Best Malls in Atlanta: Where to Shop, Eat, and Hang Out

Looking for the best mall in Atlanta depends on what you want: luxury brands, budget finds, kid-friendly fun, or a walkable, mixed‑use neighborhood feel. Atlanta’s shopping scene spreads from Buckhead to the suburbs, and some of the top “malls” are really full lifestyle districts.

Below is a practical guide to the best malls and shopping centers in and around Atlanta, what each does best, and how to choose the right one for your day out.

Quick Overview: Best Malls Around Atlanta

Lenox Square: Atlanta’s Iconic Shopping Destination

Area: Buckhead
Type: Traditional indoor mall with upscale lean

If you ask locals about the best mall in Atlanta, Lenox Square almost always comes up. It’s one of the city’s most recognizable shopping centers and sits right in the heart of Buckhead, Atlanta’s major retail district.

Why people choose Lenox Square

• Huge store variety: From high-end labels to popular mall staples, you can do serious browsing here in one trip.
• Tourist-friendly: Visitors often make this a stop because it feels like a “classic Atlanta” experience.
• Dining options: Mix of quick bites and sit-down choices, useful if you’re here for hours.

Good for

• A full shopping day with multiple budgets in your group
• Visitors staying in Buckhead hotels who want a nearby mall
• Locals who want a familiar, all-in-one place to shop and people-watch

Tips for visiting

• Traffic and parking: Buckhead traffic can be heavy, especially weekends and evenings. Plan extra time.
• MARTA access: Nearby Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations make it reachable without a car.
• Weekdays earlier in the day are usually less crowded than weekends and holidays.

Phipps Plaza: Best Luxury Mall in Atlanta

Area: Buckhead (across from Lenox Square)
Type: Upscale indoor mall and mixed‑use redevelopment

If your priority is luxury shopping in Atlanta, Phipps Plaza is often considered the top choice. It’s smaller and more refined than Lenox, with a heavier focus on designer labels and an overall quieter atmosphere.

Why people choose Phipps Plaza

• High-end brands and boutique retailers
• A newer lifestyle and dining area as the property is redeveloped
• More relaxed, less chaotic environment compared with some larger malls

Good for

• Shoppers focused on designer and luxury brands
• Business travelers or visitors staying in Buckhead who want an upscale setting
• Pairing with a quick walk or short drive to Lenox Square to cover almost every category of store

Tips for visiting

• Many people park once and visit both Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square in the same trip.
• Expect a quieter vibe, especially on weekdays, compared with bigger family‑oriented malls.

Perimeter Mall: Best Everyday Mall With Easy Transit

Area: Dunwoody / Sandy Springs (just north of the Perimeter)
Type: Large indoor mall surrounded by big-box and strip centers

Perimeter Mall is one of the most convenient options if you’re in north Atlanta or the suburbs and want a full range of mainstream stores without heading into Buckhead or Midtown.

Why people choose Perimeter Mall

• Balanced mix of fashion, home goods, and specialty retailers
• MARTA access via the Dunwoody station, making it one of the most transit-friendly malls around Atlanta
• Plenty of nearby restaurants and offices, so it’s busy but not usually overwhelming

Good for

• Locals in Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, or nearby neighborhoods
• Visitors without a car who can ride MARTA
• Quick errands plus a meal in one general area

Tips for visiting

• Weekday lunch hours can be busy with office workers from the nearby Perimeter Center area.
• Parking is generally manageable, but expect more volume around major holidays and weekends.

Cumberland Mall: Shopping Near The Battery and Truist Park

Area: Cumberland / Vinings (northwest Atlanta, near I‑285 and I‑75)
Type: Indoor mall adjacent to major entertainment district

Cumberland Mall stands out because of its proximity to The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park (home of the Atlanta Braves). It serves as a practical, mid-range shopping option for people in northwest Atlanta and Cobb County.

Why people choose Cumberland Mall

• Solid mix of stores for clothing, shoes, and everyday needs
• Short distance to The Battery, where you’ll find more dining, nightlife, and entertainment
• Convenient for people staying near Cobb Galleria or attending events at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Good for

• Combining shopping + a Braves game or a visit to The Battery
• Residents in Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta, and nearby areas
• A practical indoor mall stop while you’re already in the area

Tips for visiting

• Game days and major events at Truist Park can increase traffic significantly; plan arrival and departure times with that in mind.
• If you prefer a quieter mall experience, consider weekday afternoons outside of event schedules.

Atlantic Station: Best Open-Air “City” Mall Experience

Area: Midtown / Westside, off 17th Street
Type: Open-air mixed‑use district with big-box and smaller shops

While Atlantic Station isn’t a traditional mall, many Atlanta residents use it the same way: a place to shop, eat, watch a movie, and walk around. It’s built like a small downtown, with streets, a central green, and a mix of national chains and local spots.

