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The Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC is so big you need a full day (or two!) to explore the entire attraction. These tips for visiting the Biltmore Estate aren’t just helpful — they’re absolutely necessary if you don’t want to miss anything.
With 250 rooms covering nearly 180,000 square feet on an 8,000-acre plot of land, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. To put that in perspective, I had to drive over 3 miles from the entrance to the main house and from there it’s another 5 miles to the Antler Hill Village area. Additionally, I toured only a portion of the 250 rooms and it still took me over 2 hours for the interior visit alone!
7 Tips for Visiting the Biltmore Estate
Get Some Background Information
The Biltmore House was built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, a prominent figure in society but not a major player in the Vanderbilt shipping/railroad legacy. The home was built in the late 1800s during the Gilded Age and was always used as a private residence. As always, ten minutes of reading can help provide a better context for your visit.
Go Off-Peak, Not Off-Season
The Biltmore Estate gets crowded, since it appeals to anyone with an interest in history, architecture, gardens, or outdoor activities. If your schedule allows, go mid-week and arrive first thing in the morning.
Go in spring or summer if you’re a garden-lover, spring through fall if you want to participate in outdoor activities, or November/December if you want to see the mansion all decked out for Christmas. Winter visits mean crowds are thin ant tickets are cheaper, but you’ll miss the beautiful Biltmore gardens.
Best Time to Visit the Biltmore Estate
Different seasons has a different draw for visiting the Biltmore:
Spring is my favorite time to visit to see the gardens in brilliant bloom (April-May are best).
Autumn is a great time to visit Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains for fall foliage and perfect weather for outdoor activities (try October).
December, the mansion is all decorated for Christmas and you can schedule a visit for candlelit evening tours for extra magic.
January and February are best for bargain-hunters, since you’ll find deals on admission (and Asheville hotels). If your budget allows, I think other seasons are better.
Buy Biltmore Tickets in Advance
There are a ton of reasons to buy Biltmore Estate tickets in advance. For one thing, you’ll save $10 per ticket. More importantly, the number of visitors allowed inside the house is capacity-controlled. If you want to guarantee an interior visit — especially if you need a specific time — you should buy your tickets in advance.
Prep Yourself as if You’re Going to Disney
Wear comfortable shoes for your visit, as you’ll be on your feet for a long time. You’ll also want to wear layers so you can stay comfortable both indoors and outdoors. Eat a big breakfast and/or pack a picnic lunch since food on-site is expensive, get a map of the property, and prioritize which activities you want to partake in just in case you run out of time.
Pay Extra for a Guided Tour
I hate to say this, but your (very costly) admission ticket does not come with a tour. You’ll get a small booklet of information with roughly 2-3 sentences describing each room on your visit, but that’s not enough to understand what you’re seeing.
The Biltmore offers several different tour options, each with a different focus, but I settled on the audio tour. It gave a great overview of the Vanderbilt family, estate architecture, society through the late 1800s/early 1900s, restoration of the building, and art and furniture in each of the rooms. It really added to my visit while still allowing me to go at my own pace.
Consider Doing Some Activities in Asheville Rather Than at the Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore has capitalized on tourist dollars, offering things like fishing, horseback riding, shopping, dining, and segway rides on-site. I’m they are well-run, but they aren’t unique to the estate.
If you only have one day at the Biltmore, focus on the estate. Tour the house and gardens first, then the other included attractions such as the Biltmore Legacy at Antler Hill, the vintage car display, farmyard, living history demonstrations (such as blacksmiths and woodworkers), or wine tastings since those alone can fill up six hours of your day. You may or may not still have time afterward for extra activities.
Stay Off-Site
The Inn at Biltmore looked very nice, but the vibe is kind of bland and the rooms are pricey. I’d encourage you to stay somewhere else.
Biltmore Village (which is different from the on-site Antler Hill Village) is by the entrance gates to the Biltmore Estate. The area is just a few square blocks and has tourist shops, galleries, and a few restaurants. It’s also home to the fabulous-looking Grand Bohemian Hotel.
