Downtown Atlanta packs a lot into a compact area: major attractions, historic sites, sports, nightlife, and some of the city’s best skyline views. Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re here for a quick visit, you can fill a day (or a weekend) without ever leaving downtown.
Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to the best things to do in Downtown Atlanta, organized so you can mix and match based on your time, energy, and budget.
At the center of Downtown’s tourist district is Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313), a large green space built for the 1996 Olympic Games.
What to do here:
Within a short walk from Centennial Olympic Park, you’ll find:
These three attractions, plus the park, are often grouped into a half-day or full-day “Centennial Park area” visit.
Just east of the main Downtown core, you can explore Atlanta’s civil rights legacy in and around Sweet Auburn:
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Main visitor area: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Within walking distance of each other you can visit:
Auburn Avenue – Once known as the “richest Negro street in the world,” Auburn Avenue still features historic buildings, murals, and local businesses.
This area is technically just east of the core “Downtown” streets, but it’s commonly included on Downtown itineraries because it’s walkable or a short streetcar ride away.
Located right by Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame is part museum, part interactive playground. Fans can:
It’s popular before and after big games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
You can also walk around the city’s civic backbone:
Georgia State Capitol
206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
Notable for its gold dome, the Capitol often offers weekday tours where you can:
Nearby streets also include state offices, courthouses, and public plazas that show the more “everyday” side of Downtown.
Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), Mercedes‑Benz Stadium hosts everything from pro football and soccer to major concerts and college games.
Things to do:
Home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and a major concert venue:
Because State Farm Arena is connected to the CNN Center area and close to MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/College Football Hall of Fame Station, it’s easy to pair with other Downtown stops.
The Georgia World Congress Center sits right between Centennial Olympic Park and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. If you’re in town for a convention, you can still easily explore the park, Aquarium, and downtown restaurants between sessions.
Just north of the Five Points MARTA station, the Fairlie‑Poplar area shows off early 20th‑century architecture, narrow streets, and a different feel from the modern towers.
Look for:
This is a good area for a quieter stroll that still feels very “Downtown Atlanta.”
Underground Atlanta is a historic multi-level district at the southern edge of Downtown. It has gone through multiple phases; in recent years, it’s been reimagined as a space for:
Because programming changes over time, it’s worth checking what’s currently active before you go, but the area remains a long-standing landmark in the Downtown landscape.
Centennial Olympic Park isn’t just a pass-through space; it’s one of the most versatile things to do in Downtown Atlanta:
On game days or during big conventions, the park often fills with fans and visitors, giving it a festival-like atmosphere.
Closer to Georgia State University and the Five Points hub, Woodruff Park offers:
It’s a good midway stop if you’re walking between Peachtree Center, Fairlie‑Poplar, and Sweet Auburn.
Downtown’s food scene ranges from quick, affordable bites to full-service restaurants suited for pre-game or pre-show meals.
Peachtree Center, connected by skybridges and underground passages, has:
Just beyond Peachtree Center, you’ll find:
Without focusing on specific brands, expect to find:
If you’re attending an event, plan to eat:
While many of Atlanta’s largest theaters are in Midtown, Downtown has its own performance options:
Check schedules in advance if you want to add a performance to your Downtown day.
Nightlife in Downtown often clusters around:
You’ll find:
If you’re more interested in low-key nights:
| Interest Type | Top Downtown Options | Time Needed (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| First-time sightseeing | Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Park | Half to full day |
| History & civil rights | MLK Jr. National Historical Park, Civil & Human Rights Center | Half day |
| Sports & big events | Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, College Football Hall of Fame | 2–6 hours (event-dependent) |
| Strolling & people-watching | Centennial Olympic Park, Woodruff Park, Fairlie‑Poplar | 1–3 hours |
| Family-friendly outing | Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, College Football Hall of Fame | Full day |
| Night out | Game or concert + bars near arenas, Underground Atlanta | Evening to late night |
Downtown is one of the easiest areas in Atlanta to navigate without a car.
MARTA Rail
Atlanta Streetcar
Downtown is walkable, but it’s still a busy urban core.
Practical tips:
If you’re driving:
If you’re visiting Downtown Atlanta with kids:
You don’t have to spend heavily to enjoy Downtown Atlanta. Some worthwhile low-cost options include:
Here’s a simple example of how you might plan a single day focusing on things to do in Downtown Atlanta:
Morning
Midday
Afternoon
Evening
With this kind of schedule, you can see why many residents and visitors treat Downtown as the “greatest hits” section of Atlanta—full of big attractions, history, and energy all within a few blocks.
