard Park and discuss Drum Circle and local Buskers!
8
Stop in to check out the quaint shop and enjoy some free popcorn!
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
159 reviews
5★
137
4★
14
3★
4
2★
1
1★
3
Tripadvisor
4.8
195 reviews
5★
160
4★
25
3★
8
2★
1
1★
1
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Pets allowed
Meeting point
Pack's Tavern (in Pack Square)
20 S Spruce St
Asheville, NC 28801
Your Guide will be waiting outside of Pack's Tavern under the trees. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to tour start time to allow for parking.
Important notes
MEETING LOCATION
Pack's Tavern
20 S Spruce St
Asheville, NC 28801
Your Guide will be waiting outside of Pack's Tavern under the trees. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to tour start time to allow for parking. Please present this ticket upon arrival.
PARKING
We recommend arriving early and parking in the Aloft parking deck located on Biltmore Ave. Please do not park on the street as there is a 2-hour parking limit.
AMENDMENTS
In the event you are unable to make your scheduled tour time, please let us know in advanced so that your tour guide can plan accordingly as they may be venturing into the city just for your group. Thank you for your consideration!
Please reach out with any additional questions +1 704-600-8660
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
