Downtown Asheville
Exploring Downtown Asheville: Shopping, Dining, and Culture in the Heart of the City
Downtown Asheville is the beating heart of the city—lively, walkable, and filled with character. With its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and an incredible mix of restaurants and boutiques, it’s no wonder this area has been called the “Paris of the South.” Whether you’re here to shop, dine, explore museums, or simply soak in the creative energy, there’s always something happening in downtown Asheville.
For those who love to shop, downtown is a true paradise, home to 200+ locally owned stores and boutiques. You won’t find generic tourist shops here—just an eclectic mix of clothing, gifts, antiques, books, and handcrafted art from both local and international makers. Art lovers can explore the many downtown galleries, while foodies can choose from more than 100 restaurants serving everything from casual bites to chef-driven cuisine.
Downtown Asheville is also known for its craft breweries, guided tours, and lively public spaces like Pack Square, which hosts many of the city’s best seasonal festivals in spring, summer, and fall. Take a stroll, enjoy street performances, or settle in for a picnic in one of the city’s charming parks.
Check out our top things to do in downtown Asheville, along with parking tips to make your visit even easier.
Downtown Asheville Things to Do
Since 1797, downtown Asheville’s public square has stood as both a literal and symbolic center—where the city’s past and present meet in uneasy conversation. From the contested legacy of the Vance Monument to the civic aspirations of the Roger McGuire Green, this stretch of land tells a story about who we’ve been, who we are, and who we’re still trying to become.
Downtown Asheville Shopping Areas
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Grove Arcade: This renovated historic building is worth a visit to admire the architecture alone, but it's also a wonderful place to wander, shop or visit galleries. The dining options range from Chicago-style hot dogs to frozen custard, wine bars to coffee shops, upscale restaurants to sidewalk cafes.
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Haywood Street: From chocolate to contemporary furniture to wigs, you can find it all on Haywood. See the works of 150 artists at Woolworth Walk, browse Malaprops Bookstore and get your craft supplies at the Earth Guild.
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Wall Street: This picturesque side street features a mix of unique shops and some great restaurants like Early Girl and Market Place.
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Broadway & Biltmore: This street changes name at the monument, with Broadway to one side of Patton Avenue and Biltmore to the other. It is lined with local institutions like Mast General Store and Blue Sprial I gallery, along with many restaurants with outdoor dining.
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Lexington Avenue: It's described as "funky and eclectic" and "hip and happening." The street has adopted the motto "where world culture meets counter culture."
Parking in Downtown Asheville
Parking Garages
The easiest solution to parking is using one of the five city & county parking decks. It's free for the first hour, then $1.50/hour. Get real time updates on spaces available in each deck!
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Civic Center Parking Deck is entered from Haywood or Rankin (550 spaces)
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Rankin Avenue Parking Deck is entered from Walnut or Rankin (262 spaces)
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Wall Street Parking Deck (adjacent to Grove Arcade) is entered from Otis Street near Patton Avenue (232 spaces) - usually the busiest
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Biltmore Public Parking Deck is at 51 Biltmore Avenue (412 spaces)
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Buncombe County Parking Deck at 164 College Street across from Pack Square Park (650 spaces)
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Sears Alley Public Parking Deck at 40 Coxe Avenue with 664 spots- great for after 5 PM M-F and all weekend (nearest South Slope). Enter from Sears Alley.
There are a couple of privately owned parking garages in Asheville downtown that are usually more expensive, but very convenient.
On-Street Parking - Free after 6 PM & Sundays
There are more than 700 on-street, metered spaces in downtown Asheville. All meters are for short term parking (two hours or less, as marked) at a cost of $1.50 per hour. All meters accept coins only or pay via the Passport Parking App. The metered spaces are enforced from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. Parking is FREE each Sunday and city holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas (3 days). So don't "feed the meters" on these days.