Guide to Atlanta
Visit Georgia's capital city for an endless array of entertainment and activity. Here are a few quick tips for things to do, places to stay, great restaurants and events you'll love.
The capital of Georgia and one of the most influential cities in the Southern United States, Atlanta is a destination like no other. In fact, National Geographic selected Atlanta as one of the top destinations to visit in the National Geographic Best of the World 2022 list, and Lonely Planet included it in the Best in Travel list for 2022, the only U.S. city on the list.
There are so many reasons why Atlanta is the place to visit. Its collection of world-famous attractions, historic sites, diverse neighborhoods, award-winning restaurants and unique events make it an exciting place to visit any time of year. It has been a hub for the arts over the years, home to notable authors like Margaret Mitchell and Joel Chandler Harris, and musicians from OutKast to The Black Crowes. Today, it’s a melting pot for dozens of cultures.
Things to Do
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Start your visit with a trip to the most important landmark, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which includes the civil rights leader’s childhood home, his church and final resting place.
Centennial Olympic Park attractions
From there, go to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Centennial Olympic Park, which interprets both the civil rights movement and modern human rights struggles for immigrants, women and the LGBTQ+ community. Within the same area is the Georgia Aquarium, one of the world’s largest and home to regional species as well as whale sharks, beluga whales, and river otters. The World of Coca-Cola details the company’s rise from pharmacy concoction to international beverage brand. The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame captures the passion, pageantry and traditions of college football with interactive exhibits personalized to each fan.
Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center in Buckhead offers a fascinating look at the city's history through exhibits that include pieces from the 1996 Summer Olympics, memorabilia from golf legend Bobby Jones, relics from the Civil War and a multi-media experience interpreting The Battle of Atlanta cyclorama painting. Tour the historic home known as the Swan House, familiar to fans of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" as President Snow's mansion, and the Smith Farm, Atlanta's oldest surviving farmhouse built in the 1840s.
Piedmont Park
Spend a few hours exploring the beauty of Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s largest green space with more than 200 acres. It has walking trails, a dog park, sports fields, a swimming pool and Lake Clara Meer.
High Museum of Art
View works of art from all eras at the High Museum of Art, one of the region’s best art museums. With more than 11,000 pieces in its permanent collection, visitors can see 19th and 20th century American works, African art, European paintings, decorative arts, photography and contemporary works.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Learn about Georgia’s president at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The exhibits detail Carter’s rise from a peanut farmer in Plains, Georgia, to leader of the free world. See the Oval Office replica, Carter’s Nobel Peace Prize and other items related to his life.
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Places to Stay
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
The Atlanta Marriott Marquis has long been a part of the Atlanta skyline, the John Portman-designed property has a unique shape. The hotel has more than 1,600 rooms just steps away from the city’s top attractions.
Hotel Clermont
Originally built in 1924, Hotel Clermont was a defunct property for many years before reopening as a stylish boutique property. It has a rooftop bar, French restaurant, and a casual cafe.
The American Hotel
Another historic spot is The American Hotel, which was built in the 1960s downtown as a desegregated hotel where guests like Elvis Presley, Martin Luther King Jr., and James Brown stayed over the years. Stylish rooms have a mid-century style, and the hotel has a bar and restaurant.
The Highland Inn
A longtime neighborhood favorite, The Highland Inn in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood is a historic 80-room European-style inn. Built in 1927, it’s surrounded by shops, restaurants, art galleries and bars.
Kimpton Overland Hotel
At the Kimpton Overland Hotel, rooms have a view of runways at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and driveways at the Porsche Experience Center. The hotel’s decor is inspired by the luxury vehicle company that has its North American headquarters next door.
Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center
Set in the building with the worldwide news leader’s headquarters, the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center is in the heart of it all for downtown museums and sporting events. It’s also the city’s only four-diamond convention hotel with more than 1,000 renovated rooms.
The Whitley
Formerly the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, The Whitley is one of the city’s most luxurious accommodations. The 500 rooms and suites have views of the skyline as well as flat-screen televisions and feather beds. Indulge in a treatment at the in-house spa.
