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Shopping in Atlanta

From luxury shopping malls to local antique shops to farmers markets, Atlanta has a little something for everyone.

Key areas

Buckhead is famed for its upmarket shopping and is home to the renowned Lenox Square Mall, renovated in 2013. Atlantic Station has over 40 shops and stores within easy walking distance of each other, and nearby the chic boutiques in Virginia Highland make it a hotspot for a young, hip crowd. Also known as the “Antique Capital of the South,” Atlanta has abundant thrift and antique shops across the city; find the best ones at Bennett Street Antique Market, the Chamblee Antique District, Paris on Ponce and Scott Antique Markets, dubbed ‘America’s Favourite Treasure Hunt’.

Markets

Buford Highway Flea Market, held from Friday to Sunday, is one of Atlanta’s largest indoor flea markets and a great place to catch a bargain if you’re willing to haggle. Stop at Sweet Auburn Curb Market (Monday to Saturday) in the Old Fourth Ward District for fresh fruits and vegetables, but also for specialities like collard greens and chitterlings (pig intestines). Local farmers markets are spread all over town but don’t miss the gigantic Dekalb Farmers Market (Monday to Sunday) in Decatur.

Shopping centres

Atlanta’s main shopping centre, the exclusive Lenox Square Mall features designer brands such as Fendi and Burberry plus department stores Bloomingdales and Macy’s, to name a few. Its sister centre, Phipps Plaza is opposite. Perimeter Mall, a more affordable shopping mall just north of the city, is home to many clothing stores like J. Crew and Anthropologie. North of Atlanta are Tanger Outlets and North Georgia Premium Outlets, both outlet malls for designer bargains within an hour’s drive of the city.

Opening hours

Standard shopping hours in Atlanta are Monday to Saturday 1000-2100. Typical Sunday hours are 1200-1800.

Souvenirs

No visit to Georgia, "The Peach State," would be complete without picking up a bushel of locally grown peaches. Atlanta is also the headquarters of The Coca-Cola Company, making a Coke souvenir a perfect reminder of the trip. Don't forget merchandise relating to Atlanta's American football, baseball and basketball home teams the Falcons, Braves and Hawks.

Tax information

Atlanta lies in Fulton County, which imposes an 7% sales tax, except on groceries. Fulton County also imposes a 1% Municipal Option Sales Tax (MOST). There is a tax-free weekend in early August.

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The Ellis

In a landmark building on Peachtree Street, this chic boutique hotel has elegant rooms and is a short walk from top attractions such as the CNN Studio Tours. Unique features include a private-access women's only floor, whose rooms come with luxury Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Enjoy organic farm-to-table dining at the Terrace Bistro.

Glenn Hotel

The Glenn's selling points are its proximity to downtown Atlanta's main attractions and Luckie Marietta District and the panoramic view from its SkyLounge rooftop bar. This stylish boutique hotel downtown has sleek, modern rooms and suites. The Glenn Kitchen restaurant serves local Southern favourites.

Westin Peachtree Plaza

This 73-storey, glass cylinder skyscraper hotel defines Atlanta's skyline. A five-storey lobby atrium and a thin glass elevator that inches up the building's exterior are just as sleek. Pie-shaped rooms are outfitted in natural hues and dark woods. On the 73rd floor is the multi-levelled, revolving Sun Dial Restaurant and Bar.

Georgian Terrace Hotel

A part of Atlanta's history, the hotel's Grand Ballroom hostedGone With The Wind's movie premiere gala in 1939. Now, a tall glass atrium rises above the lobby where author Margaret Mitchell, in 1935, hesitantly handed over her original manuscript to her future editor. The hotel's terrace is a good spot for a cocktail overlooking the historic Fox Theatre.

Four Seasons Atlanta

A grand staircase in the soaring lobby underscores the opulence of this luxurious property that occupies part of a 50-storey skyscraper. This hotel has all the trappings of luxury: formal but elegantly appointed rooms, a spa with 10 treatment rooms, an indoor saline lap pool, a top-of-the-range fitness centre and a lounge and terrace overlooking the lobby's dramatic atrium.

Hampton Inn Atlanta Northlake

Located in the northern business district near the I-285, known as 'The Perimeter' to Atlantans, the hotel is easily accessible via the city's main highways. Friendly staff, the large open lobby and breakfast bar area, plus oversized rooms and a sizeable outdoor pool make it a popular low-budget stop.