We are processing your request.
Please, don't close or refresh the page.

Discover Atlanta: Southern Charm and Iconic Attractions

Explore the best things to do in Atlanta, from the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola to the BeltLine, historic districts, and Southern cuisine.

Tourism Tickets United States Atlanta

Neighborhoods

Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead

Old Fourth Ward, Little Five Points, Virginia-Highland

Midtown for first-time visitors

Signature Sights

Dive into the Georgia Aquarium, relive history at the World of Coca-Cola, stroll Centennial Olympic Park and the Atlanta BeltLine, then explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site before discovering the city’s parks, food halls, and Southern culture.

Best Time Windows

Spring (Mar–May) brings blooming dogwoods and mild weather, while autumn (Sep–Nov) offers crisp days ideal for sightseeing. Summer is warm and lively with festivals, and winter stays mild with fewer crowds.

Getting Around

MARTA rail connects the airport, Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead

A Breeze Card and the free Atlanta Streetcar offer easy travel

The BeltLine is perfect for walking and biking between neighbourhoods

Food & Nightlife

Southern soul food, fried chicken, BBQ, and modern Southern cuisine

Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and Buckhead dining

Edgewood Avenue bars, Midtown lounges, and live music venues

Seasonal Highlights

Spring dogwood blooms and the Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Summer festivals, Piedmont Park concerts, and outdoor dining

Winter holiday lights at the Botanical Garden and Stone Mountain

Side Trips

Stone Mountain Park and Athens

Helen’s Bavarian village and the Blue Ridge Mountains

Chattanooga and historic Savannah

Famous Atlanta City spots

Georgia Aquarium > Tickets

Georgia Aquarium > Tickets
Illuminarium Atlanta

Illuminarium > Tickets
Fun Spot America > Tickets

Fun Spot America > Tickets
College Football Hall of Fame > Tickets

College Football Hall of Fame > Tickets
The World of Coca Cola > Tickets

The World of Coca Cola > Tickets

Things to Do in Atlanta

Iconic Atlanta Attractions

Start with the city's must-see landmarks clustered around Centennial Olympic Park. Marvel at marine life in the Georgia Aquarium, one of the world's largest, relive the story of an American icon at the World of Coca-Cola, and take in skyline views from SkyView Atlanta's giant observation wheel.

History, Civil Rights & Culture

Atlanta is the birthplace of the American Civil Rights Movement. Walk in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s footsteps at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, reflect at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and explore Southern heritage at the Atlanta History Center and Fernbank Museum.

Visit Atlanta

The BeltLine & Outdoor Atlanta

Experience the city's green side along the Atlanta BeltLine, a network of trails and parks linking vibrant neighbourhoods. Stroll the Eastside Trail, relax in Piedmont Park, wander the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and head out to Stone Mountain Park for hiking and panoramic views.

Food Halls, Southern Cuisine & Nightlife

Taste your way through Atlanta's celebrated food scene. Graze the stalls at Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market, savour soul food classics and fried chicken, and discover acclaimed restaurants across Buckhead and Midtown. After dark, enjoy live music, rooftop bars, and the buzzing Edgewood Avenue nightlife.

Family Fun & Entertainment

Atlanta is packed with experiences for all ages. Meet giant pandas and gorillas at Zoo Atlanta, ride the thrills at Six Flags Over Georgia, score touchdowns at the College Football Hall of Fame, and catch a Braves game or a show at the historic Fox Theatre.

Atlanta Neighborhoods

Downtown

The heart of the city, Downtown Atlanta is home to the biggest attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, and the College Football Hall of Fame. Stay here for easy access to major sights, sports arenas, and convention venues, all connected by MARTA rail.

Midtown

Atlanta's cultural and arts district is ideal for first-time visitors. Midtown is home to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the High Museum of Art, and the iconic Fox Theatre, along with excellent restaurants, hotels, and lively nightlife, all within easy reach of a MARTA station.

