Discover Atlanta like a local – from hidden culinary gems to thrilling adventures. The tours in this post provide insider access, fascinating stories, and cultural context you won’t find in any guidebook.
Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, thrill-seeker, or family adventurer, you’ll find the perfect tour in this curated list of Atlanta experiences.
Tip: For current pricing, schedules, and availability, check each tour’s official website before booking.
In this post, you’ll find:
- The best Atlanta tours
- Tour ideas for history lovers in Atlanta
- Atlanta activities for foodies
- Ideas for exploring Atlanta’s Civil Rights history
- Atlanta brewery tours
- Animal encounters in Atlanta
- Spooky and haunted Atlanta spots
- …and much more!
Read on to discover:
- Immersive Atlanta Walking Tours
- Alluring Tours for History Buffs
- Atlanta Civil Rights Tours
- The Foodie’s Perfect Tour
- Tours for Drink Enthusiasts
- Atlanta Wildlife Wonders
- Sightseeing Tours for Paranormal Fans
- Unforgettable Tours for Adventure Lovers
- Nature-Based Sightseeing Tours
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Atlanta Walking Tours: Unforgettable Sightseeing Experiences
Grant Park Past & Future Food Walk
Atlanta is a city built on food. During this fun 2.5-hour-long food tour, you’ll learn about the founding of Atlanta through entertaining and enlightening stories.
The experience includes a stroll through Historic Oakland Cemetery, where many noteworthy Atlantans are laid to rest. Plus, you’ll try 8 delicious Southern dishes at 3 food stops, including the incredible shrimp and grits at Six Feet Under!
Highlights Include:
- Insider’s look at 3 of Grant Park’s favorite restaurants
- Mouth-watering tastes and drinks with a focus on hyper-local ingredients
- Entertaining and informative stories of Atlanta’s deep past and founding
- Food-focused tour of Oakland Cemetery
- Skyline views from a gorgeous patio
Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class
This is the ultimate Atlanta food experience, and you won’t want to miss it! In just 2 hours, you’ll try 5 to 7 mouthwatering tastings from 4 beloved food vendors in Atlanta’s oldest market. Then, become Southern cooks and learn how to make the fluffy biscuits with a hands-on Atlanta cooking class.
You’ll learn fascinating history and get a close look at Southern cooking and Georgia’s most famous foods, including peaches, collards, and pecans. And, you will love learning how to make the perfect Southern biscuit on this tour!
Highlights Include:
- Insider’s look at four of the Municipal Market’s best restaurants, with a variety of cuisines
- Entertaining and informative stories of Atlanta’s oldest market
- Mouth-watering tastes with a focus on hyper-local ingredients and minority owned businesses
- Hands-on Southern biscuit making class with local jam
- Discovering the history of biscuits and bread-making
- Perfect for the entire family and only 2 hours long
Atlanta Art & Mural Tour
Explore Atlanta’s vibrant street art scene on the Atlanta Art and Mural Tour, a dynamic 2.5-hour walking experience through Cabbagetown, the Krog Street Tunnel, and the Atlanta Beltline. Cabbagetown is a colorful historic neighborhood, known for its eclectic murals and creative arts scene.
Along the way, you’ll uncover how the city’s murals reflect its culture, creativity, and legacy of change and even design your own piece of street art. Blending Civil Rights history, iconic photo-worthy backdrops, and a hands-on art experience, this tour invites you to see Atlanta through a bold new lens — capped off with a well-earned happy hour drink.
Highlights Include:
- A guided history and street art tour of the Cabbagetown neighborhood, Krog Street Tunnel, and the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail
- Seeing famous murals created for the Forward Warrior Festival, including Civil Rights-themed murals
- Hearing fascinating stories of prominent Atlanta street artists
- Exploring how street art can change the world
- A donation to the Cabbagetown Neighborhood Improvement Association to help local art continue to thrive
- A guide-led hands on street art design activity
- Exclusive access to a resource page with information about Atlanta artists and street art history and culture
- One alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage
- A knowledgeable and entertaining local guide
Martin Luther King, Jr. Tour
During this memorable 1.7-mile walking tour, you’ll learn the story of Martin Luther King, Jr and discover the people and locations that inspired this unforgettable Civil Rights leader.
This is a must-do activity when visiting Atlanta (and for locals!). Additionally, it was named by Conde Nastas one of the best things to do in Atlanta. The tour includes stops at Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site, and the King Center.
Highlights Include:
- Exploring Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (when open)
- History of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s office in Atlanta at the Prince Hall Grand Lodge
- Seeing Dr. and Mrs. King’s memorial
- Hearing immersive stories of Dr. King and many other Civil Rights leaders
- Taking in amazing skyline views of Atlanta at the Jackson Street Bridge
- Understanding the impact of Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood and the Civil Rights Movement
- Interacting with our unique and fun sticker brochure
Southern Essentials Cooking Class
Dive into Atlanta’s flavors with the Southern Essentials Cooking Class, a 1.5-hour hands-on experience that teaches you to make three classic Southern staples: flaky buttermilk biscuits, creamy homemade pimento cheese, and refreshingly sweet iced tea.
