Things to Do In and Around Downtown Asheville

Downtown Asheville Shopping Areas
Explore downtown's shopping districts, where historic streets showcase independently owned boutiques, art galleries, and specialty retailers within easy walking distance of each other.

• Grove Arcade: Visit this National Register of Historic Places landmark where elegant architecture meets contemporary shopping and dining. The arcade houses everything from classic American steakhouse cuisine to Indian dishes, award-winning baked goods to outdoor café seating, plus a spot for coffee and browsing books. The arcade's grand public spaces make it a must-see destination.
• Haywood Street: Discover an eclectic mix that ranges from handcrafted chocolates to modern furnishings on this vibrant street. Woolworth Walk showcases 150 regional artists across multiple galleries, while Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe hosts author events and features local writers. Earth Guild supplies crafters with materials for their creative projects.
• Wall Street: Wander this cobblestone lane where Urban Trail sculptures (including the beloved cats) dot the streetscape alongside unique shops and acclaimed restaurants like The Market Basket and Early Girl. A compact market provides essentials and specialty items.
• Broadway & Biltmore: This broad intersection was originally designed to accommodate streetcars during the 19th and early 20th century. Biltmore Avenue (to the south) features Asheville institutions, including Mast General Store and Blue Spiral 1 gallery. Broadway (to the north) offers varied retail and restaurants with patio seating. Pack Square is to the east.
• Lexington Avenue: Navigate the historic brick sidewalks (watch your step!) along this busy street that's attracted shoppers since the 19th century. Modern Lexington Avenue blends locally owned restaurants, independent retail shops, and inviting cafés and taprooms serving coffee, tea, craft beer, and cider.
• See a map of downtown.

Parking in Downtown Asheville

Parking Garages

The easiest downtown parking? Head to one of six city and county decks with real-time availability updates online. All charge the same rates: free for the first hour, then $2 per hour ($15 daily max). Get real-time updates on spaces available in each deck!

Your Best Options:

• Civic Center Deck - Enter from Haywood or Rankin (550 spaces)
• Rankin Avenue Deck - Enter from Walnut or Rankin (262 spaces)
• Wall Street Deck - Enter from Otis near Patton, adjacent to Grove Arcade (232 spaces, often busiest)
• Biltmore Deck - 51 Biltmore Avenue (412 spaces)
• Buncombe County Deck - 164 College Street across from Pack Square (650 spaces)
• Sears Alley Deck - 40 Coxe Avenue, enter from Sears Alley (664 spaces, great for evenings and weekends near South Slope)

Payment Options:

Pay at exit lane kiosks or pedestrian stations using credit cards or cash (bills only). A few privately owned garages downtown typically cost more but offer convenient locations.

On-Street Parking - Free after 6 PM & Sundays
Find metered spots throughout downtown's Central Business District—perfect for quick stops with a two-hour max. All meters cost $2.50 per hour and require payment Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–6 PM (free on Sundays and city holidays).

Payment Options:
Pay directly at the meter with coins (quarters, dimes, nickels) or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). For mobile payment, use the Flowbird app or Text-to-Pay, which also accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Need longer parking? Use city parking decks or lots instead.