Top 7 Neighborhoods to Explore or Stay in Asheville, N.C.

Asheville, North Carolina, is often referred to as the 'Paris of the South.' This nickname is well-deserved, as the city boasts an abundance of art museums and galleries. The architecture is impressive and diverse, featuring neoclassical, Romanesque revival, art deco, Beaux-Arts, Gothic, and Spanish Renaissance styles. The culinary scene is equally remarkable, showcasing award-winning dishes rooted in Appalachian traditions.

Downtown Asheville is the heart of the city, home to numerous James Beard Award-winning chefs and restaurants like Katie Button's Cúrate, Meherwan Irani's Chai Pani, and John Fleer's Rhubarb. The Citizen-Times building from 1939 has been transformed into Citizen Vinyl, a cozy spot to enjoy records along with coffee or cocktails at the Session cafe. On warm Friday nights, join the lively Drum Circle in Pritchard Park to experience the local culture firsthand.

After exploring downtown, venture into the diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. Here are seven of our top picks for Asheville neighborhoods to discover on your next visit.

River Arts District

In the late 1800s, RAD (River Arts District) was a bustling industrial hub in Asheville, featuring stockyards, Hans Rees & Sons tanneries, Asheville Cotton Mills, and meat processing plants near the French Broad River. By the late 19th century, the Western North Carolina Railroad laid tracks alongside the river, turning the area into a desirable waterfront locale. Unfortunately, by the 1940s, a series of floods led to the exodus of businesses and residents seeking higher ground.

In the 1970s, artists began to settle in the vacant buildings—an age-old story of affordable rent and creativity—transforming the area into an artistic sanctuary. With the arrival of 12 Bones Smokehouse and New Belgium, RAD evolved into a lively center for artists, innovative enterprises, restaurants, breweries, and more. On the Second Saturday of each month, the River Arts District hosts gallery walks featuring workshops, live music, and wine tastings.

Riverview Station has transitioned from a vacant space to a thriving multi-use venue, now home to over 60 artists, galleries, and small businesses, including Newstock Food Studio, where pastry chef Ashley Capps and her husband create delicious cinnamon rolls and pastries. Plus, there’s always a perfect moment for a hot chocolate at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge.

The Radical Hotel has recently opened in a repurposed five-story warehouse, making it an excellent weekend getaway, especially after enjoying a few Roof Is On Fire cocktails (featuring jalapeño-infused tequila, mango, passion fruit, and lime) at the rooftop bar. Don't miss out on culinary delights at Bull and Beggar (the burgers are always a hit), RosaBees for Hawaiian cuisine (the poke bowl is a crowd favorite!), All Souls Pizza (with a fantastic outdoor area and wine selection), Vivian (where the steak is a must-try), and Plēb Urban Winery (serving wines crafted from native North Carolina grapes).

West Asheville

Haywood Road, the main street of West Asheville, has remained largely unchanged since the 1880s when it served as a vital commercial route to the River Arts District. Today, it boasts an array of indie shops and businesses. This neighborhood is a favorite among locals, not only for its proximity to downtown but also for its eclectic mix of bookstores, dive bars, vintage shops, music venues, trendy restaurants, and breweries.

At Fleetwood’s Chapel, you can tie the knot, enjoy a beer, and hunt for vintage treasures (perhaps a wedding dress?!) all in one spot. Just down the road, One World West offers live music and unique brews like Legacy Lager-Mexican Corn Lager and Ashevegas Pale Ale. Neng Jr.’s is a cozy 18-seat restaurant run by chef Silver Iocovozzi, a second-generation Filipino, serving up delectable pork belly and chewy, hand-pulled noodles. The relaxed atmosphere at Leo’s House of Thirst features outstanding natural wines from around the globe, including some on tap (don’t miss Tap Tuesdays where all bottles are just $25). Tastee Diner, a charming diner-meets-dive bar, emphasizes local ingredients (like their chopped cheese, made with local Shipley Farms Beef), along with a variety of cool shops like Bagatelle Books, Wildflowers Vintage, Flora, and Melona.

