Atlanta isn’t just about its historic sites and Southern charm; it’s also a city renowned for its lively markets and shopping scene. Whether you’re craving a taste of authentic Southern cuisine, seeking unique souvenirs, or exploring vibrant street art, Atlanta’s diverse tours have you covered. We particularly love the 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class for its combo of tasty samples and practical kitchen skills, and the 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market for its mix of local eats and colorful murals. These experiences give a real taste of what Atlanta has to offer, combining cultural insights with delicious bites.
If you’re looking for a more extensive shopping day, the Private Shopping Tour from Atlanta hotels to North Georgia Outlet offers a luxury experience with access to high-end brands at discount prices. Or, if you prefer a relaxed walking exploration, the Ponce City Market Guided Walking Tour is perfect for discovering the area’s history and hidden gems. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour to help you choose the perfect shopping adventure in Atlanta.
1. 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class
At number 1, this tour offers a fantastic mix of food, culture, and hands-on fun. Over two hours, you’ll stroll through Atlanta’s oldest market, sampling almost a dozen savory and sweet treats from four different stands. Your local foodie guide shares stories about Atlanta’s culinary history, making each bite meaningful. The highlight? A biscuit-making class where you get to knead and bake your own Southern biscuit from scratch — a skill you’ll actually use back home.
What makes this tour stand out is its compact, engaging format that combines tasting, learning, and doing. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5/5 rating based on 216 reviews. Visitors appreciate the lively guide, the indoor setting that isn’t affected by weather, and the authentic Southern flavors. It’s ideal for travelers who want a flavorful, educational experience without spending all day on their feet. The buffet of local specialties and the chance to master biscuits make it great value at $65 per person.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers eager to learn Southern cooking techniques in a short, lively tour. Highly recommended for those wanting a taste of Atlanta’s rich culinary scene with a fun activity.
2. 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market
Coming in at number 2, this tour combines gourmet food tastings with a walk along Atlanta’s colorful Beltline murals. Inside the historic Ponce City Market, once a Sears, Roebuck & Co. warehouse, you’ll explore a vibrant food hall with offerings from local chefs and eateries. The tour includes stops at several restaurant stalls, with tastings that serve as a hearty lunch, and stories about the building’s transformation and local history.
The walk continues onto the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail, where street art from top local artists decorates the pathway. Visitors rave about guide Janice’s engaging storytelling and the generous portions of food that make this feel like a culinary and cultural feast. The combination of indoor market exploration and outdoor mural viewing makes this tour versatile and visually interesting. For $95, it’s a bit pricier but includes all tastings and admission, making it excellent value for a comprehensive half-day experience.
Bottom Line: A fantastic pick for those who love good food, urban art, and a walk through Atlanta’s lively neighborhoods. It’s especially good for travelers wanting to combine culture and cuisine in one outing.
3. Atlanta: Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class
This tour scores a perfect 5/5 based on 21 reviews and offers a deep dive into Atlanta’s food scene paired with history—all in just two hours. The tour takes you through Atlanta’s Municipal Market, where you sample local dishes and learn about the city’s culinary roots. The real highlight, however, is the hands-on biscuit workshop, where you’ll learn the secrets to flaky, buttery Southern biscuits from scratch.
The tour is intimate, often small-group, making it perfect for those who appreciate personalized attention. The price is reasonable at $70 per person, and reviews highlight the lively guides and delicious food. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a thorough taste of local ingredients paired with a practical cooking skill. The tour’s focus on Southern staples makes it an authentic experience.
Bottom Line: Best for culinary enthusiasts wanting a balanced mix of food, history, and cooking. Excellent value for those looking to bring a taste of Atlanta home.
4. Atlanta: Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour
Number 4 on our list, this tour is ideal for weekend warriors who want to sample some of Atlanta’s most popular food hall offerings. For around $99, you get access to five different restaurants within Ponce City Market, indulging in dishes like Oprah’s favorite gelato, Chicken Tikka Naan, and boozy slushies. The tour includes a walk through the historic building and murals along the nearby Eastside trail, blending food with local art.
