Best Shopping Places in Atlanta: Where to Go, What to Know

Atlanta is a major shopping city, with everything from luxury boutiques and designer malls to bargain outlets, neighborhood markets, and vintage finds. Whether you live in the metro area or you’re visiting for a weekend, knowing where to shop in Atlanta can save you time and help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Below is a practical guide to the top shopping places in Atlanta, Georgia, organized by type of experience and neighborhood.

Major Malls & Shopping Districts in Atlanta

These are the big, all-in-one destinations where you’ll find national brands, department stores, and plenty of food options.

Lenox Square (Buckhead)

Lenox Square is one of Atlanta’s best-known malls and a major upscale shopping center.

• Location: 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Best for: Designer brands, department stores, and trendy fashion
• What you’ll find:
  • Luxury and mid-range fashion retailers
  • Popular shoe, beauty, and accessory stores
  • Sit-down restaurants and fast-casual dining

Lenox is MARTA-accessible via the Lenox Station (Gold Line), which is useful if you want to avoid Buckhead traffic and parking.

Phipps Plaza (Buckhead)

Just across Peachtree Road from Lenox, Phipps Plaza offers a quieter, more luxury-focused shopping environment.

• Location: 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Best for: High-end designer shops and a calmer atmosphere
• What you’ll find:
  • Luxury fashion boutiques
  • Specialty jewelers and accessories
  • Upscale dining and an entertainment complex

Many locals pair Lenox + Phipps in a single trip: Lenox for variety, Phipps for high-end browsing.

Atlantic Station (Midtown/Westside)

Atlantic Station is an outdoor, mixed-use development near Midtown with shopping, dining, and residential buildings.

• Location: 1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
• Best for: Mainstream brands, home goods, and a walkable experience
• What you’ll find:
  • Clothing and shoe chains
  • Home décor and lifestyle stores
  • Movie theater and frequent outdoor events

Parking is typically in structured decks, and there is a shuttle to MARTA’s Arts Center Station, which makes it fairly easy to reach without a car.

Perimeter Mall (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs area)

North of Atlanta’s city limits but heavily used by metro residents, Perimeter Mall is a large, classic suburban mall.

• Location: 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346
• Best for: Department stores, business-casual wardrobes, and everyday shopping
• What you’ll find:
  • Major department stores
  • Wide range of apparel retailers
  • Restaurants lining the perimeter (no pun intended)

Perimeter is served by Dunwoody Station (Red Line) on MARTA, and surrounded by office parks and hotels, which makes it a go-to spot for workers and visitors in the area.

Luxury Shopping in Atlanta

If you’re looking for designer labels, fine jewelry, and upscale boutiques, Atlanta has several concentrated areas.

Buckhead Village District

Formerly known by other names, Buckhead Village District has become one of the city’s main luxury retail zones.

• Location: Around 3035 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Best for: Designer fashion, upscale accessories, and stylish cafés
• What you’ll find:
  • Flagship luxury brands
  • High-end accessories and eyewear
  • Sidewalk cafés and stylish restaurants

This area is very walkable within a few blocks, but streets can be busy. Many locals choose rideshare to avoid parking hassles.

Phipps Plaza & Lenox Square Duo

Most high-end shopping in Atlanta is clustered in Buckhead, and Phipps Plaza plus Lenox Square give you:

• Designer clothing
• Luxury watch and jewelry stores
• Premium beauty and fragrance counters

If you’re planning a full day of upscale shopping, focusing on Buckhead Village, Phipps, and Lenox will cover most luxury needs in one area.

Outlet Shopping Near Atlanta

For bargain hunters and brand outlets, there are several large outlet malls reasonably close to the city.

North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville)

This is a popular outlet destination for Atlanta residents willing to drive.

• Location: 800 GA-400 S, Dawsonville, GA 30534
• Approx. drive: About 45–60 minutes north of Atlanta (traffic-dependent)
• Best for: Discounted prices on well-known brands

You’ll find a wide mix of apparel, shoes, athletic wear, and home goods at reduced prices. It’s often treated as a day trip from the city.

Tanger Outlets Locust Grove & Commerce

There are also Tanger Outlets to the south and north of Atlanta:

• Tanger Outlets Locust Grove – South of Atlanta, convenient from I-75
• Tanger Outlets Commerce – Northeast, off I-85

Both centers offer brand-name outlets similar to other Tanger properties around the country.

Neighborhood Shopping: Local & Boutique Spots

If you prefer local boutiques, independent shops, and walkable districts, several intown neighborhoods are worth exploring.

Virginia-Highland

Virginia-Highland (VaHi) is a charming, historic neighborhood known for boutique shopping and dining.

• Core area: Around the intersection of Virginia Ave NE & N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Best for: Local boutiques, gifts, and casual strolls
• You’ll find:
  • Clothing and accessory boutiques
  • Gift shops and home décor
  • Indie bookstores and specialty stores

Street parking is limited; many people park on side streets and walk.

Inman Park & Little Five Points

These adjacent neighborhoods offer quirky, creative shopping with a distinctly Atlanta feel.