Why people choose Atlantic Station

• Urban, walkable feel with stores, restaurants, and a movie theater
• Outdoor plazas and green space, often used for seasonal events and markets
• Easy to combine with trips to Midtown, the Arts Center, or the Westside area

Good for

• People who prefer open-air shopping instead of an enclosed mall
• Visitors staying in Midtown who want something close without driving far north
• Evening outings that mix shopping, dinner, and entertainment

Tips for visiting

• Parking is typically in garages under or around the development, with clear signage.
• Expect more activity on weekend evenings and during special events held in the central area.

Avalon: Upscale Suburban Lifestyle Center

Area: Alpharetta (north of Atlanta, off GA‑400)
Type: Open-air, high-end mixed‑use district

If you’re willing to drive a bit north, Avalon in Alpharetta is a polished, highly walkable development that many Atlantans treat as a destination for a day trip.

Why people choose Avalon

• Curated mix of upscale brands, restaurants, and services
• Wide sidewalks, outdoor seating, and a village-like layout
• Often hosts family-friendly events, seasonal activities, and outdoor gatherings

Good for

• North Fulton and Alpharetta/Roswell/Milton residents
• A more relaxed weekend visit with shopping, dining, and strolling
• Couples and families looking for a “mini getaway” feel without leaving metro Atlanta

Tips for visiting

• Parking includes garages and surface lots; weekends can get busy.
• Check event calendars ahead of time if you prefer either a lively atmosphere or a quieter visit.

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta: Best Outlet Mall Near Atlanta

Area: Woodstock (northwest of Atlanta, along I‑575)
Type: Outdoor outlet mall

For bargain hunters looking for an outlet experience near Atlanta, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in Woodstock is one of the main choices readily reachable by car.

Why people choose The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta

• Focus on discounted merchandise from well-known brands
• Outdoor layout that’s straightforward to navigate
• Often used as a half-day trip by people from all over the metro area

Good for

• Shoppers who prioritize deals over ambiance
• Back-to-school shopping, seasonal wardrobe updates, or holiday gift runs
• North metro residents (Cherokee, Cobb, and upper Fulton)

Tips for visiting

• Outlet centers can get very busy around major holidays and long weekends; go earlier in the day for better parking and shorter lines.
• Because it’s outdoors, check the weather before planning a long visit.

Other Notable Atlanta-Area Shopping Spots

Depending on where you’re staying or living in Atlanta, these additional areas may be worth knowing about, even if they’re not classic “malls”:

Town Center at Cobb (Kennesaw)

• Traditional indoor mall serving Kennesaw, Acworth, and northwest suburbs
• Useful if you live or are staying in that area and don’t want to drive into the city.

Mall of Georgia (Buford)

• Large regional mall northeast of Atlanta
• Consider it if you’re in Gwinnett County or heading toward Lake Lanier and want a big variety of stores in one place.

The Battery Atlanta (Cobb County)

• Next to Truist Park, heavy on dining, entertainment, and some retail
• Often paired with Braves games or concerts but can be a standalone night-out destination.

How to Choose the Best Mall in Atlanta for You

When you search “best mall Atlanta,” what you really need is the best mall for your purpose. Use these quick pointers:

For luxury and designer brands

• Top picks:
  • Phipps Plaza (most focused on luxury)
  • Lenox Square (luxury + mainstream mix)

For everyday shopping with lots of options

• Top picks:
  • Lenox Square
  • Perimeter Mall
  • Cumberland Mall

For a walkable, open-air vibe

• Top picks:
  • Atlantic Station (urban, Midtown access)
  • Avalon (upscale, suburban destination)
  • The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (for outdoor outlet shopping)

For deals and outlet pricing

• Top pick:
  • The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in Woodstock

If you don’t have a car

• Best with MARTA:
  • Perimeter Mall (Dunwoody station)
  • Lenox Square / Phipps Plaza (Lenox and Buckhead stations nearby)
• Ride-hail friendly:
  • Atlantic Station and Buckhead malls are common ride-hail destinations.

Practical Tips for Visiting Atlanta Malls

• Plan around traffic:
  Atlanta’s interstates and main corridors (I‑285, GA‑400, I‑75, I‑85) can back up during rush hours. Aim for late mornings or early afternoons when possible.

• Check hours and events:
  Hours can vary by day and by tenant, and special events or game days (especially near Cumberland and The Battery) may affect parking and crowds.

• Safety awareness:
  Like in any major metro area, keep valuables out of sight in your car and stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night in large parking areas.

• Combine stops:

  • If you’re already in Buckhead, it’s easy to visit both Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza.
  • At Cumberland, you can pair mall shopping with time at The Battery Atlanta.
  • Around Perimeter Mall, there are many big-box stores and restaurants within a short drive or walk.

By matching the mall’s character with what you want—luxury, deals, convenience, or a full day out—you can quickly narrow down the best mall in Atlanta for your specific trip or routine.