The Best of Asheville: Private 2.5-hour Walking Tour

Asheville , United States

The Best of Asheville: Private 2.5-hour Walking Tour

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About this experience

Experience all that Asheville has to offer with a private 2.5-hour highlights tour led by an experienced local guide who will share their favourite spots in this charming mountain town.

Asheville is a place where you can truly live your best life. The architecture is beautiful and historic, and the food and the people are warm and welcoming. It's no wonder that Asheville has been voted one of America's most livable cities.

It has a way of bringing out the inner artist in everyone, including you. Whether you fancy trying glassblowing or prefer simply to get lost in the blue hues of mountain-scapes, you will leave the city more in touch with your creative side than when you arrived.

As you wander, enjoy the atmosphere, which captures the city's nature, creativity, and sense of history.

Your tour finishes in the South Slope Brewing District, where you may enjoy a large, local beer and get tips on how to spend the rest of your time in this mountain city.

Available options

The Best of Asheville: Private 2.5-hour Walking Tour

What's included

Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places

A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Explore Downtown Asheville, where you'll get a taste of what makes Asheville so unique, from its well-preserved architecture to its energetic vibe to its natural beauty.

Take a stroll down Pack Square park, Asheville's front yard, surrounded by the art deco City Hall and other historic buildings.

See The Jackson Building, located in Pack Square downtown, is a 13-story Neo-Gothic and one of the most loved skyscrapers in the city completed in 1924, and walk past the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, an old Victorian-style house and one of the most important historical landmarks in Asheville where Wolfe lived as a child and that he immortalised in one of his novels.

Stop 3

Find out why Asheville is considered the brewery capital of America by visiting the South Slope Brewing District, where your guide will make sure you have all the tips you need to enjoy the best food and drinks for the rest of your stay.

Walk past the Asheville Art Museum, with a collection of 20th and 21st centuries American art, and discover Asheville's Urban Trail, where every stop marks a historic moment.

What's not included

Cost of transportation on the day (if required)

Food and additional drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend favourites along the way

Hotel pick up, we do recommend a centrally located start point

Entrance tickets to the attractions you decide to visit

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you beside the Blue Orb sculpture in front of the Asheville Art Museum located at 2 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801, United States.

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