Atlanta is a city known for its diverse culinary scene, lively neighborhoods, and a mix of historic charm and modern flair. From nighttime city views to authentic Southern plantations, Atlanta offers a wide range of dining experiences that reveal its rich culture and vibrant community. We particularly like the City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop for how it combines sightseeing, local stories, and a chance to enjoy dinner at Krog Street Market, making it an all-in-one evening adventure. This tour is perfect for those who want to see the city’s landmarks illuminated and learn about Atlanta’s stories while having the flexibility to explore local dining on their own.
If you’re into a mix of sightseeing and culture, Atlanta’s evening tours and progressive dinners rank high on our list for delivering authentic experiences. Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll through historic neighborhoods or a lively night exploring the city’s modern culinary gems, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
Quick Overview
Our list includes nighttime city tours with stunning light displays, a prohibition-themed progressive dinner that takes you back to the roaring ’20s, a plantation tour with Southern dinner, and a modern restaurant crawl showcasing contemporary Black cuisine. Each offers a unique way to sample Atlanta’s flavors and history, making it easier to pick what suits your style.
1. City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop
At number 1, this City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop scores top marks for its comprehensive and lively exploration of Atlanta after dark. For around $69, you’ll spend about three hours exploring landmarks like Centennial Park, Mercedes Benz Stadium, Ponce City Market, and the Old 4th Ward District—all illuminated beautifully at night. The tour is designed for small groups, making it intimate and engaging.
What makes this tour stand out is the storytelling. Your guide shares insights into Atlanta’s history and culture while you zip from one highlight to another. The tour includes visits to iconic spots like Krog Street Marketplace, where you can enjoy dinner on your own, adding flexibility. The route also covers Atlanta’s trendiest neighborhoods like Little Five Points, known for its indie stores and local dive bars. Guests consistently rave about the combination of fun, education, and photo opportunities, with reviews saying, “We learned a lot about Atlanta and got some great photo options.”
This tour is ideal for visitors who want a quick, lively overview of the city’s highlights with a chance to explore local dining options afterward. It’s especially good if you enjoy city lights, storytelling, and a bit of nightlife.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting a lively evening tour with a mix of sightseeing and free time for dinner.
2. Atlanta: City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop
Coming in at number 2, this Atlanta: City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop offers a similar experience with a slightly shorter duration—around three hours—and a focus on Atlanta’s illuminated landmarks. For $69, you’ll visit highlights such as The King Center, Ponce City Market, and Centennial Park, all framed against the night sky. The tour emphasizes capturing spectacular views of Atlanta’s skyline, especially from spots like The Jackson Street Bridge and Atlantic Station.
What sets this tour apart is the emphasis on photography and spotting film and TV filming locations, making it ideal for media buffs or Instagram lovers. The dinner stop at Krog Street District is included in the itinerary, allowing for a relaxed meal or exploration afterward. Guides are praised for their personable approach and local knowledge, making the experience both informative and entertaining.
This tour suits travelers who love night photography, pop culture, and want a good overview of Atlanta’s cityscape illuminated at night. It’s a well-rounded option if you’re after memorable photos and a taste of Atlanta’s vibrant downtown.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want to combine sightseeing with a focus on capturing the city’s stunning night views.
3. Prohibition Themed Downtown Atlanta Progressive Dinner
At number 3, the Prohibition Themed Downtown Atlanta Progressive Dinner whisks you back to the 1920s with a fun, interactive food and cocktail experience. For about $275, this 2.5-hour tour features visits to historic spots like the Coca-Cola vault at the Candler Hotel and a secret speakeasy at Red Phone Booth. Your guide, dressed in roaring ’20s attire, shares stories of Atlanta’s underground nightlife and history, making the experience both educational and entertaining.