You’ll roll, mix, stir, and sip alongside our knowledgeable host while learning the stories and traditions behind these iconic dishes. Perfect for first-time Atlanta visitors, food lovers, couples, and families, this interactive class offers insider tips, take-home recipes, and a true taste of Atlanta beyond the usual tourist spots. Come hungry, leave inspired – and maybe a little stuffed!
Highlights Include:
- Entertaining and informative stories of Atlanta’s oldest market
- Mouth-watering recipes with a focus on adapting to suit your individual palate
- Hands-on Southern biscuit-making class with local jam
- Hands-on pimento cheese class
- Make your own sweet tea
- Discovering the history of biscuits and bread-making
- Perfect for solo travelers or groups
Midtown Food & Mystery Tour
Step into the role of a historical detective on the Midtown Dining and Mystery Tour, a 3-hour adventure blending gourmet food, interactive puzzles, and Atlanta history. You’ll wander Midtown’s dynamic streets while enjoying tastings at 4 top local restaurants, from inventive Southern dishes to handcrafted desserts.
On this tour, you’ll uncover hidden clues, solve riddles, and discover the untold stories of the neighborhood’s change-makers, rebels, and cultural icons. This experience is perfect for food lovers, curious minds, and anyone looking for a fun, immersive way to experience Atlanta!
Highlights Include:
- A guided history and food tour of Midtown, including stops at Piedmont Park, the Wimbish House, the Margaret Mitchell House, and Colony Square
- A progressive meal of innovative and delicious samples from 4 local Midtown restaurants (including cocktails!)
- Fascinating stories of the people and places who shaped Midtown’s development throughout history
- Immersive puzzles and interactive mystery-solving challenges woven into stories of the neighborhood
- Fun prizes and rewards for a detective job-well-done!
Connect with our team below to plan your team’s Grant Park Food Walk, Historic Market Food Tour, King Historic District Tour, or another experience!
Atlanta Tours for History Buffs
Tours and Exhibitions at the Archibald Smith Plantation
Located just north of Atlanta in Roswell, Archibald Smith Plantation building and grounds are open to the public as a museum. The museum bears witness to the lives of the 30 enslaved people who built and worked on this property.
The museum’s interactive experiences include walking tours, lectures, exhibitions, and more.
Tour The Wren’s Nest, Home of Joel Chandler Harris
The Wren’s Nest, located in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood, was the home of Joel Chandler Harris and his family. Harris is known for writing the Uncle Remus and Brer Rabbit stories, based on African American folk tales.
The Wren’s Nest became a museum in 1913, at which time it became the first and oldest house museum in Georgia. The Wren’s Nest offers historic house tours and a live storytelling performance every Saturday. Guests are asked to purchase a timed ticket for admission.
Social Justice in Focus: Atlanta Civil Rights Tours
Atlanta’s Journey for Civil Rights Bike Tour with Bicycle Tours of Atlanta
On this unique bicycle tour, you’ll learn more about Atlanta’s important role in Civil Rights history. Explore our city’s past, from the Antebellum South to the present day. This tour provides a safe space for people from all walks of life to come together and gain insight.
Your tour includes the use of a bicycle, helmet, bottled water, and snacks. You will also get to ride along the famous Atlanta Beltline.
Virtual Holocaust Exhibit Tour with The Breman
The Breman Museum in Atlanta works to connect people to Jewish history. They offer a docent-led virtual tour of their permanent exhibition, Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years, 1933-1945, using special software that allows you to feel as if you’re standing in the gallery.
During this tour, you’ll delve into a detailed history of the events that led up to the Holocaust, the atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis during World War II, and the post-war lives of those who survived. The tour concludes with a Q&A session as well as powerful videos of survivor testimony.
The Absence of Humanity exhibition was designed by local Atlanta Holocaust survivor Benjamin Hirsch. It features historic photographs, memorabilia, and family documents of survivors who moved to Atlanta after the war.
Atlanta Eats: The Foodie’s Perfect Tour
Atlanta Food Walks
Great food, awesome storytelling, and fun walks through beautiful neighborhoods? Sign us up! These popular small-group tours max out at 12 people. A walking food tour is a great way to eat and chat with other locals and tourists.
You don’t have to be a foodie to enjoy these tours – you just need to enjoy eating, chatting, and seeing the city!
