Phipps Plaza: Atlanta’s Luxury Shopping, Dining, and Lifestyle Destination

If you’re looking for upscale shopping in Atlanta, Phipps Plaza in Buckhead is one of the city’s best-known luxury destinations. From designer boutiques and fine dining to a hotel and entertainment options, it’s evolved from a traditional mall into a full mixed-use lifestyle center.

Whether you live nearby, are staying in Buckhead, or are planning a shopping day from elsewhere in metro Atlanta, this guide walks through what to expect, how to get there, and how to make the most of your visit.

Where Phipps Plaza Is and How to Get There

Address:
Phipps Plaza
3500 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

Phipps Plaza is in the Buckhead neighborhood, directly across Peachtree Road from Lenox Square. It’s surrounded by office towers, hotels, and residential buildings, and sits close to GA 400 and I-85.

Getting There by Car

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the easiest option.

Nearby routes:

• From GA 400: Exit at Lenox Road/Buford Highway, follow signs toward Buckhead/Lenox, then Peachtree Road.
• From I-85: Connect to GA 400 or take the Lenox Road exit and head toward Buckhead.
• From Midtown/Downtown: Head north on Peachtree Street/Peachtree Road into Buckhead.

Parking is typically via structured garages and decks surrounding the property. Fees, validation options, and valet service may vary, so it’s wise to check posted rates when you arrive.

Getting There by MARTA

If you prefer public transit, MARTA is a reasonable option:

• Take the Gold Line to either:
  • Lenox Station (closer, but still a walk), or
  • Buckhead Station on the Red Line (a bit farther, but in the same district).
• From either station, you can:
  • Walk (about 10–20 minutes depending on route), or
  • Take a short rideshare/taxi to the mall entrance.

Many visitors find MARTA especially convenient if they’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport, and want to avoid Buckhead traffic and parking.

What Makes Phipps Plaza Different from Other Atlanta Malls

Phipps Plaza is known as one of Atlanta’s premier luxury shopping destinations. Compared to more mainstream malls, it focuses heavily on:

• High-end designer brands
• Upscale department stores and specialty retailers
• Fine and contemporary dining
• Boutique entertainment and experiences

It has increasingly moved beyond being “just a mall” and now includes:

• A luxury hotel on-site
• Office space and event venues
• Outdoor gathering and dining areas

If you’re comparing it to other Atlanta shopping centers, Phipps Plaza tends to appeal to shoppers looking for designer labels, special-occasion outfits, luxury accessories, and polished dining in one location.

Shopping at Phipps Plaza: What You’ll Find

Specific store lineups can change, but Phipps Plaza almost always includes a mix of:

Luxury & Designer Stores

You can expect a concentration of designer boutiques and higher-end labels. Shoppers often come here for:

• Luxury handbags, shoes, and accessories
• Fine jewelry and watches
• Designer apparel for both everyday wear and special occasions

If you live in metro Atlanta and want the feel of a big-city luxury retail district without flying to New York or Los Angeles, Phipps Plaza is one of the most accessible local options.

Department Stores & Specialty Retailers

Phipps Plaza typically includes:

• Upscale department stores offering designer clothing, beauty, shoes, and home items
• Specialty shops for:
  • Cosmetics and fragrance
  • Lingerie and intimate apparel
  • Children’s and baby clothing
  • Home décor and gifts
  • Tech accessories and gadgets

This mix makes it a practical stop if you’re:

• Updating a professional wardrobe
• Shopping for a major event (wedding, gala, holiday party)
• Looking for a high-end gift for a birthday, anniversary, or graduation

Services and Personal Care

Beyond clothing and accessories, Phipps Plaza often includes:

• Salons and beauty services
• Optical/eyewear shops
• Tailoring or alterations (sometimes available through department stores or independent providers)

If you’re planning a special event in Atlanta, it can be convenient to handle hair, makeup, outfit, and accessories all in the same place.

Dining at Phipps Plaza

Phipps Plaza has evolved into a dining destination as much as a shopping one, especially in the evenings and on weekends.

Types of Restaurants You Can Expect

You’ll typically find a variety of:

• Upscale sit-down restaurants – popular for date nights, business dinners, and celebrations
• Casual spots – suitable for a quick meal during a shopping trip
• Cafés and dessert shops – for coffee, snacks, or a mid-afternoon break

Many Atlantans use Phipps Plaza’s restaurants even when they don’t plan to shop, especially residents and office workers in Buckhead.

When to Make Reservations

For Friday and Saturday evenings, holidays, or big event weekends in Atlanta, reservations at the more popular restaurants are often recommended. This is especially true if you’re:

• Going out with a group
• Planning a work dinner
• Coordinating around a movie, show, or special event nearby

If you’re flexible and visiting midday on a weekday, you may be able to walk in more easily.

Entertainment and Experiences

Phipps Plaza is not only about shopping and dining. Over the years, it has offered various entertainment options that help it feel like more of a destination.

