Asheville, NC

Travel Guide

Basilica of Saint Lawrence showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Asheville showing shopping
Asheville featuring street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people
North Carolina Arboretum showing a park and a bridge
North Carolina Arboretum showing 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(969 area reviews)

Travelers to Downtown Asheville praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Pack Square and Wicked Weed Brewing.

Downtown Asheville
I search for interesting businesses in the middle of nowhere. Hole is in an isolated area of the go to city of Asheville,NC. Go here for your donuts.

West Asheville

The picture-perfect mountain views and abundant 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

Adjacent to the Biltmore Estate entrance, this small village boasts the stunning Cathedral of All Souls and a lively commercial district with eclectic shops and restaurants.

Biltmore Village
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South Slope Brewing District

While visiting South Slope Brewing District, you might make a stop by sights like The Orange Peel and Wicked Weed Brewing.

South Slope Brewing District
If you’re in Asheville definitely check out White Labs! They’re a company specializing in yeast and sell to many of the top breweries. They opened a restaurant and their menu is full of all sorts of delicious foods and drinks that are made from...their yeasts! #trovember #asheville #food

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
This photo was taken from the window of a room in the Biltmore Village Hotel. The hotel and staff were fantastic and the estate grounds are beautiful. The grounds are huge so make sure you give yourself at least four days if you want to see them all. All the restaurants on the estate are "farm to table" and the winery offers free tastings. #BvSApplication

Historic Montford

5/5(34 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Historic Montford, Riverside Cemetery and Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre are top sights worth seeing.

Historic Montford
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
4 out of 5
290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC
The price is ¥44,005 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥44,005
¥56,390 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,011 reviews)
Great place for celiac / gluten free needs
"It is so hard to find a resort that can handle gluten free / celiac food and do it well and Grove Park Inn nailed it! Everyone was extremely happy with their options and experience."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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 ¥21,112 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥21,112
¥27,011 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,011 reviews)
"Can't say enough about ALL the staff! Seriously, all of them. Everyone went out of their way to accommodate and happily doing it. Suite was appointed beautifully and exceeded our needs. Reverse Osmosis water and ice available on every floor. Complimentary cold, bottled water, morning coffee & tea, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Kimpton Hotel Arras by IHG
Aloft Asheville Downtown
Aloft Asheville Downtown
3 out of 5
51 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC
The price is ¥19,925 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥19,925
¥22,515 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,012 reviews)
"Nice location but paying to park in addition to hotel rate is not acceptable."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Aloft Asheville Downtown
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.
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay. Comfortable unit. Walkable to many points of interest downtown. Just an FYI we were on the third floor and no elevator. Not a problem for us but could difficult for some. We would stay again."

Reviewed on May 24, 2025

Kasa Downtown Asheville
Nestled Garden Oasis with Mountain Views Downtown! Dogs welcome!
Nestled Garden Oasis with Mountain Views Downtown! Dogs welcome!
3 out of 5
17 Delano Rd, Asheville, NC
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Biltmore Estate and The Orange Peel are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Great Place
"We had a great time, it was cozy and looked just as advertised."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Nestled Garden Oasis with Mountain Views Downtown! Dogs welcome!
Cozy home w/Hot Tub in trendy West Asheville!
Cozy home w/Hot Tub in trendy West Asheville!
Asheville
Stay at this vacation home in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (436 reviews)
Wonderful stay
"We had a great stay. This little house is so cute and walking distance to a lot. We were there for July 4th and had a lot of fun at the block party and mills river brewing’s party for the 4th. We were bummed Sierra Nevada was closed on the 4th, we really wanted to check it out."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Cozy home w/Hot Tub in trendy West Asheville!
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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