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

4.0 (one review) 2 hours – 2 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

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Asheville's Historic Streets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Asheville's Historic Streets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours – 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing 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.
Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville

Passing 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.
Stop 3

Passing 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.
Stop 4

Passing 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.
Asheville Pinball Museum

Passing 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.
Spicer Greene Jewelers

Passing 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.
Stop 7

Passing 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.
Asheville Music Hall

Passing 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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight-character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]