The Omni Hotel located at CNN center in downtown Atlanta, just across the street from Centennial Olympic Park. (Photo credit: Kevin C. Rose) RELATED LINKS Return to Atlanta City Guide

A cynic might suggest that this behind-the-scenes tour amounts to little more than commercial propaganda for Ted Turner's 24-hour cable news channels, but unless you're already familiar with modern television production techniques, a look inside CNN's Atlanta headquarters really is worth the price of admission. The 50-minute guided visit takes in a re-creation of CNN's main control room, a special effects studio, archival footage of top news stories from the past 20 years, an interactive test of journalistic ethics and glimpses of the main CNN newsroom in action. Tours operate daily (except major holidays) from 9 am to 5 pm at a cost of $12 per person, with discounted rates available for seniors, children and groups of 20 or more (children under 4 not permitted).

After the tour, visitors can purchase CNN memorabilia in the gift shop, which features a small studio where you can make a video of yourself reading real news stories, or have your picture taken alongside electronically inserted images of various Turner Network personalities.

Tours do sell out, so reserve a specific time in advance by calling 404-827-2300 or 877-426-6868 weekdays from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Eastern time, or purchase online from www.museumtix.com ($1.75 per ticket service charge for online orders). Same-day walk-up tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket booth in the CNN Center lobby beginning at 8:30 a.m. Park in the Centennial Parking Deck at the corner of Centennial Park Drive and Marietta Street and you'll get a $2 discount off normal parking rates when you show a CNN Tour ticket stub. Visit www.cnn.com for more information.