Sight guide · Asheville · United States
Visiting Downtown Art Deco walk
A 1920s building boom left Asheville with one of the best collections of Art Deco architecture in the South, much of it designed by Douglas Ellington.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Asheville · Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Downtown Art Deco walk is an architectural landmark in Downtown Asheville, Asheville. Allow 1–1.5 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Architecture
- Area
- Downtown Asheville
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, architecture, history and photo spot
- Best months
- April–May and November
Plan a trip to Asheville
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Downtown Art Deco walk
A 1920s building boom left Asheville with one of the best collections of Art Deco architecture in the South, much of it designed by Douglas Ellington. Highlights are the pink-and-green tiled roof of City Hall, the S&W Cafeteria building on Patton Avenue and the Jackson Building, the region's first skyscraper.
Tip: Start at City Hall and the Buncombe County Courthouse on Pack Square, and follow the downtown Urban Trail markers set into the pavement.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Downtown Asheville, art Deco streets of galleries, bookshops, restaurants and rooftop bars.
Best time to visit Downtown Art Deco walk
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 15°C (59°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- April: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Asheville has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Asheville itinerary visits Downtown Art Deco walk on day 3, together with Basilica of St. Lawrence and Asheville Art Museum.
- No. 6 of the 14 sights in our Asheville things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Asheville.
Near Downtown Art Deco walk
Also in Downtown Asheville, so you can walk between them:
- Grove Arcade — 45 minutes, free
- Basilica of St. Lawrence — 30 minutes, free
- Asheville Art Museum — 1.5–2 hours, mid-priced
If you like Downtown Art Deco walk
- Biltmore Estate — Biltmore Village, Full day
- Blue Ridge Parkway — Around Asheville, Half a day
- Omni Grove Park Inn — North Asheville and Grove Park, 1 hour
Staying near Downtown Art Deco walk
Stay in Downtown Asheville ($$$) to walk here: art Deco streets of galleries, bookshops, restaurants and rooftop bars. All areas to stay in Asheville.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Downtown Art Deco walk?
Plan 1–1.5 hours. With Grove Arcade nearby, it fits a half-day in Downtown Asheville.
+Is Downtown Art Deco walk free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Downtown Art Deco walk?
April–May and November, the quietest of the good months. Start at City Hall and the Buncombe County Courthouse on Pack Square, and follow the downtown Urban Trail markers set into the pavement.
+Do I need to book Downtown Art Deco walk in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.