The capital of the American South, Atlanta is becoming an increasingly popular city for visitors. Combining a variety of cultures – including music, cinema and street art – there are plenty of sights to check out during your visit.
It is also a great place to experience the flourishing cuisine of the South, and gain insight into the fine balance between deeply rooted traditions and modernization.
Taking a tour is a great way to experience the city even further, whether you are looking to learn about the history of Atlanta, sample it’s vibrant food scene, or check out the filming locations.
I’m an Atlanta local with a passion for travel. As I was born and raised in the city I’m sure this selection will cater your needs. Here are my suggestions for the 15 best tours you can take in Atlanta.
1. Atlanta Segway Tour
Source: getyourguide.comTake in the sights of central Atlanta at an easy pace with this 90-minute tour via Segway. You will be shown the Old City, as well as numerous other attractions and monuments.
Your local tour guide is very knowledgeable about the area and will help you discover the hidden gems and stories around town.
Segway training is included at the start of your tour, as well as safety equipment and ponchos in case of rain. You will also have the opportunity to take pictures at some of the best photo spots in Central Atlanta. I recommend taking it slow at first to get a good feeling of the Segway.
2. The Upside Down – Private Stranger Things Tour
Source: viator.comAtlanta has grown as the Hollywood of the south over the past few years, with many major movies and TV series being filmed here – including Stranger Things.
This tour takes you to 11 different filming locations from the Netflix series; it provides a private tour guide to help you understand the connections between the show and the city.
This tour can be slightly tailored to your needs, and pick up from a central location is included. It is a half-day tour, and you can choose either morning or afternoon to suit your own itinerary.
3. Georgia Aquarium Skip-the-Line Admission
Source: getyourguide.comThe Georgia Aquarium is a fun-filled experience for all ages and is perfect for families visiting the city. This ticket allows you to skip the purchase line, freeing up more time for you to explore at your own pace.
The aquarium hosts a variety of different aquatic animals, as well as a 4D cinema allowing, you to enjoy an interactive explanation of the creatures within the site.
As the largest aquarium in the Americas, the seven different areas allow you to get up close with creatures from across the world all in one attraction. My personal favorites are definitely the sea lions!
4. 5-Hour Atlanta Sightseeing Bus Tour
Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstockIf you have a little longer to discover the many different sides of Atlanta, this tour is packed with great attractions, information and photo opportunities.
Departing from the Peachtree Mall in central Atlanta, this tour comes with a guide, who will narrate your journey through the most famous spots in the city. The luxury coach is comfortably air-conditioned, giving you a break from the strong Atlanta heat.
You will learn about the city’s connections with Martin Luther King Jr, the 1996 Olympic Games, and the growing film and television industry across Atlanta.
5. Atlanta’s Inman Park Food Tour
Source: glen edelson / FlickrInman Park is a historic neighborhood in Atlanta famed locally for its diverse food scene.
This tour will take you to five spots across the area to allow you to sample the best cuisine the city has to offer. Your tour guide is well-connected with the restaurants of Inman Park and has a deep knowledge of the history and culture behind the food.
All of your food samples are included in the price, as well as a complimentary cocktail for you to try out the great bar scene in the area.
6. Atlanta City Tour by Electric Car
Source: viator.comThis tour is a unique way to explore the main attractions of Atlanta. The comfortable electric cars come with a live tour guide to explain all of the history and culture of the city.
You will be taken through Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Midtown, and learn about the important events in the city including the Olympics, the founding of Coca Cola, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights movement.
The cars are very eco-friendly, making this tour a great option if you’re environmentally conscious like me. It lasts around 90 minutes.
7. Martin Luther King Historic District Walking Tour
Source: www.getyourguide.comDiscover the rich history and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Atlanta Martin Luther King Historic District Walking Tour. Immerse yourself in the powerful stories and significant sites that shaped the Civil Rights Movement.
Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes you through the heart of Atlanta, where you’ll visit the birth home of Dr. King, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and other landmarks that played pivotal roles in the fight for equality. Engage with the past and gain a deeper understanding of Dr. King’s profound impact on American history.
8. World of Coca Cola Admission in Atlanta
Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstockThe world-famous soft drink was invented in Atlanta; this experience allows you to check out the heart of the company at their headquarters. You will be shown how the drink is produced, as well as learn about the history of Coca Cola and their other brands.
There is a 4D cinema experience giving you an interactive journey through the impact Coca Cola has had on American culture. The tour finishes with a tasting opportunity at the Freestyle machine – with over 100 different beverages to choose from.
9. Superhero Movie Location Tour
Source: viator.comAtlanta is a popular location for superhero movies, with blockbusters such as Captain America, Thor, and Ant-Man all filmed within the city and surrounding area.
This three-hour tour takes you to some of the most recognizable locations from the movies, and your guide is a professional actor.
The luxury coach is fully air-conditioned to combat the heat and you will get the opportunity to show off your superhero knowledge with an onboard trivia game.
All guests are also provided with a commemorative photo of their experience with a superhero.
10. Atlanta’s Southern Food Tour
Source: viator.comThe American South has its own unique cuisine steeped in history and tradition. This tour allows you to sample the best food Downtown Atlanta has to offer, all whilst getting the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the city.
You will visit seven different establishments where you can taste 15 samples of local food and one alcoholic beverage of your choice.
Tour sizes are limited, giving you a more intimate and personalized experience. There are three departures per day, allowing you to fit it around the rest of your itinerary with ease.
11. From Civil War to Civil Rights: A Private Atlanta History Tour
Source: viator.comThe fight for freedom for all Americans has many historical ties to the city of Atlanta – from the Civil War, where it was a major battleground to the Civil Rights Movement as the city where Martin Luther King Jr. was from.
You will be taken to a number of important historical sites across the city in this tour with a knowledgeable local guide.
Guests will have the opportunity to learn all the important details about the connections the city has to the Civil War and Civil Rights movement, and the long struggles to end slavery and segregation across the United States.
Pick up and drop off is included; the three-hour tour combines walking and bus transport to maximize your experience.
12. Atlanta Brew Bus Tour
Source: viator.comEvery city across America has a unique brewery culture and Atlanta is no exception. And if you’re like me and love your beers you will enjoy this tour, which takes you to some of the most prominent breweries across the city. You will be able to sample a beer at each location and learn about the wide variety of flavors available.
A visit to SweetWater Brewing is also included, where you can learn about the beer making process and important historical influences. Snacks are also included and the guide is from the local area.
13. Atlanta Historical Homes Tour
Source: viator.comThe history of Atlanta is deeply connected with the city’s architecture; this opportunity to visit some of the most historically important homes from the city allows you to explore the local culture.
You will visit three houses, allowing you to gain an in-depth understanding of each. The guide is a local expert in the field of historical architecture. Pick up and drop off from a central hotel is included in the ticket price.
You are also given some time to explore the Swan House and Gardens at your own pace.
14. Art on the Streets – Private Atlanta Public and Street Art Tour
Source: viator.comModern art is experiencing a renaissance in Atlanta; this is most evident in the street art and public displays across the city.
This is a private tour allowing you to enjoy a more personalized and intimate experience whilst connecting with the local art scene. You will discover well-known graffiti and public mural spots across Atlanta, as well as have the chance to connect with the public art scene.
You will also learn about the civil rights movement in the city, which has deep connections to local artistic expression.
15. Scavenger Hunt at Centennial Olympic Park
Source: f11photo / shutterstockIf you want to explore the Centennial Olympic Park area at your own pace, this scavenger hunt is a fun way to get around.
The tour is guided via smartphone, allowing you to stop and start whenever you like. This is a fun family activity as it encourages you to find the hidden spots through a series of clues.
A non-stop run through of the scavenger hunt takes around two hours and allows you to get a deeper understanding of the park that was built for the 1996 Olympic Games.