A Day in Atlanta: How to Make the Most of 24 Hours in the City

Spending a day in Atlanta, Georgia can mean very different things depending on who you are. Maybe you live in the city and want to rediscover it, you’re visiting for the first time, or you’re here for work and only have one free day.

This guide walks through realistic, locally grounded ways to spend a day in Atlanta, with options for history lovers, families, food fans, and people who just want to relax and explore neighborhoods.

Quick Overview: Sample One-Day Atlanta Itineraries

Use this table as a fast-reference guide to shape your day, then read the sections below for details and local tips.

Starting Your Day: Breakfast and Morning Options

Classic Atlanta Morning in Midtown or Downtown

If you want to cover a lot in one day, start near Downtown or Midtown. It’s central, MARTA-accessible, and close to major attractions.

Good ways to start:

• Grab breakfast or coffee at a spot in Midtown or near Peachtree Street.
• If you’re staying near a MARTA rail station, consider leaving your car parked; Downtown and Midtown are very walkable for a single-day visit.

From here, you’re close to:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• SkyView Atlanta

Morning in the Parks: Piedmont Park & the BeltLine

If you live in Atlanta or want a more local feel, start your day outdoors:

• Piedmont Park (near 10th St NE & Monroe Dr NE)
  A major city park with walking trails, open fields, dog parks, and skyline views. You’ll see plenty of locals jogging, walking dogs, or setting up picnics.

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  A paved multi-use trail connecting Piedmont Park, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Krog Street Market. It’s ideal for:

  • Morning walks or bike rides
  • Stopping for coffee or breakfast from small vendors along the trail
  • People-watching and getting a genuine feel for in-town Atlanta life

Midday: Downtown Atlanta’s Top Attractions

If you only have one day, Downtown is where many visitors spend their core hours. Even locals often revisit these highlights when friends and family visit.

Georgia Aquarium

One of Atlanta’s biggest draws and a major reason many visitors spend time Downtown.

• Located near 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Known for large viewing windows, whale sharks, and interactive exhibits
• Good for families, couples, and solo travelers
• Plan 2–3 hours if you want to see most exhibits without rushing

Local tip: If you’re trying to fit several attractions in one day, arrive earlier in the morning or just after opening times to reduce crowds.

World of Coca-Cola

Near the aquarium, this museum focuses on the history and global reach of the Coca-Cola brand, which has deep Atlanta roots.

• Located near 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Mix of pop culture, advertising history, and tasting areas
• Typically takes 1–2 hours

Many people pair Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca-Cola in one stretch, with lunch nearby.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

A powerful, modern museum that connects Atlanta’s civil rights history with global human rights issues.

• Near 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Focuses on:
  • The American Civil Rights Movement
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy
  • Contemporary human rights struggles
• Plan 1.5–2 hours if you want time to reflect and read

If your interest is history, this stop fits well into a day that also includes Sweet Auburn and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Exploring Atlanta’s Civil Rights and Cultural History

Atlanta’s identity is closely tied to the Civil Rights Movement, higher education, and Black culture. If you want to understand Atlanta beyond its skyline, include at least one of these stops in your day.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Anchored in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, this site is managed by the National Park Service.

Key locations in the area include:

• Dr. King’s birth home (on Auburn Ave NE)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church (historic and modern sanctuaries)
• The King Center, including the reflecting pool and tombs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King
• Exhibits highlighting the movement, local activism, and Dr. King’s work

Allow 2–3 hours if you want to walk the grounds, visit the church, and spend time at exhibits.

The Sweet Auburn Neighborhood

Historically known for its role as a center of Black business and culture in Atlanta.

You can:

• Walk along Auburn Avenue
• See historic markers and storefronts
• Visit local spots that reflect the neighborhood’s heritage
  This area pairs well with lunch nearby and a deeper dive into the National Center for Civil and Human Rights later in the day.

Afternoon: Neighborhoods, Food, and the BeltLine

Once you’ve visited major sights, spend your afternoon in Atlanta’s in-town neighborhoods, which many locals see as the heart of the city.

Ponce City Market and the Eastside BeltLine

Ponce City Market is a redeveloped historic building along the BeltLine, known for:

• A large food hall with many cuisines
• Small shops and local vendors
• Easy access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail

Afternoon options here:

• Walk or bike the BeltLine south toward Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park
• Stop at parks, murals, and small patios along the way
• Browse shops inside Ponce City Market

If you’re visiting with family, check whether the rooftop area (often with games and views) is open and suitable for your group.

Krog Street Market and Inman Park

Farther down the BeltLine, you’ll find:

• Krog Street Market: Another food and retail hall in a historic building, with a more compact, cozy feel.
• Inman Park: A neighborhood with tree-lined streets and restored older homes; nice for a short stroll if you want a quieter break.

