Things To Do
in Atlanta
Atlanta is a dynamic, sprawling Southern metropolis known for its pivotal role in American history, civil rights, and as a modern business and cultural hub. The city blends historic neighborhoods, green spaces, and a thriving culinary and music scene with a skyline punctuated by modern skyscrapers. Atlanta is a transportation hub with one of the world’s busiest airports and a diverse population that shapes vibrant street life and festivals.
Visitors can expect a mix of museum-rich cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and neighborhood-specific experiences from Buckhead to the Old Fourth Ward.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, where you can take a guided tour of the civil rights leader's childhood home. Afterward, visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached, to understand the powerful history surrounding this iconic figure. Don’t forget to stop by the visitor center for engaging exhibits about the civil rights movement.
Head over to the Sweet Auburn district for lunch, where you can savor some authentic Southern cuisine at a local restaurant. After your meal, explore the Atlanta State Farmers Market, one of the largest in the country, and sample fresh produce and artisanal products. Wrap up your afternoon with a stroll through the historic streetcar route, appreciating the vibrant murals and local shops.
As the evening sets in, dine at a restaurant in the Old Fourth Ward, known for its trendy atmosphere and innovative menus. Post-dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk through the Atlanta BeltLine, a former railway corridor turned urban trail that showcases local art installations. Finally, consider catching a live music performance at a nearby venue to experience Atlanta's rich music scene.
Start your day at the High Museum of Art, where you can explore an extensive collection of classic and contemporary works. Engage with special exhibits that highlight the cultural diversity of the South and beyond. Take your time to enjoy the beautiful architecture of the museum itself, designed by Richard Meier.
For lunch, visit the nearby Midtown area, filled with eclectic cafes and bistros. Afterward, immerse yourself in the world of film at the Atlanta Film Society's screening, or take a guided tour of the historic Fox Theatre to appreciate its stunning Moorish design. Don’t miss the chance to explore the High Museum’s outdoor spaces, where sculptures and gardens await.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at one of Atlanta’s renowned fine dining establishments, where you can indulge in local ingredients and seasonal dishes. Following your meal, attend a performance at the Fox Theatre, offering everything from Broadway shows to concerts. Cap off the night with a cocktail at a rooftop bar, enjoying stunning views of the Atlanta skyline.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🎟️Movie ticket / museum entry (general) | $12-25 |
| 🚕Short Uber / Lyft ride | $8-20 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel per night | $120-220 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural and civil rights history with excellent museums
- Vibrant and diverse food scene blending Southern and international cuisines
- Major transport hub with a world-class airport making travel easy
- Lots of parks, trails and nearby outdoor recreation within short drives
- Heavy traffic and dependence on cars in many neighborhoods
- Heat and humidity in summer can be uncomfortable for some visitors
- Urban sprawl means attractions are spread out and sometimes hard to cover without a car
- Certain neighborhoods have higher crime rates—need for awareness and planning
Places to Visit in Atlanta
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic vantage point for classic Atlanta skyline shots framed with industrial and bridge elements—best at sunrise or twilight.
Park paths, lakes and open lawns offer foreground variety with the Midtown skyline behind—excellent for golden hour images.
A constantly changing canvas of colorful street art and murals—great for vibrant, urban shots.
Panoramic views of the metro area from the granite outcrop—sunrise or late afternoon light is most flattering.
Historic cemetery with Victorian sculpture, ivy-covered tombstones and city views—moody and atmospheric photography.
A mix of murals, modern architecture and parkland—good for lifestyle and street photography.
Food in Atlanta
Atlanta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy, well‑seasoned Southern fried chicken served at soul food staples and upscale restaurants alike; try it at lunch counters and iconic spots like Mary Mac's or Busy Bee.
Must-Try!
Low‑and‑slow smoked pork and ribs with vinegar- or tomato‑based sauces depending on the pitmaster; Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q and local smokehouses are good bets.
Creamy stone-ground grits topped with seasoned shrimp—often found on brunch menus and contemporary Southern restaurants across the city.
Georgia peaches appear in cobblers and pies when in season; sweet tea is the ubiquitous local beverage.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Large food hall with dozens of stalls showcasing Southern comfort, international options, coffee, and craft cocktails; great for sampling many things in one place.
Smaller food hall with artisan vendors, seafood, and fast-casual options adjacent to the Krog Street Tunnel murals.
A corridor famous for ethnic restaurants — Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, Central Asian and more — offering authentic and affordable eats; great for adventurous foodies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People in Atlanta are generally friendly—use 'please' and 'thank you' and expect polite small talk in service interactions. 'Y'all' is a common, informal plural you.
Sites like the MLK National Historical Park are places of remembrance—behave respectfully, follow posted rules, and refrain from loud or disruptive behavior.
Respect personal space and wait your turn in lines; cutting is frowned upon even in busy settings.
Safety
Tipping in Atlanta
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% at restaurants (higher for excellent service), $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for bartenders, and 10–15% for taxi or rideshare drivers depending on service. Tip hotel bell staff and housekeepers a few dollars for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is useful for small vendors or tips but generally not required.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; bring lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen and a plan for indoor activities during storms. Expect outdoor events and festivals but be prepared for high temperatures and humidity.
Mild and pleasant with lower humidity and beautiful foliage in late October–November—ideal for outdoor exploring, hikes and city walking tours.
Usually mild compared to northern U.S. but cold snaps and occasional snow or ice can occur; most attractions remain open and hotel rates may be lower.
Comfortable temperatures and blooming gardens make it one of the best times to visit—pollen can be high for allergy sufferers, and spring rains are common.
Atlanta at Night
Hiking in Atlanta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic trails along the creek with historic mill ruins, about 20–30 minutes west of downtown—good for hiking, birding and photography.
Historic Civil War site with several hiking trails and panoramic views; about 25–35 minutes northwest of Atlanta.
Multiple access points for riverside trails, paddling and fishing—great for day trips and nature escapes within an hour of the city.
Unique granite outcrops, walking paths and historic sites east of the city with easy, moderate trails and interesting geology.
Several trail options up and around the mountain—popular for sunrise hikes and sweeping city views.
Airports
How to reach Atlanta by plane.
One of the world’s busiest airports and Atlanta’s primary international gateway—MARTA rail connects directly to downtown; many domestic and international flight options.
Regional airport north of the city serving general aviation and some corporate flights; closer to Buckhead and parts of northern Atlanta.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large and historically significant African American population with deep cultural, political and business influence in the city.
Concentrated in Midtown, Buckhead and newly redeveloped neighborhoods—young workforce drawn to tech, media, and startups.
Significant immigrant populations, especially along Buford Highway, contributing to diverse ethnic cuisines and businesses (Korean, Vietnamese, Latino, African, South Asian).
Large student populations from universities such as Georgia Tech, Emory, and Georgia State, creating lively academic and cultural scenes.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
NFL team with games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, drawing large local and visiting crowds during the fall season.
MLB team playing at Truist Park in the suburbs—baseball is a major local pastime in spring and summer.
MLS team with passionate supporters; matches bring lively atmospheres to the stadium.
NBA team playing in downtown arenas with strong local support during the season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Atlanta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially in neighborhoods like Midtown, East Atlanta and West Midtown—many restaurants offer plant-based Southern plates or easily adaptable dishes.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests; bakeries and dedicated gluten-free options are fewer but growing—always tell servers about severe allergies.
Halal restaurants and markets, especially along Buford Highway, are available; kosher options are more limited but present near larger Jewish communities.