After a year and a half of living in Atlanta, I now proudly call the South my home! Originally from up North, I wasn’t sure what to expect when my fiancé told me we’d be moving to Atlanta for the next five-plus years. Now, I couldn’t be happier to live in a city that has everything from verdant parks and iconic historic sites to a lively sports scene and an eclectic nightlife.
This Atlanta travel guide will explore the city’s top attractions, including everything from serene Piedmont Park to Buckhead’s trendy restaurants and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s historic birthplace. Check out sections on what to do in Atlanta, how to get around Atlanta, where to stay in Atlanta, best Atlanta tours and experiences, where to eat, drink, and go out in Atlanta, and more for your next visit to the ATL!
Page Contents
Atlanta Map
Top Things to Do in Atlanta
Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is a paved walking and biking path that runs from trendy Krog Street Market to Piedmont Park, offering plenty of bars, restaurants, parks, street art, and other attractions along the way. The BeltLine is perfect for a stroll, bike ride, rollerblade, or electric scooter ride, and is used by locals and tourists alike. This will definitely be a highlight of your trip to Atlanta.
My picks for best Beltline tours: Atlanta BeltLine Tours; Guided Bike Tour in Atlanta with Snacks
Ponce City Market
One of the top Atlanta destinations, Ponce City Market is a massive indoor/outdoor market offering tons of food stalls from around the city, as well as boutique shopping, bars, and coffee shops. This unique converted warehouse is situated at one end of the BeltLine, so it’s the perfect place to start or end your day of exploring ATL. Head up to Skyline Park located just above the market for all manner of games and activities, including mini golf, skee-ball, a rooftop beer garden, the contemporary Nine Mile Station restaurant, and spectacular views of the city.
My picks for best Ponce City Market tours: Ponce City Market Food, History and Street Art Tour; Guided Walking Tour in Ponce
Piedmont Park
Atlanta’s version of Central Park, Piedmont Park covers nearly 200 acres in the heart of the city, and is located between Midtown and the BeltLine. Rife with lakes, gardens, hiking trails, tennis courts, a public swimming pool, playgrounds, dog parks, cafes and restaurants, sports fields, and wide open spaces, Piedmont Park is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, an enormous peaceful garden within the park, which hosts holiday lights in the winter and tropical vegetation displays year-round. Walk or electric scooter through the park, enjoy a picnic, and maybe even ride over to Orpheus Brewery or Park Tavern for some beers and bites.
My picks for best Piedmont Park tours: Piedmont Park Tours; Atlanta: Downtown, Midtown or Eastside Segway Tour; Atlanta Highlights Private Tour
Inman Park
Head over to the Inman Park neighborhood to check out popular restaurants and bars, iconic historic sites including MLK’s birthplace and Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was a pastor, and hipster Krog Street Market for food, drinks, and shopping on the BeltLine. If you’re looking for a more unique experience in Inman Park, try a cooking class at The Cooking School at Irwin Street for a date night or fun activity with friends.
Historic Sites
Atlanta is known for its rich history and strong roots in the Civil Rights Movement. There are plenty of excellent Atlanta tours that offer a deeper understanding of the city’s important role in history. Check out the Atlanta History Center, The King Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the historic Oakland Cemetery, and the Margaret Mitchell House, where the epic novel, Gone With The Wind was written.
My picks for best Atlanta historic tours: Atlanta Historical Homes Tour; Atlanta Black History and Civil Rights Tour; Private Atlanta History Tour From Civil War to Civil Rights; 2.5-Hour History and Food Tour in Atlanta
Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is another fun area to explore, particularly if you have more time in Atlanta or you’re looking for great rainy day activities. Here you’ll find a movie theater, bowling alley, and plenty of shopping, restaurants, and bars to keep you occupied rain or shine. Pop over to Kilwins for ice cream and chocolates for a sweet end to your day!
Buckhead
Especially if you’re staying in the area, Buckhead is definitely worth checking out. Home to the upscale Lenox Square mall and The Shops of Buckhead, there are plenty of opportunities for high-end shopping, dining, workout classes, trendy bars and more. Note, however, that Buckhead isn’t particularly walkable, so prepare to drive or take Lyfts and Ubers to get around.
See a Concert or Comedy Show
The renowned Fox Theater always has something exciting on tap, from leading musicians and comedians to Broadway shows. There are plenty of other excellent venues for lower-key comedy shows – including my favorite, which is the Laughing Skull Lounge located inside of The Vortex Bar and Grill in Midtown.
Check out Emory, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, or Other ATL Universities
Atlanta has no shortage of beautiful college campuses to explore. From Emory to Georgia Tech, you could easily spend an entire day checking out what these schools have to offer.