Progressive Prohibition Dinner Atlanta Food & Cocktail Experience
Step back into the Roaring ’20s with Atlanta’s most indulgent food and cocktail experience. The Prohibition Progressive Dinner is a 3-hour, all-inclusive Atlanta food tour featuring 9 tastings, 3 full-size craft cocktails, exclusive speakeasy access, skyline views of Downtown Atlanta, and unforgettable Prohibition-era storytelling.
If you’re looking for a unique date night, celebration, or upscale night out in Downtown Atlanta, this immersive culinary adventure is truly the bee’s knees! Your ticket includes:
- Prohibition-era character guide
- Take-home gift
- Gratuities and service fees
- Entrance into a members-only speakeasy
- 9 hearty tastings including 3 full-size cocktails
- Skyline views of Downtown Atlanta
- Tours of the iconic Coca-Cola vault
To make the most of your time exploring Atlanta, come prepared. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen + sunglasses, a small umbrella or light rain jacket, and your curiosity! Pro tip: Dress in layers. Atlanta weather can shift throughout the day!
Atlanta Craft Beer and Spirits: Tours for Drink Enthusiasts
Brewery Tour & Tasting at Sweetwater
Located in the heart of Atlanta, Sweetwater Brewing Company is one of the largest breweries in the country. Visiting this brewery is a classic Atlanta experience. Sweetwater prides themselves on their mellow, outdoors-inspired vibe. You’ll enjoy a spacious tasting room as well as an on-site restaurant.
Purchase a brewery tour during operating hours to learn all about the beer-making process. Plus, you’ll enjoy 15 oz. of samples along the way. Bring your four-legged friends, too: pups are welcome to join on the brewery’s patio!
Mountain Escape with North Georgia Wine Tours
A short drive north of Atlanta, enjoy rolling hills and truly beautiful wineries. North Georgia Wine Tours offers private wine tour escapes from Atlanta in cars or buses! As a result, you can kick back and relax on this full day tour experience.
Beer Tours with Atlanta Beer Bus
Looking for one of the most fun brewery tours in Atlanta? Atlanta Beer Bus offers guided Saturday beer tours and private charters that take you to some of the city’s top craft breweries – no designated driver required.
With curated routes, safe transportation, and stops at favorites like Sweetwater, Monday Night Brewing, and more, this Atlanta brewery experience makes it easy to sip, sample, and explore with friends.
Atlanta Wildlife Wonders
Georgia Aquarium Penguin Encounter
Go behind the scenes of the Georgia Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums, for a personal penguin encounter! You’ll learn all about penguin care and conservation initiatives. Then, you’ll get to meet an African penguin with guidance from a penguin trainer.
Plus, take home a professional photo with a penguin! Additional animal encounter options include shark, sea lion, dolphin, otter, and more. The Georgia Aquarium is located in Downtown Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park.
Zoo Atlanta Wild Encounters
Looking to get closer to wildlife in Atlanta? Zoo Atlanta’s Wild Encounters offer unforgettable behind-the-scenes animal experiences where you’ll meet members of the Animal Care Team, learn about conservation efforts, and come face-to-face with incredible species like elephants, lemurs, and warthogs.
These interactive, educational programs turn a day at the Zoo into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with animals while supporting global wildlife conservation.
Supernatural Atlanta: Essential Sightseeing Tours for Paranormal Fans
Historic Oakland Cemetery Special Topic Tours
Historic Oakland Cemetery is much more than a resting place for the departed; it’s a vibrant, multifaceted historical site that offers a host of specialized tours for purchase that delve into various aspects of the area’s rich past. Whether you’re seeking an enriching family activity or an uncommon way to engage with friends, this unique location is sure to deliver memorable experiences.
See Historic Oakland Cemetery as part of our Grant Park Atlanta Food Tour. Or, choose from over 20 special topic guided tours offered by the cemetery. Topics include the significant contributions of Atlanta’s African American community, the elaborate symbolism found within the Victorian era, and more. An Oakland Cemetery Tour is a step back in time that promises a fascinating blend of education and enjoyment.
Full Moon Ziplining at Historic Banning Mills: The World’s Largest Zipline
Go soaring through the moonlit night sky on an epic ziplining adventure. Each month, Historic Banning Mills offers full moon ziplining sessions.
This spot is home to the world’s longest ziplining canopy tour (and the tallest free-standing rock wall in the world). You’ll soar above a deep hardwood forest on sections ranging from easy to hair-raising.
Thrill-Seeking in Atlanta: Unforgettable Tours for Adventure Lovers
White Water Rafting on the Ocoee, Chattooga, and Chattahoochee
Atlantans can drive to many fantastic whitewater locations. The Ocoee, Chattooga, and Chattahoochee Rivers are all perfect day trips from Atlanta. At each spot, you’ll find fun and fast-paced whitewater adventures.
Ride a Segway with ATL Cruzers
Segways are a fun and fast way to zoom around the city. ATL Cruzers offers several great tour options for folks interested in trying out the Segway experience.
