Rich in history and sunny in disposition, the southern city of Atlanta, Georgia mixes family fun with big-city amenities. While visitors flock to the most popular things to do in Atlanta—such as the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site—they would be remiss to overlook the city’s charms, expressed in the distinct character of each of the 242 neighborhoods. From historic Buckhead’s grand homes and tree-lined boulevards to the skyscrapers etching the skyline of the industrial downtown, the city’s flavors are as complex as the soul food binding the city together.
Here, get your guide to Atlanta’s best attractions, tours, and more.
The city is busiest and most expensive during the summer—which is also when its notoriously steamy weather takes hold. To see the city before the sweltering humidity sets in, consider visiting in the spring instead. Time your trip for April to see the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, or May for the Atlanta Jazz Festival; then, stroll the BeltLine to soak up the city’s outdoorsy side. Alternatively, visit in January to attend a range of events celebrating the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
The city is served by the world’s busiest airport—Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—and by Atlanta Peachtree Station, frequented by Amtrak trains. To navigate the city, use MARTA, the city’s transit rail and bus system, or the Atlanta Streetcar, which links the Downtown and Sweet Auburn neighborhoods. Taxis and ride-hailing services offer an additional way to get around town, and much of the city can also be explored on foot, by bike, or by electric scooter.
Atlanta is a city for food and drink lovers: Here, brunch, booze, and barbecue are serious business. One of the city’s beloved dishes is hot chicken wings (try the classic lemon pepper flavor, a must-have). Alternatively, if you’re a vegetarian, indulge in some comfort food alternatives at the Slutty Vegan, which was born here and specializes in plant-based burgers.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EST (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 39 | Tours 209 | Reviews 11,790 |
Atlanta is Georgia's capital and biggest city, and is known for its Civil War–era history, its place in the civil rights movement, and its thriving African-American culture and community. Today, visitors come to see Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Centennial Olympic Park, and World of Coca-Cola, as well as to experience the many other things to do in Atlanta.
...MoreBegin your day with a dose of history: Head to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights or Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Afterwards, get some fresh air at Zoo Atlanta or stroll along the Atlanta BeltLine. Finish up with a meal at the hip Ponce City Market.
...MoreDiscover the many things to do in Atlanta in three days. On day one, visit downtown and see highlights like the Georgia Aquarium, Georgia State Capitol, and World of Coca-Cola. On day two, explore Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. On day three, head outdoors to the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Piedmont Park.
...MoreAs a popular U.S. travel destination, the city attracts millions of visitors each year. Its top attraction is the Georgia Aquarium. Officially one of the largest aquariums in the world, it hosts exhibitions across 11 million gallons of water, from sharks and rays to penguins and beyond.
...MoreBegin your visit downtown, where you'll find top attractions including Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame, and National Center for Civil and Human Rights. It's also worth heading east to the Sweet Auburn Historic District to discover the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site.
...MoreYes. This metropolitan area of 6 million boasts a vibrant and diverse population, with a wealth of historical landmarks (including those tied to the civil rights movement), world-class museums, bustling sports venues, a thriving restaurant and bar scene, and scenic green spaces in which to unwind.
...MoreAtlanta is home to 242 different neighborhoods, each with its own distinct charm, so knowing where to begin can be a challenge for first-time visitors. Get your guide to take you to pockets of the southern city best suited to your interests, so you can make the most of even limited time here.
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