For something different, try the Hotel Indigo in downtown Asheville and walking distance to city restaurants and bars or the Grove Park Inn for a special occasion and spectacular spa. You’ll also find cabins in the Blue Ridge Mountains if that’s more your thing.
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The Biltmore Estate should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Asheville. For more on the city, check out my other posts:
The Biltmore is great. Asheville is home to the Grove Park Inn, which has one of the most amazing spas in the world. Highly recommend both the Biltmore and Grive Park Inn.
Biltmore is the closest thing to Versailles in the New World! Plan on the best part of a day to enjoy the grounds, etc. Enjoy!
It’s a great day trip or even an over night trip. A few more weeks and it will be a great time to visit.
I took two different tours. Fabulous. Was up on the roof. Stayed at the Four Points. Biltmore was on my bucket list too, but now I want to go back.
Actually had my senior prom on Biltmore Estate grounds. They were filming Richie Rich at the main building at the time. Biltmore Estate is a beautiful place. The Estate is a lot bigger then most people expect.
Wow, I wish all of you had posted before I went since I was on the fence! (I ended up loving it)
@Chris, I looked at the Grove Park Inn’s and it looks fabulous. Maybe next time 😉
@The Weekly Flyer, It was great even when I went, but for people who only goes once in a lifetime, I think your advice is spot on. Worth waiting for the right time of year if you don’t want an excuse to return.
@JRB, I haven’t been to Versailles, but it did feel very European to me.
@MJM, The roof tour sounded quite incredible. Maybe we’ll have a Biltmore meet-up for people to return.
@seaturtleguy, Talk about a cool prom venue!
Was wondering why when I link through your banner is shows ticket prices as 2 days for the price of one but when I go to select the tickets it does not reflect that
@Karen, I believe you have the option of paying the advance purchase price ($47) OR paying full price ($59) and getting a second day’s admission included. Winter tickets automatically include 2 days for the price of 1 even with the advance purchase price ($39/49).
A correction to your post: It’s George Washington Vanderbilt II, not Biltmore. He used the last half of his name to create the name of his estate, Biltmore. Same family as the founders of Vanderbilt University.
@M Rountree, Thanks!
This was just what I was lookin for. I have been in VA for over 10 years and the Biltmore ranks pretty high for a place I want to visit! Having the ability to go low season or off peak I just wanted to understand if it was worth it and possible.
@Rose, You’re going to have a great trip! I loved it so much, I need to actually plan a return visit. Great all year, but I really do think that avoiding January-March provides much more to see (although with higher costs).
Becky my mom and I are going to the Biltmore
next week. The rate is $40. Did you say this includes the second day?
@Tracie, That offer was valid as of the time of posting (January 2015) but does not appear to be a special offer this winter. You should still be able to take advantage of off-season pricing + free audioguide. Hope that helps and enjoy your trip!
My husband and I toured the Biltmore last summer during our 25th anniversary trip to Gatlinburg, TN. I was unaware that the estate is not air conditioned. It can get very warm especially up and down all those stairs.
We were there on a day so busy that tours were added. We were fortunate enough that no one else signed up for our tour and we ended up getting a private tour into some of the areas of the mansion the other guests were not taken. It was absolutely fantastic! A real treat. I’d love to go back and visit again.
@Sara, Great tip about the air conditioning and it sounds like you had a one-of-a-kind experience 🙂
I would like to respectfully disagree with your assessment of Biltmore Village which, you correctly note, is outside of the estate. Whereas it is, like much of Asheville, a popular site for tourist (as a local, for me it’s still a jewel of the town) the village was the original artisians and builders village for the estate. Most buildings are historic and were the Homes built for the craftsmen who built the estate. It is home to All Saints Catherdral, a very special and beautiful church. Many of the shops – I will call out New Morning Gallery – specialize in regional art. Also, the district is home to many eclectic businesses such as Catawba brewing and Screen Door antiques. Please don’t disregard Biltmore Village as a tourist trap!
@Tim, Thanks for sharing a little context and giving me a good excuse to spend more time there to develop a more insightful opinion. Appreciate the history too!
