Free cancellation

Explore Asheville's Historic City Center with Our Self-Guided Tour

★ 4.2 (15 reviews) · By WalknTours

Discover Asheville's rich history at your own pace with the Asheville's Historic Smart Phone Guided App (GPS) Walking Tour. This flexible tour lets you explore the city's vibrant downtown whenever it suits you, without the pressure of a group schedule.

Start your adventure outside the Asheville Art Museum at the iconic blue orb in Pack Square. From there, you'll visit key points of interest, learn fascinating stories about Asheville’s past, and see landmarks like Woolworth Walk, the Basilica, and the Thomas Wolfe house. Take your time—pause, explore shops, grab a bite, or relax at a bar—your tour never expires, and you can pick up right where you left off.

Enjoy professionally produced narration and music that set the mood, making your self-guided journey both informative and entertaining. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a fun way to see Asheville, this tour offers the perfect blend of flexibility and insight.

Ready to explore Asheville on your terms? Meet just outside the Asheville Art Museum, and let the adventure begin!

Frequently asked questions

How long does the tour take?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on how much you explore along the way.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?

Yes, the tour is designed for adults from age 1 to 100 and is accessible for all physical fitness levels.

Can I pause and explore during the tour?

Absolutely! You can pause the tour at any point to browse shops, visit galleries, or enjoy a meal. The tour never expires, so you can resume whenever you're ready.

What’s included in the tour?

You get to explore Asheville at your own pace using a smartphone-guided tour app. The tour is private and can be taken whenever it suits you.

Are there any additional costs?

No, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, entrance tickets, or a human guide. It’s all delivered through the app.

How do I start the tour?

Meet at the corner of N Pack Square and SW Pack Square at the Crossroads Monument, just outside the Asheville Art Museum. The tour begins there.

Free cancellation

Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.

Reserve now

Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.

Duration 1 hour – 1 hour 20 min

Check availability to see start times.

Guided experience

English

Key facts

Duration 1 hour – 1 hour 20 min
Languages English
Group size Up to 30
Ages Adults 1–100
Accessibility Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour type Private

What's included

Included

  • Go at your own pace and schedule
  • Smartphone-guided tour on our walking tour app
  • The tour never expires

Not included

  • Food, drinks, entrance tickets, or human guide—it's an app-only experience

Itinerary

Explore Asheville's historic city center with stops at key landmarks, stories about notable figures, and opportunities to pause and explore on your own.

  1. Start at the corner of N Pack Square

    Learn about Asheville's founding and history as you begin your tour.

    5 minutes
  2. O. Henry's plaque

    Hear the story of O. Henry and other notable Asheville figures.

    5 minutes
  3. Outside S & W building

    Pause here to explore more or continue when ready.

    5 minutes
  4. Woolworth Walk

    Learn about its history and explore the storefront.

    5 minutes
  5. Giant Iron sculpture outside the Iron building

    See the impressive iron artwork and hear its story.

    5 minutes
  6. Hidden water mural steps

    Discover the story behind the mural and how the steps came to be.

    5 minutes
  7. Grove Arcade Pass by

    Pass by this historic shopping arcade, with options to pause and explore.

  8. Outside Basilica

    Learn about the basilica's history and step inside if open.

    5 minutes
  9. Masonic Temple Pass by

    View the exterior and hear its significance.

  10. Thomas Wolfe's footprints

    Step into Wolfe's shoes and see what Asheville looked like in his time.

    5 minutes
  11. Wolfe's house Pass by

    Learn about the famous author’s connection to Asheville.

  12. Packs Tavern

    Discover its history during prohibition and its role in Asheville's past.

    5 minutes
  13. Pack Square & Jackson Building Pass by

    End your tour at this historic square, taking in the sights and stories.

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

The tour begins at the corner of N Pack Square and SW Pack Square at the Crossroads Monument.

Open in Google Maps

How to get there

Just outside the Asheville Art Museum, look for the blue orb to start your tour.

Cancellation & confirmation

Free cancellation

Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.

  • 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
  • No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start

Instant confirmation

Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.

From $9.75 per person

Adult Age 1–100
1
  • Free cancellation
  • Secure checkout with our booking partner

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