Common experiences may include:

• Movie theater: Many locals know Phipps for its higher-end cinema experience, often with reserved seating and upgraded amenities compared to older theaters.
• Seasonal events: During major holidays (especially late November and December), Phipps Plaza frequently hosts:
  • Holiday décor and photo opportunities
  • Family-friendly experiences
• Special pop-ups or brand activations: Some luxury brands and retailers periodically host in-store events, trunk shows, or limited-time experiences.

If you’re planning a family visit or a date night, it’s worth checking what’s currently available, especially around school breaks, major movie releases, and holidays.

Hotels and Mixed-Use Features

Phipps Plaza is part of a broader mixed-use redevelopment in Buckhead, meaning it’s not just a standalone indoor mall.

On-Site Hotel

A luxury hotel is integrated into the property, which can be particularly convenient if you:

• Are visiting Atlanta for business in Buckhead
• Want easy access to shopping and dining without driving
• Prefer a walkable, self-contained stay

Guests can often walk directly from the hotel into the retail and dining areas, making it practical in hot summers, rainy days, or during heavy traffic.

Office and Event Spaces

The property also includes office components and event venues, attracting:

• Corporate offices and business travelers
• Professional meetings and small conferences
• Private events and social gatherings

For local professionals, this can mean you’re attending a work function and immediately have restaurants and shopping options steps away.

When to Visit Phipps Plaza

Phipps Plaza is typically open seven days a week, but individual store and restaurant hours can vary.

General Patterns

• Weekdays (daytime):
  Usually quieter, with a mix of nearby office workers, locals, and visitors. Good for focused shopping without crowds.
• Weekday evenings:
  Restaurants and entertainment draw an after-work crowd, especially from surrounding Buckhead offices.
• Weekends:
  Busier overall. Saturdays are often the most crowded, especially in the afternoon and evening.
• Holiday season (Nov–Dec):
  Expect heavier traffic, more events, and longer hours for many stores. Parking and dining reservations can be more challenging.

If you prefer a calmer experience, consider weekday mornings or early afternoons. For a more energetic atmosphere, weekend evenings bring more people, music, and activity, especially around the restaurants and outdoor spaces.

Parking, Navigation, and Getting Around the Property

Parking Tips

Parking at Phipps Plaza is primarily in multi-level garages around the complex. Details can change, but you’re likely to encounter:

• Multiple entrances off Peachtree Road and surrounding streets
• Clearly marked areas for different zones (retail, hotel, office, etc.)
• Valet options near main entrances and restaurants

To make parking easier:

• Note the garage level and section where you park.
• Take a quick photo of the nearest column or sign.
• If you have mobility concerns, look for accessible parking spots and elevators close to mall entrances.

Getting Oriented Inside

Phipps Plaza has:

• Multiple levels of shopping
• Interior corridors with seating areas
• Digital directories or maps at main junctions

If you’re meeting friends or family, common meeting points include:

• Near the central interior seating areas
• Close to a major anchor store entrance
• By a specific restaurant or the movie theater lobby

Phipps Plaza vs. Other Atlanta Shopping Areas

Many people compare Phipps Plaza to nearby Lenox Square or to open-air centers around the metro.

Here’s a simple overview of how Phipps Plaza often fits into the mix:

If your priority is luxury fashion, quieter ambiance, and fine dining in one indoor environment, Phipps Plaza is usually at the top of the list for Atlanta.

Who Phipps Plaza Is Best For

Phipps Plaza can work for different types of visits:

• Buckhead residents
  A convenient spot for high-end shopping, dining with friends, or catching a movie without leaving the neighborhood.

• Metro Atlanta locals
  Ideal for special shopping trips, holiday visits, or occasions when you want designer brands and upscale restaurants in one place.

• Out-of-town visitors
  Especially convenient if you’re staying in Buckhead or nearby and want a signature Atlanta luxury retail experience without navigating multiple neighborhoods.

• Business travelers
  If you’re in the area for meetings, the combination of hotel, offices, restaurants, and shopping makes it a practical base.

Practical Tips for Visiting Phipps Plaza

To make your trip smoother and more enjoyable:

• Plan your priorities
  💡 Decide if your focus is shopping, dining, a movie, or a mix. This helps with timing and parking choices.

• Check current hours
  Store and restaurant hours can change between weekdays, weekends, and holidays. If you’re aiming for a specific shop or late dinner, verify hours before heading out.

• Make reservations for popular restaurants
  Especially Thursday–Saturday evenings, around holidays, or when big events are in town (conventions, SEC games, concerts).

• Consider traffic patterns
  Buckhead can get congested, particularly:

  • Weekday late afternoons and evenings
  • Saturday afternoons and evenings
    Allow extra time if you’re on a schedule.

• Combine with nearby stops
  If you’re already in the area, you can easily add:

  • A quick visit to Lenox Square across Peachtree
  • Stops at nearby Buckhead shops, hotels, or cafés

For anyone interested in luxury retail, polished dining, and a refined atmosphere in Atlanta, Phipps Plaza is one of the city’s most recognizable destinations. Understanding how it’s laid out, when it’s busiest, and what it offers helps you decide how it fits into your Atlanta plans—whether you’re a local making a quick visit or a traveler building your Buckhead itinerary.