I have always loved afternoon tea. The delicate china, the tiered trays of tiny sandwiches, the sense of ceremony that comes with it. But Tea Around Town in Atlanta turned out to be something I never expected. Instead of a quiet tearoom, I found myself on a double-decker bus that looked like it had rolled out of a fairytale, covered in flowers and glowing with charm. This was not your typical tea. It was a moving experience that blended the city’s energy with the slow pleasure of sipping and savoring.
The adventure begins at Centennial Olympic Park, where you are instructed to meet your bus and fellow tea passengers. As soon as I boarded the bus, the magic started. The upstairs deck, designated for luxe ticket holders (more on that later). The tables were decked out in 3-tier stacked tray, place settings and our very own tea tumbler.
Choosing Between Petite and Luxe
When booking, there are two ticket options. The Petite ticket, ticket is $69, includes a selection of hot and cold teas, an assortment of sandwiches, scones, and desserts, plus narration of the city sights and a souvenir tumbler to take home. It is a lovely way to enjoy the experience.
I chose the Luxe ticket, $99, because I wanted the full indulgence (and if I’m totally honest the mini lobster roll). There are a couple extra sandwiches, a mocktail, and seating up top.
Tea With a Side of Skyline
The first cup of tea was a Raspberry Hibiscus and was my favorite. It arrived just as we passed one of Atlanta’s crown jewels, the Bank of America Plaza. At over a thousand feet tall, it is not only the city’s tallest building but also the tallest in the Southeast. Watching it glide past from the top of the bus, tea in hand, was surreal.
The tour continued past unexpected highlights. We cruised by the filming home of Family Feud, a fun reminder of Atlanta’s role in pop culture. Then came the gleaming Westin Peachtree Plaza, a shimmering glass cylinder, and the iconic Marriott Marquis with its soaring atrium. I have seen these buildings before, but from this perspective, paired with tea service and soft storytelling from our guide, they felt brand new.
The narration throughout the ride was part history, part humor, and sometimes even song.
More Than an Average Tea
What I loved most was how Tea Around Town transforms something familiar into something completely new. Traditional afternoon tea is lovely but it usually means sitting in one place, quietly sipping under a chandelier. On this bus, the scenery shifts constantly and the whole experience feels dynamic.
The food itself was tasty. Tiered trays arrived filled with scones, finger sandwiches, and colorful desserts. Each tea poured into your tumbler out of a pitcher. One thing that is odd is if you don’t finish your tea there is nowhere to pour out the rest before the next tea is offered and they come pretty quickly! So think carefully if you really want to drink a full glass. But don’t worry, there is a bathroom on board.
What Stayed With Me
Tea Around Town is not just another themed outing. It is a chance to let go of stress, enjoy a touch of indulgence, and see the city with fresh eyes. For me, it was more than tea. It was an afternoon of delight that blended food, travel, and community into one perfect memory. Parking near downtown is about $20.