Asheville Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Basilica of Saint Lawrence featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Asheville featuring shopping
Asheville showing a city and street scenes as well as a small group of people
North Carolina Arboretum showing a park and a bridge
North Carolina Arboretum featuring a pond
Artists, gourmets and outdoor enthusiasts will all feel right at home in North Carolina’s “Paris of the South.”

Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville is renowned for its lively arts scene and spectacular offering of outdoor activities. The city is located between the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. Trek up Mount Pisgah to enjoy the wilderness and gorgeous views. During the fall, the mountainous landscape explodes into a spectrum of colors many visitors plan their visit around the changing leaves.

Often referred to as “Paris of the South,” Asheville is, at its core, an artists’ colony. A creative spirit pervades the lively community, offering a ceaseless stream of exhibits, concerts and plays. The town has enough restaurants and cafés to satisfy even the most devout food connoisseurs. It is also well-known for its beer production, offering over a dozen craft breweries within walking distance of the downtown.

Stroll down Asheville’s River Arts District to understand why it is called the “San Francisco of the East.” Outdoor performances are a daily occurrence. Sidewalks are peppered with local artists vending their wares. Settle down at an outdoor café along the French Broad River to enjoy the scene. Spend a rainy afternoon in Grove Arcade to browse regional crafts, dine at local eateries and hear live music.

Drive a few minutes outside the downtown to the historic Biltmore Estate. Built by George Vanderbilt II at the turn of the 20th century, it has 250 rooms and takes the title as the largest privately owned home in the U.S. The estate offers guided tours, a winery and luxurious accommodation. Plan for an entire afternoon to explore the house, gardens and grounds the visit is well worth it. Pre-book a Christmas tour of the beautifully decorated main building.

Visitors can fly into Asheville Regional Airport, which offers direct flights to destinations throughout the U.S. Located 130 miles (190 kilometers) from Charlotte, Asheville can be accessed by car via Interstates 26 or 40. The drive to and from this western North Carolina town spans the Blue Ridge Parkway and is renowned as being one of the most scenic routes in the U.S.

Where to stay in Asheville

Asheville

Downtown Asheville

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Downtown Asheville is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Pack Square and Wicked Weed Brewing.

Downtown Asheville
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West Asheville

The captivating mountain views and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to West Asheville. A stop by New Belgium Brewing Company or Asheville Treetops Adventure Park might round out your trip.

West Asheville
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Biltmore Village

Travellers to Biltmore Village praise its majestic mountain landscape. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Historic Biltmore Village and Cathedral Of All Souls.

Biltmore Village
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South Slope Brewing District

If you're spending some time in South Slope Brewing District, The Orange Peel and Wicked Weed Brewing are top sights worth seeing.

South Slope Brewing District
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East End - Valley Street

While visiting East End - Valley Street, you might make a stop by sights like McCormick Field and Memorial Stadium.

East End - Valley Street
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Historic Montford

While visiting Historic Montford, you might make a stop by sights like Riverside Cemetery and Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre.

Historic Montford
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road
3 out of 5
199 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC
The price is AU$156 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$156
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Asheville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,463 reviews)
"The hotel room was sparkly clean. The breakfast was amazing. The hotel is next door to a homeless placement type business so there are lots of homeless people hanging around the parking lot."

Reviewed on 10 Apr. 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
4 out of 5
290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC
The price is AU$585 per night from 5 May to 6 May
AU$585
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"The Spa is a must! The views were amazing and the hotel was superb"

Reviewed on 10 Apr. 2025

The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Kimpton Hotel Arras by IHG
Kimpton Hotel Arras by IHG
4 out of 5
7 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC
The price is AU$260 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$260
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
"Staff went out of the way to welcome us. We will be back!"

Reviewed on 5 Apr. 2025

Kimpton Hotel Arras by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Excellent Mountain Views and Short Walk to Downtown Asheville
Excellent Mountain Views and Short Walk to Downtown Asheville
Asheville
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Asheville. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and a pool table. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (170 reviews)
Wonderful stay for college tour!
"We really enjoyed our stay! I came to town with my 17 yr old son and 3 yr old daughter to view UNC Asheville. The property was the perfect location! Close to campus for the tour and everything else we wanted to do. Short drive to the Western North Carolina Nature Center, which we loved visiting! ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2025

Excellent Mountain Views and Short Walk to Downtown Asheville
Kasa Downtown Asheville
Kasa Downtown Asheville
3 out of 5
42 Furman Ave, Asheville, NC
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Biltmore Estate and Harrah's Cherokee ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (31 reviews)
Enjoyed my stay wish I could have extended
"The room was really nice and very welcoming, it was like having my own place. Would highly recommend this property."

Reviewed on 6 Dec. 2024

Kasa Downtown Asheville
Creekside Cottage! Hiking. Gardens. 5 min to town. Close to shopping/dining.WiFi
Creekside Cottage! Hiking. Gardens. 5 min to town. Close to shopping/dining.WiFi
Asheville
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville ...
10/10 Exceptional! (239 reviews)
Wonderful stsy
"House Was great, fully stocked and close to everything. Wonderful visit to Biltmore estate.Better than expected!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

Creekside Cottage! Hiking. Gardens. 5 min to town. Close to shopping/dining.WiFi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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