Centennial Olympic Park
Situated in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, the Centennial Olympic Park was used during the 1996 Olympic Games. One of the city’s most popular tourist sites, you’ll love meandering through the vast park and enjoying the numerous fountains, pools, and artwork. Add a tour of Centennial Olympic Park to your Atlanta travel guide to learn about it’s fascinating history!
My picks for best Centennial Olympic Park tours: Roundabout Atlanta City Sightseeing Tour; Centennial Olympic Park Tours; Atlanta Segway Tour: Midtown Sightseeing
Other Can't-Miss Things to Do in Atlanta
Especially if you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta with kids, there are plenty of other great options. There are tons of fun things to do in Atlanta including the World of Coca-Cola, the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel, the Georgia Aquarium, the College Football Hall of Fame, Zoo Atlanta, the Fox Theater, and more. Catch a Falcons game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, cheer on the Braves at SunTrust Park, or check out an ever-popular Atlanta United soccer game. For a fun and educational activity, explore the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or the High Museum of Art. Consider the Atlanta CityPASS to get the most bang for your buck!
My picks for other can’t-miss Atlanta tours: Atlanta CityPASS; Private Stranger Things “The Upside Down” Film Locations Tour in Atlanta; Atlanta Segway Tour: Midtown Sightseeing
Best Atlanta Tours and Experiences
With so much to see and explore, the best way to get the full Atlanta experience might just be through a tour. From Stranger Things to Ozark, Atlanta movie tours bring you to the city’s most iconic shooting locations. Headquartered in Atlanta, Porsche Experience tours will give you the thrill of a lifetime as you race around their expert-level track like a pro. Elevate your Atlanta trip by taking any of these classic tours:
Where to Stay in Atlanta
My picks for where to stay in Atlanta: Loews Midtown, Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead, Moxy Atlanta Midtown, Embassy Suites Buckhead, Hotel Clermont Atlanta (Inman Park)
You have a few solid options for where to stay in Atlanta. Personally, I would suggest staying in Midtown if you’re only taking a weekend trip to the city. It’s right in the heart of all the action and offers a variety of different lodging accommodations at varying price points. Inman Park is also a great option for where to stay, as it’s just south of Midtown and home to several of Atlanta’s top restaurants and attractions. Both of these areas are very walkable and conveniently located.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, Buckhead is the place for you. Buckhead offers a variety of great restaurants, bars, and upscale hotels. The only downside to staying in Buckhead is that it’s a bit less walkable, and you’ll be farther from downtown, midtown, and Inman Park, so you’ll need to drive or take MARTA if you plan to hit the city’s more touristy sites.
How to Get Around Atlanta
You have several options for how to get around Atlanta. The Atlanta public transportation system is called MARTA, which operates both bus and subway lines throughout the city and into the suburbs. Walking, biking, and electric bike and scooter rental are also popular modes of transportation in Atlanta. However, for farther distances, it’s best to either have your own car or take Lyfts and Ubers (I’ve found Lyft seems to be more reliable in Atlanta).
Where to Eat, Drink, and Go Out in Atlanta
The Atlanta food scene has something for everyone, from traditional soul food and BBQ to trendy restaurants and casual dives. Whether you’re just taking a weekend trip or you plan to stay longer, there’s no doubt you’ll want to check out the city’s dynamic culinary scene and vibrant nightlife. Here are some of my favorite bars and restaurants in Atlanta!
