Atlanta blends Southern charm, modern skylines, and deep history into one busy, visitor-friendly city. Whether you live here and want to play tourist for a weekend, or you’re planning a trip and want the must-see Atlanta attractions, this guide walks you through the most popular, touristy things to do in and around the city.
These are the big, well-known spots people usually mean when they say “touristy things to do in Atlanta.” They’re popular for a reason.
Located in downtown’s Pemberton Place, the Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s biggest draws.
Why go:
Good to know:
Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000
Right next door to the aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola showcases the story of Atlanta’s most famous beverage brand.
Highlights:
This is a classic stop for out-of-towners and an easy “tourist in your own city” activity.
Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 676-5151
Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park sits across from both the aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
What to do:
It’s also a convenient central point to access many other downtown tourist attractions on foot.
Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 223-4412
In historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a family-friendly favorite with well-known animal habitats.
Why it’s popular:
Arrive early for better parking and cooler temperatures, especially in warmer months.
Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: (404) 624-9453
Atlanta’s role in U.S. history makes it especially interesting if you want meaningful, educational sightseeing.
This national historical park in the Sweet Auburn district is one of Atlanta’s most significant sites.
Key stops within the area:
Plan to spend at least a few hours if you want to walk through multiple buildings and the neighborhood.
Visitor Center: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
General Info Phone (National Park Service): (404) 331-5190
Near Centennial Olympic Park, this museum connects Atlanta’s civil rights legacy with global human rights issues.
Expect:
Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (678) 999-8990
In Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center combines indoor museum galleries with beautiful historic grounds.
On-site highlights:
This is a good choice if you enjoy history, architecture, and quieter tourist attractions.
Address: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 814-4000
Atlanta’s film and TV industry has exploded, and many visitors want to see production-related sites.
Public access to active studios changes over time, but several options and areas are frequently of interest:
When considering guided tours, look for companies that specialize in Atlanta film locations. Check current schedules and departure points, which are often located near central tourist districts like downtown or Midtown.
Atlanta’s green spaces give you a break from museums and crowds while still feeling touristy and central.
Often considered Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park sits near Midtown and the BeltLine.
Popular activities:
Parking is available in nearby decks, and the park is also accessible by MARTA bus and Midtown rail stations.
Visitor Center (near 12th Street Gate): 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Piedmont Park Conservancy Phone: (404) 875-7275
The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of trails built on former railroad corridors circling the city. The Eastside Trail is the most touristy section.
Along the Eastside Trail you’ll find:
This is ideal for walking, biking, or scooters. Weekends can be very busy, so early morning or weekdays may feel more comfortable.
About a half-hour east of the city (traffic permitting), Stone Mountain Park is a large recreational area anchored by a massive granite mountain.
What many tourists do:
Note that the mountain carving and some elements of the park have historical and cultural controversy, which some visitors like to understand before going.
Park Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Park Information: (800) 401-2407
Exploring specific Atlanta neighborhoods is one of the best ways to feel the city’s character beyond individual attractions.
Why tourists go:
High Museum of Art
Art museum with rotating exhibits, architecture, and a sizable permanent collection.
Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 733-4400
Downtown is where many first-time visitors stay because so many big attractions are clustered here.
Touristy things to see or do:
This area is well served by MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center and Peachtree Center stations.
Along the BeltLine Eastside Trail, Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park blend history, dining, and walkable streets.
Old Fourth Ward:
Inman Park:
Both neighborhoods make great half-day explorations when combined with BeltLine walking or biking.
Buckhead is known as a more upscale district with high-rise towers and shopping areas.
Touristy options include:
Buckhead is easily reached via MARTA’s Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center stations.
If you want classic “night out in the city” experiences, Atlanta has a busy calendar.
The Fox Theatre in Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable historic venues.
Why it’s a tourist favorite:
Address: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Box Office Phone: (855) 285-8499
Major concerts and performances are often held at:
These venues also host professional sports, which many visitors add to their tourist itineraries.
Depending on the season, you can catch games from:
Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta, north of the city in Cobb County, create a lively, tourist-friendly entertainment district around Braves games.
Truist Park Address: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Braves Info Phone: (404) 577-9100
Atlanta has many attractions that work especially well for families.
Near Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers hands-on exhibits aimed at younger kids.
Expect:
Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 659-5437
The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame is close to the aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
Good for:
Address: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 880-4800
To make planning easier, here are simple, tourist-heavy ways to structure your time.
Morning:
Midday:
Afternoon:
Evening:
Day 1 – Downtown & Civil Rights:
Day 2 – Parks, Neighborhoods, and Views:
| Attraction | Area | Best For | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Aquarium | Downtown | Families, all ages | 2–4 hours |
| World of Coca-Cola | Downtown | First-time visitors, soda fans | 1.5–3 hrs |
| Centennial Olympic Park | Downtown | Photos, relaxing, events | 1–2 hours |
| National Center for Civil & Human Rights | Downtown | History, culture, reflection | 2–3 hours |
| MLK Jr. National Historical Park | Old Fourth Ward | Civil rights history | 2–4 hours |
| Atlanta History Center | Buckhead | History, gardens, Swan House | 2–4 hours |
| Zoo Atlanta | Grant Park | Families, animal lovers | 2–4 hours |
| Piedmont Park | Midtown | Walking, skyline views, picnics | 1–3 hours |
| Stone Mountain Park | Outside city | Hiking, views, family outing | Half–full day |
Exploring these touristy things to do in Atlanta will give you a solid feel for the city—its history, culture, neighborhoods, and signature attractions—whether you’re here for a day, a week, or you call Atlanta home and want to see it with fresh eyes.
