Asheville is such a beautiful city; it’s very charming, and its residents are so warm and welcoming. That’s why I find myself going back often, especially since my husband and I fell in love there.

I take my pictures here every time

I know Downtown Asheville like the back of my hand since we usually start our visit there, because there’s so much to do. Once we find a good parking spot, we walk all over the place. That’s how I stumbled upon this photo spot. I love taking nostalgic, Instagrammable pictures, so I thought, ‘Why not find the best photo spot in Downtown Asheville?’

I’m a sucker for beautiful buildings with character, especially since our generation has lost the beauty of craftsmanship. I’m the type of person who’ll stand in front of a building and stare and ask all these unanswered questions. Like, who built this, how long did it take them, and where did they get the inspiration? That’s probably also why I love museums because they give you so much history.

I had to share this picture-perfect spot in Downtown Asheville because I know how frustrating it can be finding a great spot for your photos. This one has the perfect background, and the best part? It’s perfect in every season. Beautiful building, trees, residents walking in the background, outside seating. It looks like the perfect photo op you can look back on years from now and feel nostalgic.

Where to take pictures in Downtown Asheville

The downtown Asheville photo spot is right in front of the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne bar building. From the entrance, cross the street to get to the sidewalk across from the bookstore. There’s a stop sign where you’ll be taking your pictures; you won’t miss it. I try to move away from it so I align with the building’s angle. The idea is to get a full picture of yourself while also capturing the beauty of Asheville, and that big, beautiful building is exactly what makes it a great spot to take pictures in Downtown Asheville.

Cars pass by more often than you would think. I personally think that they take away the beauty of my pictures, so I wait until the road is clear before taking them. Just keep that in mind. If you’re traveling by yourself, bring a tripod. No worries if you can’t; I’ve asked plenty of strangers to take my picture, and they’re happy to.

Why this spot makes such a pretty picture

Why I love this Asheville Photo Spot

I love a beautiful picture, but I don’t necessarily want to spend an hour figuring out where to stand. And that’s why I go back to the same spot every time. It’s a tradition for my family and me to take our picture there before we leave. And it can become yours too.

No matter the season, this beautiful background never disappoints. I haven’t captured one on a beautiful snow day yet. But if you’re looking for things to do in Downtown Asheville, stop by Battery Park for the best place to capture your images.

How to get the same photo

How to take the picture

Where to stand:

To capture the perfect picture, cross the road and make sure the building and tree-lined street sit behind you. Don’t stand directly against the building; giving yourself distance creates that beautiful “City in Asheville” backdrop.

Try to position yourself slightly off-center from the building’s corner, rather than directly in front of it. That way, you get both the architecture and the street extending behind you.

Where the photographer should stand:

Have the photographer stand across from you and slightly farther back. A slightly lower angle helps show more of the building and makes the photo feel taller and more editorial.

How to frame it:

The goal is a full-body photo with lots of Asheville scenery around you, rather than filling the entire frame.

Leave:

• A little sidewalk beneath your feet
• Plenty of building above and behind you
• Some of the street visible to one side

What to do after taking your picture

Make a little afternoon out of it

There’s so much to do in downtown Asheville; don’t rush off. You can grab a coffee, browse local shops, visit nearby attractions, and grab lunch. If you happen to spend the night in Asheville, I have the perfect itinerary for you.

A few tips before you go

A few tips for taking photos in Downtown Asheville

• Bring a friend who doesn’t mind taking a million pictures of you.
• Take more photos than you think you need.
• Try different angles.
• Check your background before taking the picture.
• Don’t be afraid to move around.
• Don’t spend your entire visit behind your camera.

You know where to go

Save this spot for your next Asheville Trip

So the next time you’re looking for a Downtown Asheville photo spot and wondering where everyone gets those pretty pictures from. Hopefully you’ll know where to go.