Buckhead

Atlanta's upscale district, Buckhead is known for luxury shopping at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, fine dining, and elegant hotels. It's also home to the Atlanta History Center, leafy residential streets, and a sophisticated nightlife scene that draws both visitors and locals.

Old Fourth Ward

One of Atlanta's trendiest neighbourhoods, the Old Fourth Ward blends history and modern energy. Explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, graze the food stalls at Ponce City Market, and walk or cycle the BeltLine's Eastside Trail past murals, breweries, and pocket parks.

Little Five Points

Atlanta's bohemian quarter, Little Five Points is the place for vintage shops, record stores, street art, and indie music venues. This eclectic, alternative neighbourhood is perfect for travellers looking to experience the city's creative, counter-culture side away from the main tourist trail.

Virginia-Highland

A charming, walkable neighbourhood of tree-lined streets, bungalow homes, and locally owned boutiques, cafés, and bars. Virginia-Highland offers a relaxed, residential atmosphere with a strong sense of community, ideal for visitors wanting an authentic taste of intown Atlanta living.

How to Get to Atlanta

Atlanta is served by Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the world's busiest airport and a major gateway to the southeastern United States. Located around 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown, it offers direct connections across North America, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Getting from the airport to the city:

  • MARTA Train Red and Gold lines reach Five Points in downtown Atlanta in about 15 minutes (around $2.50)
  • Taxi / Rideshare Roughly 20–30 minutes to downtown depending on traffic
  • Shuttles Shared-ride vans and many hotel shuttles serve the metro area
  • Car Rental Reached via the ATL SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal to the Rental Car Center

Atlanta is served by Amtrak's Crescent route, which runs daily between New York City and New Orleans, with one train in each direction per day. Main station: Peachtree Station (Brookwood, between Midtown and Buckhead)

  • Charlotte to Atlanta (approximately 4.5 hours)
  • Birmingham to Atlanta (approximately 3 hours)
  • Washington, D.C. to Atlanta (approximately 13–14 hours)
  • Continuing service south to New Orleans

Long-distance coach services connect Atlanta with cities throughout the Southeast and beyond, including Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, and Orlando.

  • Main bus station Atlanta Greyhound Station, 232 Forsyth Street (downtown, near Garnett MARTA station)
  • Greyhound, FlixBus and Megabus offer budget-friendly options for travellers arriving from nearby cities.

Atlanta sits at the crossroads of several major interstates (I-75, I-85 and I-20), making road travel straightforward from across the Southeast.

  • Typical driving times Chattanooga: 2 hours Birmingham: 2.25 hours Nashville: 3.75 hours Charlotte: 3.75 hours Savannah: 4 hours
  • Atlanta traffic on the I-285 perimeter can be heavy during rush hour, and parking downtown can be limited and expensive.
  • Many travellers prefer using MARTA and rideshares once inside the city.

Plan your perfect Atlanta City itinerary

Atlanta in 3 Days

We recommend: Atlanta in 3 Days

  • Explore the top attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park
  • Balance landmarks, history, the BeltLine, and Southern food at a comfortable pace
  • Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience Atlanta's highlights

Civil Rights & History Atlanta

We recommend: Atlanta History Itinerary

  • Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Explore the Atlanta History Center, the APEX Museum, and historic Sweet Auburn
  • Perfect for travellers interested in American history and culture

Atlanta with Kids & Family

We recommend: Atlanta Family Itinerary

  • Combine the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank Museum, and the Children's Museum of Atlanta
  • Add a day of thrills at Six Flags Over Georgia or Stone Mountain Park
  • Ideal for families travelling with children of all ages

Atlanta Food, BeltLine & Local Culture

We recommend: Atlanta Lifestyle Itinerary

  • Graze through Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market and walk the BeltLine's Eastside Trail
  • Explore Old Fourth Ward, Little Five Points, and Virginia-Highland beyond the main sights
  • Perfect for travellers seeking food, neighbourhoods, and local life

Beyond Atlanta: Georgia Day Trips

We recommend: Best Day Trips from Atlanta

  • Discover Stone Mountain, Helen, Athens, Chattanooga, and the Blue Ridge Mountains
  • Combine outdoor scenery, mountain towns, and Southern history
  • Great for extending your Atlanta trip with memorable regional escapes

Beyond Atlanta City: Best Day Trips & Nearby Escapes

Stone Mountain

Just 30 minutes from Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is one of Georgia's top attractions. Hike or ride the cable car to the summit of the world's largest exposed granite mass, enjoy lakeside trails, and catch the seasonal laser shows.

