Asheville's Historic Streets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts the second-largest collection of Art Deco architecture in America.

On this walking tour, you’ll discover the city’s remarkable history, from its Cherokee origins to its Roaring Twenties boom. You’ll also hear about the unexpected preservation of its architectural treasures due to the Great Depression. (Don’t worry, it will make sense later.)

This tour starts at the Visitor’s Center and takes you through downtown Asheville’s most iconic landmarks. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the visionaries who shaped its distinctive character.

You’ll learn how wealthy entrepreneurs like E.W. Grove and George Willis Pack transformed the city’s skyline and see how the arts have flourished here, from traditional Appalachian folk music to contemporary crafts. You’ll discover the city’s literary connections to Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry while passing bustling music venues and artisan markets.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at the Asheville Visitor Centre. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends at the Mellow Mushroom Asheville on Broadway.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, a significant religious landmark with deep historical roots, but please note that entry to the basilica is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, a major venue for concerts, sports, and cultural events, but please note that entry to the venue or any events is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by Roman’s Deli & Catering, a popular local spot known for its classic deli fare, but please note that any purchases or costs related to visiting the deli are not covered in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll see The Flat Iron Hotel, an iconic building with distinctive architecture in the heart of Asheville, but please note that any costs related to visiting or entering the hotel are not covered in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Asheville Pinball Museum, known for its collection of vintage and modern pinball machines, but please note that admission to the museum is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by Spicer Greene Jewelers, a long-established local jeweler known for fine craftsmanship and elegant designs, but please note that any costs related to visiting or making purchases are not covered in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, the preserved childhood home of the famed American author, but please note that admission to the house is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by Asheville Music Hall, a well-known venue for live performances and local music, but please note that entry to the venue or any events is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Architecture Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}