My Favorite Restaurants in Atlanta
Anis Cafe & Bistro – Romantic French, Buckhead
Sotto Sotto Restaurant – Italian, Inman Park
The Optimist – Seafood, West Midtown
Barcelona Wine Bar, Trendy tapas, Inman Park
Del Bar, Mediterranean, Inman Park
BeetleCat, Seafood, Inman Park
Cafe Intermezzo, Very cute European cafe, Midtown
Forza Storico, Upscale Italian, West Midtown
Bacchanalia – VERY fancy American, Westside
Umi – High-end Sushi, Buckhead
Flying Biscuit – Brunch! There will likely be a wait on the weekends, but it’s totally worth it., Midtown
Antico – Pizza, Westside
Sugar Shane’s – Perhaps the best cookies you will ever have in your lifetime. Yes, they deliver., Midtown and Sandy Springs
Poor Calvins – Upscale Asian-fusion, Midtown
Brooklyn Bagel – Amazing bagels and classic Jewish deli, Ansley Park
Hal’s – Classic steakhouse, Buckhead
Bones – Excellent steakhouse, Buckhead
Murphy’s – American, Virginia Highlands
Vortex – Very casual American, amazing burgers (also has a comedy club in the back), Midtown and Little Five Points
Nina and Rafi – FANTASTIC Detroit-style pizza, BeltLine
The General Muir – Classic Jewish Deli, Emory Point
Bread & Butterfly – Charming brunch spot, Inman Park
Amore e Amore – Fun and lively Italian, great for big groups, Inman Park
Buford Highway Restaurants – For the more adventurous travelers or those staying in ATL long term, you’ll find tons of awesome casual ethnic restaurants for everything from Mexican to Malaysian, Buford Highway
Best Spots for Classic Atlanta Soul Food and BBQ
Hattie B’s, Nashville hot chicken and soul food, Midtown and Little Five Points
Fox Bros BBQ, Some of ATL’s best BBQ, Little Five Points
South City Kitchen – Classic Southern staples, Midtown and Buckhead
Mary Mac’s Tearoom – Iconic soul food, Midtown
The Busy Bee – Another time-honored soul food establishment, Downtown
My Favorite Bars and Breweries for Going Out in Atlanta
Orpheus Brewing – My all-time favorite Atlanta brewery, very casual and located in Piedmont Park
Ladybird – Great for outdoor day drinking on the BeltLine, BeltLine
New Realm Brewing Co.– Fun brewery on the BeltLine
Sweetwater Brewing Company – Casual local brewery, Armour Industrial District
Hotel Clermont Rooftop Bar – Trendy Rooftop Bar…head’s up, the bottom half is a strip club!
Dark Horse Tavern – A classic Atlanta night-out staple, dancing up top, karaoke in the basement – get ready for a wild night if you’re headed to Dark Horse!, Virginia Highlands
The Painted Duck – Games bar, Westside
Northside Tavern – Fun bar with live music, West Midtown
Black Bear Tavern – Very casual Chicago sports bar, Midtown
The Battery – A collection of eclectic bars, restaurants, and nightclubs next to the Atlanta Braves baseball stadium, The Battery
The BeltLine – Best for day drinking, some of the best bars along the BeltLine are New Realm brewery, Pour, Brewdog, Ponce City Market, and Krog Street Market
Neighbors Pub – Casual bar, Virginia Highlands
Thirty – More of a nightclub vibe but still a bar, located next to a strip of fun college-y bars, Buckhead
Little Spirit, Small but lively bar, great for a drink before or after dinner, Inman Park
Johnny’s Hideaway – Great for dancing to Oldies, Buckhead
St. Julep – Chic rooftop bar, Buckhead
MJQ – Classic Atlanta nightclub, Inman Park
Puttshack – Boozy glow-in-the-dark mini golf, West Midtown
Check out my Recommended Travel Essentials page for more useful resources for your Atlanta vacation!
Atlanta Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlanta safe?
Yes, Atlanta is safe to visit. As in any big city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings as a tourist in Atlanta. The major tourist areas are completely safe for travelers, but as always, avoid walking alone at night and always have your wits about you no matter where you go. Also, if you’re driving around the city, never leave valuables visible in your car, as car break-ins are common in ATL.
When is the best time to visit Atlanta?
Atlanta is beautiful year round, but the optimal time to visit is during the shoulder seasons in fall and spring. In the fall, Atlanta experiences mild temperatures and sunny days, and the changing leaves provide a gorgeous backdrop for any vacation. Springtime also experiences mild temperatures which aren’t quite as hot as in summer, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor concerts and activities.
What foods are Atlanta known for?
Soul food and barbeque! From fried chicken and grits to traditional barbeque, mac n’ cheese, collard greens, corn bread, sweet tea, and biscuits, Atlanta serves up the best flavors of the South. You won’t want to miss trying a sweet Georgia peach while you’re in Atlanta, too!
Is Atlanta expensive?
No, Atlanta is a relatively inexpensive city to visit compared to other major US cities like Miami, San Francisco, and New York City. That said, if you don’t have your own car or plan to take Atlanta public transportation, you may find yourself spending a pretty penny on Lyfts and Ubers to get around!
Traveling Alone or Want to Join a Tour?
If planning your Atlanta vacation is becoming too overwhelming and you’d like to explore even more of the region with a group, an Intrepid Travel US tour may be just what you need! Intrepid Travel focuses on sustainable, affordable, and authentic travel for destinations around the world. I have personally traveled with Intrepid and can’t recommend them more. They offer guests a truly local experience which allows for a sense of cultural immersion in your destination. If you’re headed to the American South, consider an Intrepid tour for your Atlanta vacation!
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