CNN Center

The CNN Center in downtown Atlanta is the world headquarters of one of the world's biggest news networks, and budding journos or anyone interested in how the media works can join a behind-the-scenes tour at the 24-hour news organisation.

The CNN Center was built in 1976 and is made up of five separate buildings connected by a huge atrium which is a food court that's open to all. CNN moved in in 1987 and has been there ever since. The Omni Hotel occupies one of the buildings.

There are three different guided tours available at CNN. On Thursdays only, you can do the Morning Express with Robin Meade tour where you get to go inside the show's newsroom and experience the show from inside the studio.

General tours run every 10 minutes between 9 am and 5 pm. Monday to Sunday, and they offer the chance to see a newsroom and learn about how a broadcast is made. For more exclusive access, there are the Inside CNN VIP tours which are run four times a day, Monday to Saturday. Children under 12 aren't allowed on either the VIP or Robin Meade tour but are welcome on the general tours. It's a good idea to reserve tickets ahead of time through the CNN Center website, though sometimes tickets are available on the day.

You will start your tour, whichever option you choose, on the ground floor of the atrium. You will then travel on the world's longest free-standing escalator up to the eighth floor, where most of the action takes place. Each tour lasts about an hour and finishes in the CNN gift shop.

A food court on the lower level caters to staff and members of the public and there are 15 different fast-food eateries. For something a little fancier, there are several fine-dining restaurants on the upper floors where you might find yourself next door to a TV exec.

Parking is limited at the CNN Center, so consider using public transport. Take the MARTA railway on the blue or green lines.