Asheville

Travel Guide

Basilica of Saint Lawrence featuring religious elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Asheville featuring a city and street scenes as well as a small group of people
North Carolina Arboretum featuring a bridge and a park
Asheville
Asheville featuring a city and street scenes as well as a small group of people

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(3 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
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

4 out of 5
290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC
The price is €338 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€338
26 Aug - 27 Aug
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! (1,001 reviews)
"We absolutely loved the spa and pool area and the vast array of restaurants."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Clarion Inn Biltmore Village

Clarion Inn Biltmore Village

2.5 out of 5
234 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC
The price is €72 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€72
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (1,538 reviews)
"The room was clean and updated with comfortable beds and pillows. The breakfast was very good. However, access to the property is difficult. The turn off the main road is a sharp turn with a steep hill and then you have to drive through the narrow, crowded Texas Roadhouse parking lot."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Clarion Inn Biltmore Village
Kimpton Hotel Arras by IHG

Kimpton Hotel Arras by IHG

4 out of 5
7 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC
The price is €161 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€161
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Beautiful property, quiet floors. Very sophisticated!"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 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.
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! (38 reviews)
Nice stay
"This is a historic apartment building that has been redone. The rooms are very cute, clean and comfortable. The kitchen is tiny, but it worked for our needs. The neighborhood is very walkable."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Kasa Downtown Asheville
Cozy Cabin on Blue Ridge Pwy & MTS Trl with hot tub, only 15min from downtown

Cozy Cabin on Blue Ridge Pwy & MTS Trl with hot tub, only 15min from downtown

Asheville
Stay at this cabin in Asheville. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Entrance ...
9/10 Wonderful! (175 reviews)
"Cabin was great! Saw a black bear and her cub on the way in and out off the road. Only issue we had was the hills were a bit steep for my civic with a 1.8 liter engine, but we got up there!"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Cozy Cabin on Blue Ridge Pwy & MTS Trl with hot tub, only 15min from downtown
The Pines Cottages

The Pines Cottages

3 out of 5
346 Weaverville Road, Asheville, NC
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Asheville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (337 reviews)
Amazing experience!
"I had an amazing stay at The Pines Cottages!! Rebecca was extremely helpful and very nice!! I’m looking forward to my next stay, which is coming up soon!!"

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

The Pines Cottages
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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