Helen

About 1 hour 40 minutes north of Atlanta, Helen is a charming mountain town built in the style of a Bavarian alpine village. Tube down the Chattahoochee River in summer, sample German fare, and explore the surrounding North Georgia wine country and waterfalls.

Chattanooga

Less than two hours away in Tennessee, Chattanooga offers the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City, Ruby Falls, and Lookout Mountain. It's a scenic, family-friendly escape combining outdoor adventure with riverfront charm.

Athens

Around 1 hour 15 minutes east of Atlanta, Athens is a lively college town famous for its music scene, historic architecture, and the University of Georgia. Enjoy independent shops, great restaurants, and a youthful, creative atmosphere.

Blue Ridge Mountains

Roughly 1 hour 30 minutes north, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer scenic drives, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, hiking trails, waterfalls, and cosy mountain towns. A perfect escape for nature lovers and autumn leaf-peepers.

Savannah

About four hours southeast, Savannah is Georgia's oldest city, renowned for its oak-lined squares, antebellum architecture, and Southern charm. Ideal for a weekend getaway filled with history, riverfront dining, and atmospheric strolls.

FAQs About Visiting Atlanta City

What is the best time to visit Atlanta?

The best time to visit Atlanta is during spring (March to May), when dogwoods and azaleas bloom and temperatures are mild, and autumn (September to November), with comfortable days ideal for sightseeing. Summer is warm and humid but full of festivals, while winter stays relatively mild with fewer crowds.

How many days do you need in Atlanta?

Most travellers find that 3 to 4 days in Atlanta is enough to explore the main attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Those planning day trips to Stone Mountain, Helen, or Chattanooga may want to stay longer.

What are the top things to do in Atlanta?

Some of the best things to do in Atlanta include visiting the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Fox Theatre, and the College Football Hall of Fame. Don't miss walking the Atlanta BeltLine, exploring Ponce City Market, and learning about civil rights history downtown.

What are the top attractions to visit in Atlanta?

The top attractions in Atlanta include the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, the Fox Theatre, the Fernbank Museum, and SkyView Atlanta. Together they showcase the city's mix of family fun, culture, and Southern history.

What is the best way to get around Atlanta?

MARTA's rail system is the easiest way to travel between the airport, Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, using a reloadable Breeze Card. The free Atlanta Streetcar serves downtown, and the BeltLine is great for walking and cycling. Because Atlanta is spread out, many visitors also use rideshares to reach areas beyond the rail network.

Do I need a car in Atlanta?

You can explore Downtown, Midtown, and the BeltLine without a car by using MARTA, the streetcar, walking, and rideshares. However, a car is helpful for reaching outlying neighbourhoods, Stone Mountain, Six Flags, and day trips. If you do drive, be prepared for heavy traffic on the I-285 perimeter and limited, pricey downtown parking.

What are the best day trips from Atlanta?

Popular day trips from Atlanta include Stone Mountain Park (30 minutes), the Bavarian-style town of Helen (about 1 hour 40 minutes), Chattanooga in Tennessee (under 2 hours), the college town of Athens, the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, and historic Savannah for a longer getaway.

Is Atlanta worth visiting?

Yes. Atlanta combines world-class attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola with rich civil rights history, vibrant neighbourhoods, the BeltLine, and a celebrated Southern food scene. It's an easy, welcoming city to explore and a great base for exploring the wider South.