Trying to figure out what to do for your next trip to Atlanta? Here is a 3-day Atlanta itinerary sharing different tours to take, places to eat, and wine to sip so you have a meaningful trip!
This trip was centered around touring ATL as well as going to vineyards in north Georgia. I wanted to see the city and become more educated on wine. Clink clink clink!
The Atlanta itinerary was made for a weekend trip to really enjoy all the sites, food, and wine. A sophisticated experience.
In this post, I’ll share exactly what I did, how was the overall experience and make it easy for you to create your next ATL trip.
You’re going to know what to do each of the 3 days! This is your easiest travel guide yet.
This post is about a 3-day Atlanta itinerary you can easily follow for your next trip.
Ultimate 3-dayAtlanta Itinerary
This trip was originally supposed to be a group trip, however, plans changed. Although it was done solo, know that it is group friendly. This trip can be tailored for a large group setting like a bachelorette weekend, a trip with a friend, or a way to bond with your significant other.
This 3-day Atlanta itinerary is easy because most of the time is filled with tours. Again, I share tours with you because they can easily fill in the majority of your time and allow you to see the city probably better than your friends that live there.
The central theme for this trip was wine tasting. This guide is a great option if you are looking for a foodie experience paired deliciously with native Georgia wines and sites.
Where to Stay in Atlanta
In order to make traveling more efficient and walkable, I got a hotel in downtown Atlanta. Closer to the Peachtree Center and Centennial Park area. I chose Aloft Downtown Atlanta because when I looked up the tours, they had specific pick-up locations that were in the heart of downtown. I wanted to stay at a place I could easily walk to pick up spots or Uber for cheaper.
Travel tip: Book your accommodation closer to your activities so you have more to spend on food and tours than on Uber
I chose Aloft in downtown, BUT, I won’t lie to you, I did not enjoy my stay. Although the view was perfect and the convenience made the trip easier for solo travel, the service was not worth the price.
The overall word was unprofessional, mostly from the staff. Issues with my billing, hearing inappropriate conversations in the lobby between coworkers and more… It decreased the quality of my experience. Shame too because Aloft is usually a fantastic brand of hotels. So book at your own risk.
You may want to try the Element Atlanta in Midtown or Springhill Suites in Downtown. Both are less than a mile from the pickup locations.
I will say walking downtown at night is not the safest alone. Once it was going dark, it was time for me to geux back inside!
Day 1: Atlanta Sightseeing Bus Tour
Location: 231 Peachtree St NE, 231 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
Price: $70
Duration: 6 hours
For my birthday, I decided to do the Atlanta sightseeing bus tour (link for promo) because bus tours allow you to cover more of the city in a short time instead of waiting for public transport or spending beaucoup money on Uber.
This Atlanta sightseeing tour allows you to view and walk different neighborhoods such as:
- Midtown
- Buckhead
- Little Five Points
- Downtown
- Decatur
The tour starts bright and early at 9 am but you’re expected to meet that the meeting point at 8:45 am. You’ll be greeted by the 2 amazing tour guides, Don and Pam. Both are so friendly and knowledgeable about ATL that it’s insane! They take their job seriously and find ways to enrich every guest’s experience.
You’re in good hands with them.
Downtown
The majority of the tour took place on the bus. I went during January so that could be a major reason, but I was grateful, it was cold…
Pam drives the bus while Don gives facts about major monuments in Dallas and the history behind them. You will pass the CNN building, the Jackson Street Bridge which will give you a great view of downtown (and it’s one of the beginning scenes in walking dead), and centennial park for your downtown portion.
You and I both probably enjoy learning about a place’s culture and even its history. Don really paints the picture for you of where monumental battles took place that defined not only Georgia but American culture. Not only wars but he shares stories highlighting how influential ATL has been towards the music culture in the US.
I enjoy a good story, and this tour gives stories for days, and that’s right from the beginning!
After about an hour and a half, you’ll get to take a break at Krog Street Market where there are local pastries and coffee shops you can try and bring back with you to munch on before lunch.
Auburn Ave- Martin Luther King
After coffee, Pam drives the tour to Auburn Ave, a historic street that gave birth to the civil rights movement. Don takes you along the journey of Martin Luther King, from his childhood home all the way to the church where he gave his last speech.
At the time we couldn’t tour the home and Ebenezer Baptist Church due to covid restrictions, but now, tours are available here.