Artmore Hotel
The 1924 Spanish Mediterranean-inspired Artmore Hotel is the perfect spot for a stay in Midtown with a cocktail bar and garden, affordable rates, and rooms that feel like home.
Glenn Hotel
The Glenn Hotel transformed a historic post office building into a boutique hotel with vintage decor, artwork and comfortable rooms. The hotel also has a restaurant, fitness center and rooftop lounge.
The Inn at Serenbe
Located south of the airport in Peachtree Hills, The Inn at Serenbe is a rustic respite away from the city noise. The 900-acre property has hiking trails, two pools and endless opportunities to connect with the great outdoors.
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Places to Eat
Paschal's Restaurant
Equal parts neighborhood favorite and historic landmark, Paschal's Restaurant in Castleberry Hill has hosted civil rights leaders, musicians, actors and politicians, their pictures still covering the walls. Don’t miss their fried chicken, some of the best in town.
Mary Mac's Tea Room
Another soul food favorite is Mary Mac's Tea Room, which has served hungry diners for over 70 years and officially named “Atlanta’s Dining Room.” Enjoy Southern dishes like fried green tomatoes, Brunswick stew, and fried chicken.
The Varsity
Known as the World’s Largest Drive In, The Varsity first served local college students before sporting events. They still appeal to sports fans, along with politicians and celebrities for its carhop service and items like chili slaw dogs and the Varsity Orange.
Antico Pizza Napoletana
For a taste of authentic Italian-style pizza, there's nowhere better than Antico Pizza Napoletana on the Westside. The restaurant uses San Marzano tomatoes and bufala mozzarella. The San Gennaro and Diavola are favorite pies.
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Known for its brisket and ribs, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is inspired by the meat-heavy dishes of Texas, including sides and appetizers like Frito pie, chili mac, and "Fox-a-roni." Save room for dessert of homemade banana pudding.
The Municipal Market
The historic Municipal Market opened in 1924 as a fresh food market, which it still is. But the building also has food hall-style outposts including Venezuelan arepas, New Orleans-style pralines, British pies, and everything in between.
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Located atop the Hyatt Regency Atlanta hotel, Polaris was a hotspot in the 1970s, but closed for decades before reopening in the blue dome that resembles a spaceship. Menu items are locally focused, and their drinks include throwbacks to their early days, like the peach daiquiri.
Staplehouse
Named Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurant in 2016, Staplehouse is unique in that it benefits The Giving Kitchen, an organization that helps struggling food and beverage industry workers, inspired after the loss of Ryan Hidinger.
Ponce City Market
After the cult following that the burgers gained at Holeman and Finch Public House, H + F Burger opened at Ponce City Market’s food hall to provide the previously late night and brunch item all the time.
Buford Highway
Made up of dozens of restaurants that represent the cuisines of every corner of the globe, the Buford Highway area of Chamblee is where to go for authentic global fare.
Check out these famous, tried-and-true dining experiences in Atlanta
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Events
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Every spring since 1936, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival has brought together artists and vendors to set up in Piedmont Park, the city’s most beloved green space. The free event also includes live music and family-friendly programming.
Atlanta Food and Wine Festival
Chefs from the South and beyond come to the city for Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, a weekend of demonstrations, tastings, and special events.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a long-running tradition in the African American community, honoring the date slavery was abolished with live music and a parade.
Peachtree Road Race
The largest 10K race in the country, Peachtree Road Race, winds from Buckhead to Midtown every July 4 with locals coming out to help runners celebrate.
Dragon Con
Fans of television, film, video games, comics, and everything in between flock to Dragon Con for a cosplay parade, celebrity panels and fan-led discussions.
Music Midtown
Music fans can’t miss Music Midtown, which brings big-name bands and acts to Piedmont Park for three days of festivities.
Atlanta Pride
The LGBTQ+ community comes together every fall for Atlanta Pride, which includes educational seminars and a parade through the city.
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
The state’s largest film festival, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, has film screenings and talks about movies connected to the community.