The Eastside Atlanta Segway Tour includes Inman Park and Grant Park, plus views of the city. Or, choose the Midtown tour, with a stop at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. You can even zoom by noteworthy Downtown spots like the World of Coca-Cola, the CNN Center, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Get Behind the Wheel at the Porsche Experience Center
Located near Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the Porsche Experience Center was built with the thrill of the drive in mind. As a result, the Porsche Driving Experience a unique and truly special destination.
Make an appointment ahead of time, and you can get one-on-one instruction from a driving coach with plenty of time on the tracks. The Porsche Experience Center is also home to:
- Porsche Cars North America Headquarters
- Business center
- Heritage Gallery and Classic Center
- The Porsche Exclusive – Personal Design Studio
- Driving Simulator Lab
- Porsche Retail Store
- Carrera Café
- Restaurant 356 for the ultimate fine-dining experience
Nature’s Treasures: Captivating Atlanta Sightseeing Tours
Sunset Beltline Arboretum Tour with Trees Atlanta
Trees Atlanta is a local tree-planting nonprofit group. In addition to their city enhancement projects, they also offer free recurring sunset tours of the Eastside Beltline trail and arboretum.
An expert docent will guide your experience, which ends near the popular Ponce City Market. Along the way, you’ll meet fellow nature lovers while exploring local history and funky local art.
Farm Tour at Serenbe
Just 45 minutes southwest of Atlanta, Serenbe is a tranquil spot to hike, shop, dine, and enjoy a taste of rural farm life. Each Saturday, you can register for a tour of Serenbe’s active certified organic farm.
You’ll learn about sustainable growing and harvesting practices. In addition, you’ll find more than 300 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Afterward, try some local ingredients by visiting one of the nearby restaurants after your tour.
Whew! That’s a lot of amazing Atlanta tours. We hope you’ll try one of these experiences the next time you’re seeking something unique and fun to do in our city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why take an Atlanta tour?
Tours are an unparalleled way to help you discover a city, whether as a tourist or a local. For example, in Atlanta’s King district, many buildings may just look like rubble – when in fact, they are important historic locations that you might otherwise miss.
The tours in this post will get you a closer look at the city, from an insider’s point of view. Go beyond popular tourist spots to really explore Atlanta with a locally-based tour guide who can show you all of the city’s hidden gems!
Are there any guided tours in Atlanta that are recommended for families with children?
Atlanta offers plenty of tours and activities for families with children! In fact, our MLK Kids Discovery Tour was created specifically with young learners (ages 6-12) in mind. Additional places to book a kid-friendly tour:
- Center for Puppetry Arts (bonus: free parking!)
- Atlanta Botanical Garden
- High Museum of Art
- Atlanta History Center
- World of Coca-Cola
You can also plan day trips to scenic spots outside of Atlanta for self-guided tours. For instance, check out the old sawmill ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park just 40 minutes west of the city. Or, venture to the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, GA.
Browse our blog to discover the best tours for kids and families and other kid-friendly activities.
How much do the most popular tours in Atlanta typically cost?
The quick answer? It depends! Atlanta tours can range in price from free programs supported by local government and corporate sponsors, to exclusive, luxury VIP experiences costing thousands of dollars.
That said, you might expect to spend around $50-100 per ticket for a well-researched, engaging food and history tour. On the other hand, a walking history tour ticket might be closer to $25-35. Museum and cultural attraction tours can vary. For instance, at the time of writing, a single-day ticket for Georgia Aquarium costs $54.99, with tours available as an add-on for $17.99 plus tax. On the other hand, Historic Oakland Cemetery charges no admission and offers tours with a $12 fee for the general public.
Be sure to check with venues for their price, availability, cancellation policy, and more. Also remember, while tipping is generally not expected, a gratuity is appreciated if you enjoyed the experience provided by your tour guide!
Are there Atlanta tours that accommodate special needs or accessibility requirements?
Fortunately, there are! Everyone deserves to enjoy the fun, learning, and camaraderie that come from a tour. In turn, that means that all tour organizers should make an intentional effort to consider accessibility. From sensory-friendly programs to inclusive meal options, wheelchair-accessible spaces, gender-neutral single-stall restrooms and more, many venues are offering more inclusive options than ever before.
Explore wheelchair accessible activities around Atlanta with our blog post devoted to the topic. Additionally, you can browse resources from Explore Georgia – including where to find all-terrain outdoor track wheelchairs at select Georgia State Parks as well as wheelchair-friendly beaches in Georgia.
Seeing Atlanta with a Group?
Fill out the brief form below, and let our knowledgeable team of local experts plan a customized tour tailored to your group’s interests, schedule, and style. We’ll help to make your Atlanta experience effortless and unforgettable!