After viewing the church, we went to the King Center, where you view Dr. and Mrs. King’s burial sight, the eternal flame, and the reflecting pool. The group took a moment of silence and individually walk along its corridors. This is a moment of reflection because as Don shares more about his life and you see the impact, it makes you appreciate more of his family’s sacrifice more.
Ponce Market
Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Hours: 10am-9pm
It’s time for lunch! On the tour, you’ll have about 45 minutes to roam around Ponce Market which is a huge marketplace that houses local and national retailers, a food hall, restaurants, shops, and boutiques.
For lunch, the options are endless, from burgers to Korean-inspired food, Sweetgreen, fried chicken spots, and delicious and nutritious french patisseries.
Take your time, eat some good food and re-charge your mind for the rest of the tour.
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Buckhead
After lunch, you head to Buckhead to view some beautiful homes. Buckhead is known as the upscale region of Atlanta. It’s very chic and high-class. It’s great for viewing luxurious homes and in your spare time doing luxury shopping (At Lenox Square)
You’ll pass by T, I’s home, owners of major fortune 500 companies’ houses, and even ambassadors’ homes.
This is a time to relax and enjoy the beauty of Atlanta’s “finest”.
This tour is jam-packed, there is more that I did not mention, it really does take those 5 hours and it is so much you learn and see while walking and riding in the shuttle. let me tell you. On your own, you most likely won’t cover that much ground in a short period of time.
Overall Experience
Don and Pam are such an amazing team and have ALL the facts about the city. You will learn more than you bargained for and will leave the city cultured.
I won’t lie, it was a bit tiring toward the end of the tour because there is a lot to take in. But since you’re on the bus, you can take your time and rest as you become low-key an expert on Atlanta and its history.
Also, The tour description mentioned you got to the Coca-Cola museum but we did not go in. We may have passed by it. It also mentions CNN, but that’s more of Don telling you how CNN started as we stayed on the bus.
Overall, it was well worth the coins and you should book this Atlanta City Bus Tour here, for your next trip to ATL.
Epicurean
Location: 1117 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Price: $18-$105
For my birthday dinner, a friend and I met up at Epicurean for a curated dinner experience.
Epicurean Hotel is a part of the Autograph Collection by Marriot, a boutique-style accommodation. It’s an interesting hotel especially for us food lovers because they focus on heightening your senses, especially your sense of taste, and offer unique dining experiences for guests and locals.
This is such an attractive place for dinner and to stay because they offer food events which you can find on their calendar here. You can attend their brunch specials, go to a food-tasting event, or even participate in cooking class that is taught by local chefs
They tailor their menu and experience to reflect the Atlanta culture with their own twist.
I was able to make dinner reservations in advance and speak with the manager. If you are going for a celebration, they can tailor your menu and even have cocktails and or wines to pair with your meal. You can create a personalized multi-course experience with them.
Their menu changes seasonally so what I ate is no longer on the menu but there are so many delicious options to choose from and flavors to try that you may not have tried before.
My friend and I tried a braised beef short-rib which was delicious but what really stole the show was their wood-fired double heritage pork chops. It was so succulent and #wellseasoned
I enjoyed my birthday meal in an upscale restaurant overlooking a view of the city.
North Georgia Wine Country Tour from Atlanta
Price: $109.99
Location: Trader Vic’s, 255 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
Duration: 8:30am-7:30pm
Another day another dollar for our 3-day Atlanta itinerary. Let’s geux!
You start bright and early once again but this time at 8:30 am. It’s kinda funny that you will be drinking wine as early as 10am in the morning but c’est la vie.
You’ll meet at the pickup spot. To my surprise, Pam, the driver from yesterday was also the driver for this tour too! It was so fun seeing her again, and it made me more comfortable, especially traveling solo.
This is a road trip out of Atlanta to northern Georgia. It takes about an hour and half to reach the vineyards. Luckily you don’t have to drive…hello!
This is great if you’re going in a group because you can drink freely without the stress of identifying who is the designated driver.
The price is more than worth it, included in your ticket is the:
- Opportunity to taste up to 13 wines. Wine tastings included in tickets
- Ability to visit 3 different wineries- spending about 1 hour at each
- Purchase wines to take home for yourself or as gifts
- Stop at Helena for lunch- a german village inspired town in northeast Georgia
The Cottage Vineyard & Winery
Once you drive up those beautiful hills, you’ll see the Cottage Vineyard and Winery. This 29-acre mountainside vineyard is breathtaking at best.