Help! My husband and I plan on going on one of the Christmas Eve Candlelight tours around Nov 14 and touring the house beforehand. Is that possible to be there during the day and then just go in when it’s your turn for the evening tour? We’d like to sign up for the first one so we don’t have to move our car!
Also we want to come back the next day and tour some more. Are there still second day $15 tickets?
I’ve never been, I’ve always wanted to and I’m so excited to go! I think the extra tours are worth the extra $$?
This is our Christmas gift to each other this year!!
Thanks for any and all advice!!
@Joey, You can spend however long you like on the grounds and your timed ticket will be for entry inside the house. The second day entry offer for $15 is scheduled through 11/3…I don’t know if it will be extended at that time. You can ask on the day of your visit by going to guest services.
My 10yr old daughter read the book Seraphina and the Black cloak and the second book the Crooked Staff which take place at the Biltmore. She has become obsessed with the estate and was over joyed when we moved to Charlotte NC. She has been begging over and over again to go visit it. Someone also told me I should call and request a tour guide who is familiar with the book. I guess some tour guides will give you tidbits from the book but not all do this and its not a package you can buy which I think the estate is missing out on. Something to keep in mind. Thanks for the great information
@Katherine, I haven’t heard of those books, but thanks for the great tip! Sounds like a fun connection to local history.
We were there the Saturday after thanksgiving. Very busy but it seems very organized as far as parking. Everyone that worked there that we encountered wee very friendly and helpful. Would definitely like to go back!
@Trish, Thanks for the recent update!
Hi Becky!
Enjoy reading your posts. My boyfriend and I are visiting the Biltmore Christmas Eve for the first time! Any suggestions where we should start our tour? Our entry into the house is 1:45pm.
@Liz, Since you’re heading over winter when you probably won’t want to spend all day outside on the grounds, I’d eat a big brunch and then head to the botanical gardens (and greenhouse) before house entry. You’ll be ready to warm up inside the house at 1:45…then afterward, head to Antler Hill Village & Winery until you’re ready to leave for the day. Have a great trip!
Went years ago, was in Ashville last fall and wanted to go on the horse drawn wagon ride since it was our favorite thing we had previously done… But the price just to get onto the estate was ridiculous. I wish I would of known about advance ticket prices…. We skipped it and went to an art fair instead…. I was very disappointed!
I have a question, this may be stupid, but am I correct in stating that you cannot stay in the actual Biltmore residence? The only places you can stay are in the Inn and the Village area? Thanks!
@Melinda, The Biltmore house is a private residence that does not host overnight guests. There is an inn on the estate grounds (but a separate building) or plenty of hotels nearby.
I will be visiting the Biltmore Estate with friends at the end of April. I have checked their website for information and you have reinforced our plans to purchase entry tix and set times before we go. I will be following your blog for other activities in Asheville.
@Vicki, Hope you have a great trip!
You also have to mention the Vanderbilt that designed and built this home was 27 years old!!
I believe George Vanderbilt II only lived in the home 3 years after it was completed. He passed away while a business trip of a ruptured appendix.
He was still quite young.
Living in Greenville, SC, my husband and I have visited The Biltmore 4 or 5 times over a twenty year period. The Biltmore also has a tour for handicap in wheelchairs, using the elevator. We always enjoyed eating at the Stable Cafe there on the estate.
We would have loved going during Christmas but perhaps my daughter and her family will plan a trip. My husband has since passed away.
The Biltmore and Biltmore Village are great places to spend time with friends and family.
Kathryn Paige Blankenship
@Kathryn, Thanks so much for chiming in with a few more tips. I hope they help other travelers as well!
These are great tips..info
My 89 year old Mom and I just got a new knee ..
A wheelchairvmaybe too much..can you go at your own pace?
But seems there are lots of steps..
Maybe the wheelchair elevators for house?
Thanks Donna and Betty
@Donna, You can go at your own pace. I’m so sorry, I don’t remember if there were elevators throughout the house — the general public uses stairs but there may be elevators available on a limited basis for those who need them. Please call the Biltmore to confirm.