Inman Park:

• Core area: Along Euclid Ave NE and N Highland Ave NE
• Best for: Small boutiques, local makers, and café hopping

Little Five Points:

• Core area: Intersection of Moreland Ave NE & Euclid Ave NE
• Best for: Vintage clothing, record stores, alternative fashion, and unique gifts

Little Five Points is particularly known for:

• Vintage and thrift shops
• Record stores
• Eclectic, alternative clothing

If you want non-chain, character-filled shopping, these neighborhoods are a strong choice.

Westside Provisions District

On the city’s Westside, Westside Provisions District combines high-end boutiques and design shops with restaurants.

• Location: Around 1100 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Best for: Modern home décor, design-forward fashion, and gifts
• What you’ll find:
  • Fashion boutiques
  • Furniture and home goods stores
  • Specialty food shops and restaurants

Many local residents visit Westside for both shopping and dining in one trip.

Markets, Vintage, and Thrift Shopping

Atlanta has a strong secondhand and market scene, ideal for unique finds and budget-conscious shopping.

Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market is a major destination blending retail, food, and entertainment in a historic building.

• Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Best for: Trendy retail, local brands, and food hall dining
• What you’ll find:
  • Clothing and lifestyle boutiques
  • Artisan and local-brand shops
  • A large food hall and rooftop entertainment area

It connects directly to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, making it easy to combine with a walk or bike ride.

Little Five Points & East Atlanta for Vintage

For vintage and thrift:

• Little Five Points – Concentrated vintage clothing stores and record shops
• East Atlanta Village – Occasional pop-up markets, thrift, and local art

These areas are good if you’re hunting for retro styles, band tees, or unique decor.

Farmer & Artisan Markets

Various neighborhoods host farmer and artisan markets, often on weekends. While primarily for food, many include:

• Handmade goods
• Crafts
• Local clothing and jewelry makers

To plan a visit, check neighborhood association or city event calendars for up-to-date times and locations, since these can change by season.

Furniture, Décor, and Home Improvement

If you’re furnishing a new apartment or updating a house in Atlanta, several corridors specialize in home goods and décor.

West Midtown Design & Home District

Around Howell Mill Rd NW and nearby side streets, you’ll find a cluster of:

• Furniture showrooms
• Home décor boutiques
• Design-focused stores

This part of town is popular for modern and industrial-inspired furnishings that fit Atlanta’s loft and condo style.

Big-Box & Warehouse Corridors

Throughout the metro area, major home improvement and big-box retailers cluster along highways such as:

• I-85 (Northeast) – Variety of furniture, wholesale clubs, home improvement
• I-20 (East & West) – Mix of chain furniture and discount warehouses

These are practical stops for budget furniture, appliances, and DIY supplies.

Specialty Shopping: Arts, Books, and Hobbies

Atlanta also offers specialty stores if you’re shopping around personal interests.

Art Supplies & Galleries

Areas such as:

• Castleberry Hill (just south of Downtown)
• Midtown (near arts institutions)

often feature galleries and creative shops. For supplies, there are multiple art-supply retailers scattered around the city, serving students and professionals connected to Atlanta’s arts schools and creative industries.

Bookstores

Beyond national chains, you’ll find independent bookstores in neighborhoods like:

• Decatur (east of Atlanta proper)
• Virginia-Highland
• Little Five Points

These often host author events and community gatherings, so they double as cultural hubs as well as shopping destinations.

Hobby & Craft Stores

Metro Atlanta has a full range of hobby, craft, and game shops, including:

• Model and tabletop game shops (often found in strip centers around I-285)
• Yarn and fabric stores in intown and suburban areas
• Music instrument shops both intown and in surrounding suburbs

If you have a specific niche interest, it’s often useful to search by neighborhood and call ahead for current inventory and hours.

Practical Tips for Shopping in Atlanta 📝

To make the most of your shopping trip in Atlanta, a few local considerations help:

1. Plan Around Traffic

• Peak traffic: Weekday mornings and late afternoons, especially on I-285, I-75/85, GA-400.
• Try to schedule major mall trips (Lenox, Perimeter, outlets) for midday or weekends earlier in the morning.

2. Consider MARTA for Buckhead & Midtown

• Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and Perimeter Mall are all MARTA-accessible, which can be faster than driving during rush hour.
• Atlantic Station offers a shuttle from Arts Center Station on MARTA’s Red/Gold line.

3. Parking Details

• Many intown neighborhoods (Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Little Five Points) rely on street parking and small lots.
• Some residential streets are permit-only or time-limited, so check signs carefully.

4. Seasonal Sales & Events

• Late summer and post-holiday periods are common for clearance and sales at large malls.
• Neighborhood shopping districts often have seasonal festivals and sidewalk sales, especially in spring and fall.

5. Check Hours Before You Go

• Hours can vary widely: intown boutiques and markets may close earlier than malls.
• Around holidays and special events (sports games, festivals), some locations adjust schedules or parking rules.

Quick Overview: Where to Shop in Atlanta

With these Atlanta shopping places in mind, you can plan trips that match your style—whether you’re after luxury labels in Buckhead, one-of-a-kind finds in Little Five Points, or a full mall day at Lenox or Perimeter.