The tour includes tastings of shrimp and grits, old-fashioned cocktails, esquites, and shaved ribeye tacos, offering a taste of Atlanta’s modern culinary scene while steeped in the past. The highlight is the exclusive access to the Coca-Cola vault and the rooftop at Polaris, where you can enjoy stunning views of the skyline and a signature Blue Dome dessert. Guests love the interactive aspect and the chance to experience Atlanta’s history through its food and drinks, with reviews noting that it “exceeded expectations” and “offered high-quality food and drinks.”
This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts who enjoy gourmet cuisine, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. The small group setting fosters a cozy, social vibe, making it ideal for couples or groups celebrating special occasions.
Bottom Line: A unique, immersive experience that combines Atlanta’s history, food, and nightlife in a lively, themed setting.
4. Atlanta Plantation tour with Southern dinner
Ranking at number 4, this Atlanta Plantation tour with Southern dinner offers a different flavor—history and culture from the antebellum South. For around $259, you get to explore three beautifully preserved plantations in Roswell, Georgia, including Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall, and the Archibald Smith Plantation Home. The tour lasts approximately 4 to 7 hours, making it a more relaxed, full-day experience.
Each plantation has its unique character—Barrington Hall served as a Civil War headquarters, while Bulloch Hall was once owned by the mother of Theodore Roosevelt. The tour also provides a broader view of Southern life outside Atlanta, with plenty of historical anecdotes from knowledgeable guides. It culminates in a Southern dinner, giving you the chance to enjoy local cuisine after a day of exploring historic homes.
Guests praise the tour for its “knowledgeable guide” and the opportunity to see and experience plantation life firsthand, calling it “eye-opening.” It’s ideal for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, or those interested in Southern culture. The main consideration is the long duration, which might be less suitable for travelers on a tight schedule.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history and architecture buffs seeking an immersive, educational experience combined with Southern hospitality.
5. Reality ATL Restaurant Tour
Finally, the Reality ATL Restaurant Tour offers a modern take on Atlanta’s culinary scene. Priced at $150 per person and lasting 2-3 hours, it focuses on Black excellence in Atlanta’s food culture. This tour features stops at viral spots like Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, and other culinary gems celebrated for their cultural significance.
While reviews are currently unavailable, the tour’s concept is to blend entertainment with food, showcasing Atlanta’s vibrant Black culinary scene and TV-famous eats. It’s particularly appealing for those curious about contemporary Atlanta and eager to taste dishes that reflect the city’s diverse community.
Designed for foodies who want more than just a meal, this experience offers a taste of Atlanta’s modern identity and cultural pride. The shorter duration makes it a good choice for travelers with limited time or those wanting a quick yet flavorful introduction to Atlanta’s street food and local markets.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in cultural food experiences and contemporary Atlanta cuisine, especially if they want to dive into the city’s modern Black culinary scene.
$150.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Dining Experience in Atlanta
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, interests, and available time. For panoramic city views and storytelling, the City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tours are excellent. If you enjoy history combined with gourmet food, the Prohibition-themed dinner offers a memorable immersive experience. For those interested in Southern culture, the Plantation Tour with Southern dinner is a deep dive into history and architecture.
Budget-conscious travelers should weigh the value of the tours, noting that some like the plantation tour are longer and pricier but offer a comprehensive experience. Shorter options like the Reality ATL Restaurant Tour are perfect for quick bites and cultural insights. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure spots in these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Atlanta offers a fantastic array of dining adventures that go beyond just eating—many highlight local history, culture, and community. Whether you prefer a lively evening tour with city lights, a themed dinner transporting you to the Roaring ’20s, or a historic plantation visit combined with Southern comfort food, there’s something for all. Two standout options are the City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour for its broad sightseeing and photo opportunities, and the Prohibition-themed dinner for a fun, immersive dive into Atlanta’s past.
No matter your preference, booking early and planning around your interests will ensure you enjoy Atlanta’s rich flavors and stories to the fullest. Now, get ready to explore Atlanta’s vibrant culinary scene—you’re in for a memorable ride.