7 Most Highly Rated Shopping & Market Tours In Atlanta

Atlanta may be known for its southern charm and historic streets, but it’s also a city with a surprisingly lively shopping scene and a vibrant market culture. Whether you’re craving local bites, exploring bustling markets, or hunting for designer deals, Atlanta offers a variety of tours that make shopping and tasting a true adventure.

Among these, we especially like the 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class, which mixes culinary history with the chance to learn a Southern staple firsthand. It’s a great way to get a taste of local culture without spending a full day on your feet.

For those interested in a more immersive experience, the 2-Hour Food, History, and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market combines local cuisine with a walk along the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside trail, showcasing some of the city’s best street art.

If shopping is your main goal, the Private Shopping Tour from Atlanta hotels to North Georgia Outlet offers a comfortable, VIP experience at one of the largest outlet malls around.

Whatever your interest, Atlanta’s shopping and market tours promise authentic tastes, memorable sights, and great value.

1. 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class

Get to know Atlanta’s food scene at its most local with this friendly tour of the city’s oldest market, combined with a biscuit-making class. This tour will take you on a stroll through the historic market, where almost a dozen sweet and savory tastings are offered at four different stands.

You’ll hear stories about Atlanta’s culinary history from a knowledgeable local foodie guide, which makes the experience both delicious and educational.

The real highlight is the hands-on biscuit class, where you learn to make this Southern staple from scratch. The guide will share tips that even seasoned cooks will appreciate.

With a total duration of around two hours, this tour offers a perfect mix of tasting, learning, and culture, all indoors—making it ideal for rainy days or travelers who prefer to stay dry. Expect to sample local specialties, learn market secrets, and leave with new kitchen skills.

Guests rave about the lively guide Joy and the enjoyable mix of food and history. It costs $65, making it an affordable way to dive into Atlanta’s culinary roots without a full-day commitment. If you’re looking for a fun, bite-sized experience with a hands-on twist, this tour hits the spot.

Bottom Line: A friendly, flavorful tour perfect for foodies and history lovers who want to sample Atlanta’s best bites and learn to make biscuits themselves.

2. 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market

At number 2, the 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market offers a lively mix of eating, storytelling, and exploring. This former Sears building—built in 1923 and the largest brick structure in the Southeast—has transformed into a bustling market hall.

The tour includes several tastings from top local restaurants, giving you a flavorful overview of Atlanta’s culinary talent, all included in the $95 price.

Your guide will walk you through the building’s history, sharing stories about the area’s development and how Ponce City Market became a food lovers’ haven.

After the tastings, the tour continues on the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail—an outdoor pathway lined with colorful murals and street art. Here, you’ll see works by Atlanta’s leading artists, making this a perfect blend of urban culture and food.

Guests describe the tour as fun, friendly, and filled with generous samples—from Indian dishes to local specialties—making it a satisfying lunch. Plus, the walk on the Beltline adds a relaxing outdoor element. This is an excellent choice for travelers who want a taste of Atlanta’s food scene along with a look at its vibrant street art.

Bottom Line: An engaging tour for foodies and art lovers alike, offering a well-rounded taste of Atlanta’s creative and culinary energy.

3. Atlanta: Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class

For around $70, the Atlanta: Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class combines culinary exploration with a hands-on cooking experience.

You’ll visit Atlanta’s historic Municipal Market, where vendors sell local produce and specialty foods, while sampling mouth-watering bites along the way. The highlight is the biscuit workshop, where you get to make a Southern classic from scratch with expert guidance.

This small-group tour is designed to be intimate and engaging, with entertaining stories about Atlanta’s food history woven into the experience. The class is perfect for anyone who wants to leave with new skills and a full belly. The tour is a great choice for travelers who love food demonstrations and want a taste of local ingredients.

Many reviewers appreciated the lively atmosphere and the chance to learn a new skill in a friendly setting. This tour offers a balanced mix of education, tastings, and fun.

Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies who want to enjoy local flavors and learn to make biscuits, all within a casual, small-group setting.

4. Atlanta: Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour

At number 4, the Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour offers a hearty, relaxed way to sample the best of this vibrant food hall. For $99, you’ll enjoy tastings from five different restaurants, including some of the city’s most popular spots—think Oprah’s favorite gelato and grilled chicken tikka naan with slaw.

This tour skips the long lines and gives you a curated experience of gourmet bites. The market itself is housed in the historic Sears building, and you’ll get insights into its architecture and history. Afterwards, you’ll stroll along the colorful murals on the adjacent Eastside Trail of the Beltline, making this a full sensory experience.

