- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Asheville
Asheville's core is a gallery of Art Deco architecture, frozen in time by the Great Depression. This accidental preservation saved landmarks like the S&W Building. Just outside the city, the Biltmore Estate presents a stark contrast with its French Renaissance design. Understanding this is key for any Asheville tourist guide.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers access to endless trails. The ancient French Broad River flows north through town, a geological rarity. Locals recommend foraging tours for a unique experience with nature. Many top attractions in Asheville, like the Blue Ridge Parkway, showcase the area's stunning seasonal beauty.
The city's vibrant craft culture is a core reason why visit Asheville. In the River Arts District, 200+ artists work in converted warehouses. Visitors can watch live glassblowing and pottery demonstrations, a nod to Appalachian tradition. The area's walkability makes exploring these working studios an immersive experience.
- AshevilleUnited States
- AshevilleUnited States
- AshevilleUnited States
- AshevilleUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercool, occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightJacket
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #Camera
- #Backpack
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #BlueRidgeParkway
- #BiltmoreEstate
- #DowntownAsheville
- #RiverArtsDistrict
- #PisgahNationalForest
- #NCArboretum
- Hike to Craggy Gardens
- Explore local breweries
- Visit the Grove Park Inn
- Stroll through Asheville's street art
- Attend a live music show
Recommended Hotels in Asheville by Experience
Things to do in Asheville
Discover
Discover things to do in Asheville, from the opulent Biltmore Estate to scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Explore the city's unique architecture downtown, including the Grove Arcade, and find tranquility at the N.C. Arboretum.
Experience
Hike trails in the Pisgah National Forest, browse creations in the River Arts District, or enjoy live bluegrass music. Experience seasonal events like the LEAF Festival, and explore local produce and crafts at a tailgate market.
Biltmore Estate
America's largest private home, a Gilded Age mansion.
Blue Ridge Parkway Drive
Scenic roadway offering stunning Appalachian mountain views.
River Arts District
Hub of studios and galleries from hundreds of local artists.
The North Carolina Arboretum
A 434-acre public garden with diverse plant collections.
Hiking in Pisgah National Forest
Mountain forest with waterfalls and extensive hiking trails.
Downtown Asheville Architecture Tour
Self-guided walk featuring Art Deco and Beaux Arts buildings.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). For the Asheville airport to city center trip, take the ART S3 bus (approx. 35 min, ~$1) or a taxi/rideshare (20-30 min, ~$35). No direct passenger train to Asheville exists; the closest Amtrak is in SC.
Getting Around
Downtown is walkable, but public transport in Asheville includes the ART bus system, offering day passes. Car rental in Asheville is best for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Be mindful of hills and one-way streets when driving in Asheville.
Local Essentials
When you plan a trip to Asheville, book Biltmore tickets and dinner reservations ahead. Cell service is spotty on mountain drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway, so download offline maps. Use city garages for easier downtown parking.
Where to Stay in Asheville
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
To truly explore Asheville's food scene, eat farm-to-table Southern classics like shrimp and grits. Taste the local culture through its vibrant craft beer offerings and artisanal chocolates. It's a core part of where to eat in Asheville.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Asheville, try Cúrate's vibrant tapas bar. Book ahead. Explore Wicked Weed Brewing's industrial space. Try flights. End at French Broad Chocolate Lounge, a cozy spot for dessert. Expect queues.
Cúrate
Authentic Spanish tapas in a lively, bustling setting.
12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER
Legendary slow-smoked barbecue. Expect long lines.
Tupelo Honey
Southern comfort food with a creative, modern twist.
The Lobster Trap
Fresh, sustainably sourced seafood and raw bar.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Appalachian traditions at must-see events like Shindig on the Green, a free summer festival with bluegrass music and clog dancing. Discover heritage crafts and the unique World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition at Heritage Weekend.
Enjoy
Discover Asheville's creative pulse at LEAF Global Arts Festival, featuring world music acts. Find diverse things to do, from local indie bands to experimental sound art at events like the Catalytic Sound Festival.
Shindig on the Green
Free summer series with Appalachian music and dancing.
LEAF Global Arts Festival
Biannual festival celebrating world music, art, and culture.
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
August event, the nation's longest-running folk festival.
Asheville Art in the Park
June & October outdoor market with local artists' creations.
Asheville Holiday Parade
November parade with floats and marching bands downtown.
Heritage Weekend
September festival with traditional crafts and music.
Great Mountain City
Asheville is a really cool place with a unique feel. It's got the mountains right there but also a busy downtown. You can find amazing food and lots of independent shops. People are super laid-back and friendly everywhere you go.
So Much Creativity
The creative energy here is incredible. The River Arts District is full of studios where you can watch artists at work. It's not just galleries; it's a working community. Found some great pottery and just enjoyed seeing so much talent.
Incredible Scenery
The mountain views are stunning, even in winter. Driving a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway was the highlight. It's so peaceful and the scale of the mountains is immense. Great for anyone who loves being outside and wants a scenic escape.
Walkable and Interesting
Asheville has a compact downtown that's perfect for walking. There are tons of bookstores and cool Art Deco buildings. We found a great spot for biscuits and gravy just off Pack Square. It's a very pleasant city to explore on foot.
Fantastic Breweries
This city has a serious beer scene. So many breweries to choose from, each with its own style. The South Slope area is packed with them. People are social and the places have a good community feel. Tried some excellent IPAs and stouts.
The Biltmore is a Must-See
The Biltmore Estate is on another level. It's huge and the architecture is incredible. Seeing how everything was built and maintained is fascinating. The grounds are also beautiful for a walk. It really feels like stepping back in time.