Highlights of Asheville Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

3.5 (6 reviews) Asheville, USA
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Duration1h - 2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Uncover a blend of history, art, and stories as you walk Asheville’s streets. Observe the mastery of structures like the Basilica of St. Lawrence. Learn about the city’s post-Revolutionary War origins and how the raging Civil War impacted Asheville and its slaves. Then see an array of unique sculptures as you continue, such as the Marketplace Sculpture. You’ll also get to meet figures such as famed author Thomas Wolfe and see the eclectic River Arts District.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

What's included

  • Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
  • Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
  • Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.
  • Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
  • Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
  • Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
  • Private walking tour experience for your family or group.
  • Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
  • Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
  • No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

What to expect

  1. Basilica of Saint Lawrence
    15m
    Pause here. To our left is the impressive Basilica of St. Lawrence. This basilica owes its existence to Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino. In the early 1890s, Guastavino was commissioned to work on a vaulted ceiling for the Biltmore house in Asheville. But while here, he decided he loved the place too much to leave! He bought property and set down roots.

    Note:- The tour is over 2 miles long, with more than 46 audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

    New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
  2. 15m
    See that statue depicting three well-dressed women with a dog in tow? That’s Shopping Daze! This sculpture commemorated Haywood Street’s history as a desirable and unique shopping destination. I think it can also represent Asheville’s ability to bounce back after its lively shopping district was hindered by debt and mall culture.
  3. 15m
    The ‘Legacy of Design’ sculpture stands up here, depicting a young boy on stilts. This piece was made to honor the inventive architect Richard Sharp Smith. I’ll dive deeper into Smith’s life in a moment, but first, you should know a thing or two about the sculptor of this piece, Dennis Smith.
  4. 15m
    The bell up here is a replica of the one that used to stand at the east end of Pack square, which rang out during important moments in Asheville’s early history. What kinds of events? Well, how about when the colonies declared their independence from Great Britain!
  5. 15m
    In 1924 architect Ronald Greene was commissioned to create the Jackson Building. It’s the one directly to our right! This was the tallest skyscraper in North Carolina at the time of its construction, and boasts some very unique features.
  6. 15m
    Do you see that bronze lock of hair, combs, and pocket watch set into the concrete around this plaque? If you’re a classic literature buff, you might recall what these all have in common. They’re from the famous O. Henry short story “Gift of the Magi”!
  7. 15m
    To our left stands the amazingly intricate Drhumor Building! Humorously given the nickname of the ‘Dr. Humor building,’ this structure owes its beauty to sculptor Frederick Miles. What many people don’t know is that these carvings might actually be based on real Asheville residents!
  8. Grove Arcade
    15m
    Coming up on our left is the Grove Arcade. Built by Edwin Grove, this bustling center of commerce stretches over a block and offers just about anything your heart desires.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Start at the Asheville Visitor Center parking lot at 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801. The Visitor Center is on your left as a reference. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. Audio plays automatically—check your email/text for details.

End point

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
  • Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
  • At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
  • Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
  • Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.
  • More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
  • Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
  • Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
  • Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
  • Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share a tour by using separate earbuds. We recommend using headphones or earbuds for clearer audio and to avoid disturbing nearby guests.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

3.5 (6)
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