Many visitors appreciate the generous samples and the chance to try multiple cuisines in a short time. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a satisfying meal without dining in a restaurant—and who enjoys a lively, social atmosphere. The only downside? The tour is primarily food-focused and doesn’t include shopping or extensive sightseeing.

Bottom Line: A delicious, casual way to enjoy Atlanta’s diverse food scene in a short, fun tour.

5. 4-hour Atlanta City Tour w/Ponce City Market Lunch Stop

The 4-hour Atlanta City Tour with Ponce City Market Lunch combines city highlights with a relaxed lunch at Atlanta’s biggest food hall. This tour costs $69, making it a good value if you want a quick overview of key neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, and Old Fourth Ward, along with a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

The tour includes a drive-by of notable landmarks—such as the Coca-Cola Museum and Morehouse College—and a 20-minute stop at MLK’s tomb and birthplace. The lunch at Ponce City Market allows you to sample several local favorites, making it a solid choice for first-time visitors who want a taste of the city without full-day touring.

Reviewers like the personal touch of the guided drive and the balance of sightseeing with a food break. It’s best suited for travelers with limited time who want a broad overview of Atlanta’s history, culture, and cuisine.

Bottom Line: A practical, beginner-friendly tour that mixes city sights with a tasty break, perfect for short stays.

6. Atlanta: Ponce City Market Guided Walking Tour

This guided walk, priced at $30 for 1.5 hours, focuses on the story behind Ponce City Market and its role in the Atlanta Beltline corridor. Starting outside the market, the tour explores the building’s impact on the area, with insights into how Sears & Roebuck shaped Southern retail.

As the walk progresses toward the Beltline, you’ll see landmarks like the Clermont Lounge and the Masquerade concert venue, ending at Old Fourth Ward Park. This tour is ideal for history and urban development buffs who want a quick but informative overview of the area’s transformation. It’s less about tasting and more about understanding the city’s evolving landscape.

Reviewers mention the tour as a good value for the price and appreciate the local stories and the walk along the Beltline. It’s best suited for travelers interested in Atlanta’s urban growth and architecture rather than food or shopping.

Bottom Line: An affordable, brief introduction to Ponce City Market’s connection to Atlanta’s history and Beltline development.

7. Private Shopping Tour from Atlanta Hotels to North Georgia Outlet

Finally, for serious shoppers, the Private Shopping Tour from Atlanta hotels to North Georgia Outlet offers a luxe, personal experience. For about $368 per person, you’ll enjoy a private, 6-hour roundtrip transfer to one of the best outlet malls in the region, featuring over 140 stores including Polo Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Coach, and Nike.

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for discount designer shopping and want to avoid the hassle of driving or navigating mall logistics. The driver picks you up from your hotel, takes you to the outlet, and waits while you browse at your own pace. The outlets offer discounts of 25-65% daily, making this a great deal for fashion lovers or those seeking gifts.

Because it’s a private experience, it’s suited for groups or travelers seeking a personalized, stress-free shopping spree. The main consideration is the cost, which is higher than other tours, but the convenience and selection might justify it for serious shoppers.

Bottom Line: A top choice for shoppers who want a tailored, hassle-free outlet experience with access to major brands and deep discounts.

How to Choose the Right Atlanta Shopping & Market Tour

When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your main interests—are you after culinary delights or retail therapy? For food lovers wanting hands-on experience, the Biscuit Class and Market Tour offers both history and cooking. For those who want a quick city overview with a food sampling, the Atlanta City Tour w/Ponce Market Lunch is an excellent choice.

If art and outdoor exploring appeal, the Street Art and Food Tour combines murals and local cuisine. For serious shoppers, the North Georgia Outlet Tour provides a private, VIP outlet experience. Budget travelers may prefer the Ponce City Market Guided Walk, which offers a quick, affordable intro to the area.

Remember to book early, especially for popular weekend tours and private shuttles, and check for seasonal availability or special events that might enhance your experience.

In summary, Atlanta’s shopping and market tours span from culinary adventures and historic explorations to retail splurges. Whether you’re a foodie keen to learn to make biscuits, a culture buff interested in urban development, or a shopper hunting for designer deals, Atlanta has something to offer.

For most visitors, mixing a taste of local flavor with some retail therapy makes for a memorable trip—so choose wisely, book ahead, and enjoy the city’s diverse offerings.