10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Atlanta

Ponce City Market is a shopping destination that’s popular among Atlanta locals. The multi-use complex is located in a renovated historic Sears building. It offers some of the city’s best dining, shopping and entertainment under one roof. You can easily spend a couple of hours browsing the retail stores, such as Karoo, Madewell, J Crew, and Anthropologie.

When you need to refuel, head to the buzzing Central Food Hall in the heart of the venue. Here, you’ll find tasty food created by James Beard Award-winning chefs. There are also takeaway stalls offering various cuisines such as Indian street food, Latin-inspired sandwiches and a South African Biltong Bar. End your day at Ponce City at the rooftop Skyline Park and a couple of drinks at the beer garden.

Atlantic Station is the name given to both the shopping centre and high-end commercial and residential area in Atlanta’s Westside. The open-air mall features walkable brick-paved streets and a Central Park – a mini version of New York’s. If you’re looking for everyday items or want to splurge on new clothes, cosmetics or gifts for yourself and your loved ones, Atlantic Station is a great destination.

More than 50 shops line the streets, including Gap, Target, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Express, and Banana Republic. You can easily switch between window shopping to grabbing a bite to eat at one of the cafes or restaurants. Ask for a takeaway meal and enjoy a picnic in Central Park. The park regularly hosts concerts, free movies, and events such as BODIES The Exhibition and Cirque de Soleil. The neighbourhood is also home to the Millennium Gate Museum and Robert C. Williams Paper Museum.

Phipps Plaza is an upscale shopping destination in the Buckhead district, about 9 miles north of Downtown Atlanta. Besides department stores Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, there are more than 100 iconic designer stores. Window shop or splurge at Dior, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton.

If you aren’t in the mood to dig deep into your pockets, brands like Celine, Kate Spade, and Tory Burch have less expensive options. Pause your shopping spree and enjoy a movie or take a seat at one of the fast-food joints or fine-dining restaurants found in Phipps Plaza.

Lenox Square is a shopping landmark in Atlanta. From the moment you step foot through the impressive double-storey glass entrance of the square, you'll understand why it's been a top-ranking shopping destination for decades. The shopping mall features unique designer stores, dramatic architecture and several full-service restaurants. Shop for casual staples at J.Crew and Banana Republic or spoil yourself or a loved one with a classy item from boutiques such as Fendi, Prada or Diesel.

Across the street, you'll find Shops Around Lenox. The open-air, semi-circle shopping complex combines art, design, fashion and food. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift, funky stationery or boutique clothing, you're sure to find it at one of the shops. After your shopping, have lunch at one of the surrounding restaurants.

Recently revamped, Buckhead Village District is a walkable 6-block community complex for shopping, dining and mingling in beautifully landscaped streets. There are over 50 luxury retailers, including Dior, Hermes, Tom Ford and Christian Louboutin. Plan to visit on a Saturday to enjoy a sidewalk stroll and discover local pop-ups who set up their stalls on Buckhead Avenue.

Have a rest at the Veranda, a sizeable covered gathering space, and enjoy live music from local musicians on Saturdays and Sunday from noon to 2 pm. You can reach Buckhead Village on the MARTA Red Line and exit at Buckhead Station. From there, it’s a 1-mile taxi or bus (no.110) ride to Buckhead Village District.

Edgewood Retail District is a mixed-use commercial area about 4 miles east of Downtown Atlanta. With restaurants, department stores and street-level shopping, the district will satisfy all your shopping needs. National brands available here include Target, Best Buy, Kroger, and Barnes & Noble.

You won’t go hungry during your shopping expedition in Edgewood. Choose from popular spots like Ru San’s, Shane’s Rib Shack, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, and Willy’s Mexicana Grill. Getting to Edgewood Retail District is easy. Take the MARTA blue or green line and exit at Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station. Edgewood is half a mile walk from here.

Cumberland Mall is a sprawling shopping centre located near the suburbs of Smyrna and Vinings in the north of Atlanta. With anchor stores such as Macy’s, Costco, H&M, Apple, Forever21, and Sephora, it’s a great mall to visit whether you’re looking for something specific or just window shopping. The food court offers a wide variety of choices, so you don’t need to leave when hunger sets in.

While you’re visiting Cumberland Mall, take the pedestrian sky bridge to the Galleria Specialty Shops, directly opposite the mall. The eclectic mall is located inside the Cobb Galleria Centre Atlanta. It offers a fantastic range of apparel and gift shops as well as food options.

Head to the suburb of Little Five Points and take a stroll through Atlanta's hippest neighbourhood. Start with a walk along Euclid Avenue. You'll find weird souvenirs, hard-to-find vinyl and books, and offbeat vintage clothing. There are also smoke shops, tattoo parlours and entertaining street performers.

In addition to trendy shops, you can mingle with hippies at the dive bars, burger joints and vegan eateries in the surrounding streets. After dining, shopping and people-watching, admire the street art. Tucked away in back alleys, parking lots, and nearby buildings are huge, colourful murals by local and international artists.

Westside Provisions District is an industrial-chic retail area located 15 minutes north of Downtown Atlanta. It’s a hip, walkable destination that combines unique shopping and fine dining. From high-end boutiques to design-centric furniture stores, there are ample opportunities for window shopping and splurging on highly sought-after products. Check out stores Ann Mashburn, Sid Mashburn, and Hudson Grace.

Stick around after you’ve shopped to enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants. Order your choice of seafood at Brown Bag Seafood Co. and take a seat at one of the outdoor tables. In the evening, head to the upstairs bar of JCT. Kitchen & Bar and enjoy a lovely view of the city.

The 150-acre Atlanta State Farmer's Market is a genuine farmer's market and the perfect place to enjoy a morning or early afternoon stroll. Every morning farmers arrive with truckloads full of fresh produce to fill up the acres of stalls. So put on your most comfortable shoes and experience a bustling market vibe.

You'll find vendors selling nuts, fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, grains, flowers, herbs and spices and much more. You can also shop for international food, locally-made crafts and unique pottery at the garden centre. Bring along some cash as some vendors don't accept cards.