We are in the area of blowing rock NC, and rain the next 2 days. Will be able to see inside or mainly an outdoor excursion?
@Kathy, Put on a raincoat and enjoy some of the local hikes. Blowing Rock is a pretty area!
We are visiting the Biltmore for first time this Monday and Tuesday. Please tell me what to expect. I am so excited.we have a guided tout and our time is 4:30. Any advice
@Judy, You’ll love the Christmas decorations. If you have any specific questions after this article, please let me know.
If at all possible do a rooftop tour! We scheduled one for 10 am and we were the only ones on it so it was like a private tour! You go into areas that aren’t open to the public and the view from the roof is wonderful!
@Joey, Great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Where can you upgrade to these behind the scene and rooftop tours? Are they on the website? Not seeing it.
@Amy, As crazy as this seems in 2018, you can’t book the specialty tours online. You have to call after you’ve purchased your normal tickets.
Just reading this and I just wanted to add that me and my boyfriend are planning a trip for April and it is going to be cheaper for us to actually stay on site in the village. We want to go for two days (tickets are roughly $150 for us both, per day) and our hotel would cost us $300 for the night. That basically means we got the hotel for free and just paid for our admissions, or vise versa, however you want to look at it!
Am I wrong somehow? I called and the person said I get full 2 day admission (check in day and check out day) and we are only staying one night in the hotel.
@Victoria, Without reading the fine print, my instinct is that YES it is correct and a great deal. Packages are often the best way to go!
Thank goodness! I saw that you recommended staying off-site, and I got nervous, thinking I may have misunderstood something!
I know this is article was written a few years ago, but do you happen to know when they take down the Christmas decorations? I’m looking to visit around January 2 and would love to see them!
@Abby, The Christmas decorations run through Jan 6 (evening candlelight) or Jan 7 (daytime).
Becky,
Unless I overlooked in your nformation, Biltmore is still a private home. It’s still owned by the Cecil family, now the great grandchildren of GWV. Mr Cecil the grandson just passed away Oct 31 this year.
THere is also a new hotel near the winery, in Antler Hill Village, not as pretentious, as The Inn…but still very nice
I have a very basic question that I can’t seem to find the answer to. Namely, how do you GET there? I’m out of state and will need to fly in and possibly rent a vehicle unless there is ground transportation of some kind. Can you help with tips on nearest airports?
@Sonya, There’s an airport in Asheville, which is the easiest option. You could potentially consider Charlotte or Atlanta instead, which would be a 2-3 hour drive (worth it if you’re seeing things along the way anyway).
We are going with our twin girls ~ age 12 at the end of Feb… Where do you recommend we stay as far as area in the town of Asheville ? We’d like to be able to walk around near where we stay, West Asheville ? or I see a lot of other VRBO’s in the northern central area of Asheville inside the perimeter ? Just wanting a ‘safe’ area … the other area we looked at was the ‘Mountain Air Country Club’ with breathtaking views but I’m unsure if it’s too far of a drive … says 45 minutes to Asheville
Guess Im wanting best of both worlds
Also, would like any additional info on the roof top tour … I/m assuming you get the roof tour as an extra when you visit the Biltmore ?
@Leigh, As far as I know, all of Asheville is safe. I certainly haven’t run into any unsafe neighborhoods!
If you want to walk somewhere, you either want downtown/central Asheville or West Asheville. Both have shops and restaurants, with West Asheville being a little more funky. Either is fine, and both are more likely to be hotels/B&Bs (maybe an Airbnb apartment rental, if you want the space).
If you want to stay at Mountain Air Country Club or other house rentals, most will be in beautiful natural surroundings (the area is gorgeous)…but yes, that means a bit of a drive to get anywhere.
It really depends on if your hope is to spend your days hiking or doing other outdoor activities or if your goal is to see the city itself.
For Rooftop tour, you can probably book day of since it’s off-season or you can call to add reservations to your standard ticket.
We went to Biltmore Estate in April 2017. I was blown away. We easily spent a whole day here exploring the house, gardens, and Antler Village. Definately a must do in the Asheville area.