The Block

Situated in the east end of downtown, the Block, predominantly a Black neighborhood, thrived from the early 1900s through the Great Depression, drawing renowned figures like Louis Armstrong to its juke joints. Thanks to a recent resurgence, the Block has evolved beyond a simple business district. At its core lies the YMI Cultural Center, originally established as the Young Men’s Institute in 1893 by entrepreneur Isaac Dickson and educator Dr. Edward S. Stephens, which remains the neighborhood’s cornerstone.

The YMI serves as a vital cultural hub for Asheville’s Black community, featuring a business incubation program designed to uplift Black entrepreneurs. Visit Noir Collective AVL, a boutique and art gallery where owner Ajax Ravenel provides a platform for local Black creators to showcase art, incense, and literature. Join social entrepreneur, veteran, and artist DeWayne Barton for a “Hood Tour” to explore the history and future of African Americans in Asheville. Alternatively, dine at Benne on Eagle, a restaurant that celebrates the culinary traditions of the Appalachians and the African diaspora, illustrating how dishes from the transatlantic slave trade continue to influence food culture today.

Montford historic area

The historic Montford area showcases a diverse array of architectural styles—Victorian, Queen Anne, arts and crafts—mirroring Asheville’s cosmopolitan spirit of the early 20th century. It's advisable to don your walking shoes and explore, as part of Montford is designated a National Register Historic District, featuring over 600 buildings erected between 1890 and 1920. Architect Richard Sharp Smith, noted for his contributions to the Biltmore Estate, designed many homes in this neighborhood. Montford is also home to the Montford Park Players (including an annual Shakespeare Festival) and the final resting places of literary icons Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry in Riverside Cemetery. Don't miss the LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour for a fun blend of humor and history, and wind down at the Montford Rooftop Bar for stunning sunset views.

The “Wellness Block”

Thanks to Asheville’s thriving yoga and wellness community, an entire district dedicated to well-being has emerged. While visitors may not always be aware, the “Wellness Block” that extends around Liberty Street, Central Avenue, Orange Street, and Chestnut Street is definitely worth exploring. Stay at the Chestnut Street Inn, where owner Emilie Kapp offers invaluable tips for enjoying your time in Asheville. The Asheville Yoga Center, a community-focused yoga studio with over 100 weekly classes, teacher training, events, and workshops, forms the heart of the area. Local favorites include the Ayurvedic Institute, Lighten Up Massage and Body Work, and Asheville Salt Cave, along with Pulp + Sprout Juice Bar + Vegan Cafe, where you can enjoy bone broth pre- or post-massage or yoga class, completely unironically.

South Slope

Once a primarily African American neighborhood adjacent to Southside, South Slope transformed from an industrial hub in the early 20th century to what is now known as Asheville’s “brewery district.” A remarkable cluster of craft breweries are all within walking distance of one another. Embark on a self-guided tour to explore Burial Beer Co., Hi-Wire Brewing, Wicked Weed Funkatorium (renowned for its sour beers and delicious food), Catawba Brewing Company, Green Man Brewery, Terra Nova Beer Co., Asheville Pizza and Brewing, and Twin Leaf Brewing. For those who prefer non-beer beverages, Antidote at Chemist Spirits and Urban Orchard Cider Co. are excellent alternatives.

Biltmore Village

In 1888, amidst the Gilded Age, George W. Vanderbilt visited Asheville and was enchanted by its scenery. He acquired 125,000 acres to bring his vision of a country estate to life, which became the Biltmore. (Vanderbilt combined “Bildt,” the Dutch surname of his ancestors, with “more” to create the iconic name.) Architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted collaborated to design the grand 250-room château and its expansive grounds, which featured a village at the estate’s entrance to house the staff working on the property.

Biltmore Village emerged as one of the earliest planned communities in the United States, allowing residents to live and work in harmony, complete with essential amenities like a school, shops, and a post office. It was officially incorporated into the City of Asheville in the early 20th century and is now a popular destination known for its shops, restaurants, and charming old English village atmosphere. Accommodations in Biltmore Village include the Grand Bohemian Asheville, Autograph Collection, the four-star Village Hotel, or the historic Cottages on Biltmore Estate. Don't miss out on private tours of the estate’s winery. A hidden gem in the village is Eda Rhyne Distillery, known for crafting small-batch Appalachian fernet and nocino from locally foraged ingredients.