They welcomed us into their home-like building where we took our seats. Tables are lined with people from our tour and other tours. We’re given a sheet that outlines wines from Red, White, and Sweet. Based on your preference, the hosts will suggest different wines for you to try and tell you what each is made from.
Most of your time is spent sipping your wine and taking in the view. Make sure you get some photos and get in line quickly to sit on the swing facing the mountains!
Serenity Cellars
This was the second stop of our tour, which was about 15 minutes from the cottage vineyard.
Serenity Cellars is a family-owned winery that gives you a Tuscany feel. They make you feel like you are in old-time Italy. it has such a beautiful landscape that you can walk around after the tour and enjoy a glass of wine.
Very similar setup to the last vineyard but they gave more options for wine. You can try different reds, whites, semi-sweets, and dessert wines.
I had just learned about limoncello, a popular liquor from the Italies Amalfi coast around the time of my visit. This winery had something similar called Luce de Sole, which has distinct flavors of vanilla and a crisp lemon taste.
If you loved any of their wines, you can buy more by the glass or a bottle.
CeNita Vineyards and Winery
CeNita Vineyards and Winery was the last winery we attended and it was my favorite. More because of the warmth of the place and they had live music, which really created a charming atmosphere.
You walk in and the host asks you for your preference and you walk away with a tray of 5 different wine drinks. Even a frozen wine.
They are generous with the samples… okay! So tread lightly.
The live music really does add to the experience. It was a team of 2 men and they played George Benson’s Broadway, and I was in love!
By this point, you’re lit. It’s so much wine!
It was funny to see how everyone in the morning was all prim and proper, but by this point onward, it was a wrap. The laughs just got louder and louder.
This was such a unique way to spend a Saturday!
You can reserve your spot here and dive into the delicious wines that north Georgia has to offer.
Day 3:One Day in Atlanta Itinerary
This is the final day in the itinerary, and it’s jam-packed with more site seeing and food. This is a driving/ walking day but mostly filled with eating.
The Food Terminal
Location: 5000 Buford HWY #B201 Chamblee, GA 30341
I started the day eating from The Food Terminal. A Malaysian-inspired street food joint. Look, this right here is not a joke, the food was fire. Definitely try:
- Szechuan Steam Wonton- a wonton filled with pork and topped with their Signature Szechuan chili sauce, and cilantro. It’s spicy but so good and rich in flavor.
- Honey Butter Shrimp Garlic Noodle– made with their homemade thin noodles and topped with huge fried shrimp. decadent honey butter and for garnish, spring noodles and cilantro.
Little Five Points
An area to visit is Little Five Points or L5P, note for its bohemain and arty feel. You’ll see lots of vintage shops, thrift shops, small businesses, and food. Local artists sell their work on the street so you could walk away with some unique pieces. It’s a unique vibe with unique people.
Fox Bros BBQ
1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Price: $7-$35
Okay okay… let’s get down to the barbecue. Now, this restaurant has probably made so many food lists and everyone is telling you to go…rightfully so. After you’ve walked Five Point, come in and take a seat. There will most likely be a line, so just be patient.
Parking is limited, so most likely you’ll have to park on the street if you’re driving.
If this is your first time like it was mine, I would suggest you get the Combos. I got the classic combo where you get 2 types of meat and 2 sides.
The beef brisket is a must. Hands down. That thang is so juicy, tender, and flavorful… it steals the show. For a side, the baked beans are the one. It was perfect.
Other Atlanta Trip Ideas
That was the majority of my 3-day trip, there were other places I was able to see (or attempt) that I will list below that you can fit into your plans:
-
Chattahoochee Food Works: Sun-Wed 11 am-9 pm and Thurs-Sat 11 am-10 pm
-
Skip the Line and get into the World of Coca-Cola: I didn’t get to go but would like to next time Monday- Sunday 10 am-3 pm
-
Atlantic Station in Midtown: Outside shopping center
- Bottiwalla– Indian street food restaurant. Lamb burger sliders are delicious.
This is a food and culture lovers-perfect 3-day Atlanta itinerary. This list of city and food tours will make your next trip to Atlanta a full-on experience!
Let’s eat around the world, together:)