The tour’s value lies in its generous tastings and the chance to skip restaurant lines, making it a stress-free way to eat well. Reviews mention the friendly guides and the large, delicious samples. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Atlanta’s culinary scene without a full day commitment, especially on weekends when the market buzzes with activity.
Bottom Line: A great choice for food fans who prefer a relaxed, social experience with substantial tastings and a bit of surrounding art and history.
5. 4-hour Atlanta City Tour w/Ponce City Market Lunch Stop
For a broader look at Atlanta, this half-day driving tour hits many highlights, including Midtown, Downtown, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. It includes a stop at the iconic Ponce City Market for lunch, giving you a taste of Atlanta’s vibrant food scene. The tour offers a mix of sightseeing and cultural storytelling, with stops at major landmarks like the Coca-Cola Museum and the historic Margaret Mitchell house.
At just $69, it’s an affordable way to see many parts of the city in comfort, with a knowledgeable guide providing context. Reviewers praise the personal insights and the well-paced itinerary. It’s suited for first-timers or travelers who want a rundown without multiple separate tours.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a broad introduction to Atlanta’s neighborhoods, history, and food in a relaxed format.
6. Atlanta: Ponce City Market Guided Walking Tour
This tour offers a brisk, 1.5-hour exploration of the Ponce City Market area and its ties to the Beltline. Starting outside the market, the guide shares insights on its impact on Atlanta’s development, touching on historic Sears & Roebuck, the entertainment scene, and notable landmarks like the Clermont Lounge and Old Fourth Ward Park.
While it’s shorter and less food-focused, it’s perfect for travelers interested in urban development, architecture, and local culture. At only $30, it’s a budget-friendly way to familiarize yourself with one of Atlanta’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Reviewers appreciate the engaging storytelling and the compact format.
Bottom Line: The best pick for history and culture buffs who want a quick, affordable overview of Ponce City Market’s surroundings.
$30 per person
7. Private Shopping Tour from Atlanta Hotels to North Georgia Outlet
Finally, at number 7, this luxury shopping experience takes you from your hotel directly to North Georgia Premium Outlets. For $367 per person, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, private ride and access to over 140 outlet stores, including brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, and Nike, with discounts of 25–65%. It’s perfect for serious shoppers wanting VIP treatment and a variety of high-end labels in one trip.
The tour is fully customizable and includes a 4-hour shopping window, making it a flexible, hassle-free shopping spree. Reviewers commend the high level of convenience, the selection of stores, and the chance to shop at top brands without the usual retail prices. Best suited for travelers with a dedicated shopping list or those seeking a stress-free outlet experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for dedicated shoppers looking for luxury brands at discount prices, with door-to-door service and privacy.
$367.87 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the right shopping or market tour in Atlanta, consider your priorities—cooking classes and food tastings like the Historic Market Biscuit Class are perfect if you want hands-on culinary fun. For a mix of street art, local eats, and city sightseeing, the Ponce City Market Food & Art Tour offers excellent value.
Budget travelers might prefer the Ponce City Market Walk, while those with more time and money should consider the private outlet shopping experience for premium brands at discounts. Think about your interest level—if you’re passionate about food, a dedicated tour like the 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour provides a deeper culinary dive.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular weekends or holiday periods, to secure your preferred date and avoid disappointment.
Final Thoughts
Atlanta’s shopping and market tours cover a wide range, whether you want culinary skills, street art, historic insights, or luxury shopping. For a quick, flavorful fix, the Biscuit and Market Tour is hard to beat, while the North Georgia Outlet is perfect for dedicated shoppers seeking high-end brands at discounts. Meanwhile, the Ponce City Market Tours and Street Art Walk offer cultural and urban exploration fun.
Consider your interests, budget, and available time when making your choice. Atlanta’s vibrant markets await—so plan ahead and get ready for some memorable shopping experiences.