Nearby, Krog Street Tunnel is known for its rotating street art and graffiti, giving a very different visual side of Atlanta culture.

Family-Friendly Ideas for a Day in Atlanta

If you’re planning a day that works well for kids, you can focus your route around a few key attractions.

Zoo Atlanta and Grant Park

Zoo Atlanta is located in historic Grant Park, southeast of Downtown.

• Address: around 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Known for:
  • A wide range of animals
  • Kid-friendly layouts and play areas
• The surrounding neighborhood has shaded streets and a large park to explore.

Families often:

• Spend the morning at Zoo Atlanta
• Have lunch in Grant Park or nearby neighborhoods
• Head to Downtown in the afternoon for:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • Children’s Museum of Atlanta (near 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
  • SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Especially helpful for younger kids:

• Interactive, hands-on exhibits
• Located near Centennial Olympic Park
• Works well as a half-day or 2–3 hour visit combined with short walks in the park and nearby attractions.

A Local’s “Day Off” in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta and want ideas for a refreshing day without leaving the city, you can build a relaxed schedule around neighborhoods instead of big attractions.

Possible flow:

1. Morning
   • Walk or jog in Piedmont Park or along the BeltLine
   • Coffee and light breakfast from a nearby neighborhood spot
2. Midday
   • Explore Midtown’s arts district (High Museum of Art area) or smaller galleries
   • Or take MARTA to Downtown for a museum you haven’t visited recently
3. Afternoon
   • Head to Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or West Midtown to browse local shops and grab a late lunch
   • Use the BeltLine or local parks for more walking time
4. Evening
   • See a show at the Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) if something is scheduled
   • Or catch live music or a local performance in one of the in-town neighborhoods

This kind of day emphasizes what many Atlantans value: walkable pockets of the city, good food, and cultural experiences, rather than rushing through every major attraction.

Getting Around Atlanta in One Day

Using MARTA

For a single day, MARTA rail and buses can be convenient, especially if you’re staying near a station.

Key stations close to major spots:

• Peachtree Center (Downtown hotels, offices, and a short walk to many destinations)
• Five Points (connection point; walkable to parts of Downtown)
• Civic Center and North Avenue (access to Midtown and some attractions)
• Arts Center (Midtown cultural district)

MARTA Headquarters:
2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer information is available by phone (you can look up the most current number before visiting).

Driving and Parking

Driving is common in Atlanta, but for a single, concentrated day, you may want to:

• Park once in Downtown or Midtown and walk between attractions
• Use parking garages near Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree Street, or Midtown office areas
• Consider rideshare if you plan to move between widely separated neighborhoods (for example, from Grant Park to Buckhead)

Traffic can be heavy at morning and evening rush hours, especially on interstates like I‑75/I‑85 and I‑285, so plan transitions between parts of the city outside of those windows when possible.

Evening in Atlanta: Views, Food, and Entertainment

How you end your day depends on your interests and energy level.

Relaxed Evening in the City Center

For an easy, central evening:

• Walk around Centennial Olympic Park as the sun goes down.
• Ride SkyView Atlanta, the large Ferris wheel across from the park, for city views.
• Have dinner nearby in Downtown or Midtown, choosing from casual spots to more formal dining.

This is convenient if you’re staying at a Downtown hotel or need to be near the Georgia World Congress Center or State Farm Arena.

Neighborhood Evenings

If you want a more local feel:

• Virginia-Highland: Walkable streets, restaurants, and small shops.
• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward: Mix of historic homes, new developments, the BeltLine, and food options.
• West Midtown: Converted industrial spaces with dining, entertainment, and a more modern feel.

These areas are popular with residents who want a night out without leaving city limits.

The Fox Theatre and Live Performances

The Fox Theatre in Midtown is a landmark venue for:

• Touring Broadway shows
• Concerts
• Special events

If a performance aligns with your visit, it can be a memorable way to end your day and gives you a chance to see one of Atlanta’s most famous buildings from the inside.

Practical Tips for Spending a Day in Atlanta

A few simple guidelines can make your time smoother:

• Plan around clusters:
  Group your activities by area (for example, Downtown in one block of time, then BeltLine neighborhoods later) to avoid unnecessary travel.
• Check hours and ticketing:
  Many attractions have set hours and may require or recommend timed tickets, especially on busy weekends or holidays.
• Hydrate and dress for the weather:
  Atlanta can be hot and humid in warmer months and occasionally chilly in winter. Comfortable walking shoes are important if you’re using the BeltLine, parks, and Downtown areas.
• Build in downtime:
  With so many museums, parks, and food halls, it’s easy to overschedule. Leave gaps in your day for unplanned discoveries or just sitting in a park.

Spending a day in Atlanta is less about checking off every landmark and more about choosing a few areas that fit your interests—whether that’s civil rights history, aquarium visits, or neighborhood exploring—and giving yourself enough time to actually enjoy them.