A Local’s Ultimate List for Exploring Atlanta

When someone searches for “a list Atlanta,” they’re usually looking for a clear, organized overview of what Atlanta has to offer — neighborhoods, attractions, essentials, and local services. This guide brings together practical lists that help whether you live in Atlanta, are moving here, or are visiting for a few days.

Key Things to Know About Atlanta at a Glance

Atlanta, Georgia is a major Southern city known for its history, culture, traffic, and trees. Before diving into the detailed lists, here’s a quick reference:

A List of Atlanta’s Major Neighborhoods & Areas

Atlanta is a city of distinct neighborhoods. This list focuses on areas most residents and visitors commonly navigate.

Intown & Central Neighborhoods

These are close to Downtown and Midtown and are popular with both residents and visitors:

• Downtown Atlanta – Government buildings, State Capitol, major hotels, sports arenas, Centennial Olympic Park.
• Midtown – Arts district, high-rises, nightlife, Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre.
• Old Fourth Ward (O4W) – Historic area with the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and access to the Eastside BeltLine.
• Inman Park – Charming historic homes, walkable, lots of restaurants, BeltLine access.
• Virginia-Highland (VaHi) – Bungalows, bars, shops, and a neighborhood feel close to Midtown.
• Poncey-Highland – Adjacent to Ponce City Market and the BeltLine; mix of apartments and single-family homes.
• West Midtown / Westside – Former industrial area turned into a hub for dining, lofts, and design shops.
• Castleberry Hill – Historic warehouse district just southwest of Downtown, known for lofts and art galleries.
• Cabbagetown & Reynoldstown – Artsy neighborhoods near the BeltLine, with colorful houses and street art.

Popular Residential & Family-Friendly Areas

These are often considered by people moving to or around Atlanta:

• Buckhead – Upscale shopping, office towers, and residential pockets; considered a major business and retail hub.
• Brookhaven (just north of city limits) – Popular with families, mix of single-family homes and townhomes.
• Morningside-Lenox Park – Quiet, residential, close to Midtown.
• Grant Park – Historic homes, close to Zoo Atlanta and the park itself.
• Kirkwood – Intown, community-oriented, with a village-style main street.
• East Atlanta Village (EAV) – Lively nightlife, music, and independent shops.
• West End – Historic neighborhood, Atlanta University Center nearby, connected to the BeltLine Westside Trail.
• College Park / East Point – Just south of the city, near the airport, with older neighborhoods and growing development.

A List of Top Things to Do in Atlanta

If you’re visiting or showing guests around, these frequently recommended attractions are a good starting point.

Major Attractions & Landmarks

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, located in Downtown near Centennial Olympic Park.
• World of Coca-Cola – Interactive exhibits on the Coca-Cola brand, also near Centennial Olympic Park.
• College Football Hall of Fame – Popular with sports fans, located Downtown.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Museum focused on the civil rights movement and global human rights.
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Includes MLK’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and The King Center in Old Fourth Ward.
• Atlanta History Center (Buckhead) – Exhibits on Atlanta’s history, plus the historic Swan House and gardens.
• Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park) – Well-known regional zoo with a variety of animal exhibits.

Outdoor & Green Spaces

• Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s “central park,” near Midtown, used for festivals, running, dog-walking, and sports.
• Atlanta BeltLine – A growing network of trails and parks circling the city; Eastside and Westside Trails are most used.
• Centennial Olympic Park – Downtown greenspace built for the 1996 Olympics.
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (north of the city) – Trails and river access for tubing, kayaking, and walking.

Arts, Entertainment & Culture

• Fox Theatre (Midtown) – Historic theater hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts, and events.
• High Museum of Art (Midtown) – Major regional art museum.
• Alliance Theatre – Professional theatre company at the Woodruff Arts Center.
• Tabernacle, Variety Playhouse, Masquerade – Well-known music venues across the city.
• State Farm Arena & Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Large venues for sports and concerts.

A List of Atlanta Sports, Teams & Venues

Sports are a big part of Atlanta life, with several major teams:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – Play at State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303.
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Play at Truist Park, 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Cumberland area).
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Also play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• College sports – Georgia Tech (Midtown), Georgia State University (Downtown) host various NCAA events and games.

A List of Key Government & Public Service Offices in Atlanta

For residents and those relocating, knowing where to handle official business is important.

City of Atlanta Government

• Atlanta City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Handles: City ordinances, permits, city council meetings, and general city administration.

County Government (Mostly Fulton County)

• Fulton County Government Center
  141 Pryor St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Handles: Property records, taxes, county courts, and various county services.

Georgia State Government in Downtown Atlanta

• Georgia State Capitol
  206 Washington St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30334
  Houses: Governor’s office, state legislature, and public tours.

• Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) – Nearby Centers
  While not all inside city limits, nearby locations often used by Atlanta residents include:

  • Atlanta Customer Service Center – 400 Whitehall St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
    Services: Driver’s licenses, ID cards, and testing (check current availability before visiting).

A List of Atlanta Transportation Options

Getting around Atlanta can feel overwhelming without a basic overview.

Public Transit: MARTA

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) runs buses and trains:

• Rail Lines – Red, Gold, Blue, and Green lines connect:
  • Airport (ATL) to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and North Springs/Doraville.
  • East/West along I-20 corridor through Inman Park, Edgewood/Candler Park, Decatur (outside city).
• Bus Routes – Cover more neighborhoods and connections between rail stations and residential areas.

Main office (administrative):

• MARTA Headquarters
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324

Airport

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

Key notes:

• Direct MARTA rail access from the Airport Station.
• One of the world’s busiest airports, with extensive domestic and international flights.

Highways & Driving

Atlanta is intersected by several major interstates:

• I-75 / I-85 (Downtown Connector) – Runs north–south through the city center.
• I-20 – Runs east–west across the city.
• I-285 – Perimeter highway circling metro Atlanta.

Residents commonly talk about traffic on these routes, especially during rush hours morning and evening.

A List of Essential Services for Atlanta Residents

These basics help new residents and long-term Atlantans manage daily life.

Utilities & City Services (City of Atlanta)

Most city of Atlanta residents interact with:

• City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
  72 Marietta St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Handles: Water and sewer service accounts, billing, and maintenance.

• Solid Waste Services
  Overseen by the City of Atlanta Department of Public Works
  Handles: Garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings pickup schedules (vary by neighborhood).

Public Safety (Non-Emergency)

For emergencies, residents dial 911. For non-emergencies:

• Atlanta Police Department – Non-Emergency Line
  Commonly used for reporting non-urgent incidents or seeking information.
• Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Headquarters
  226 Peachtree St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

Check current non-emergency numbers or precinct contacts before calling.

A List of Major Hospitals & Medical Centers in Atlanta

For general informational purposes, these are well-known hospital systems serving the Atlanta area:

• Grady Memorial Hospital
  80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Large public hospital and Level I trauma center serving downtown and beyond.

• Emory University Hospital Midtown
  550 Peachtree St NE
  Atlanta, GA 30308
  Major teaching hospital near Midtown.

• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
  1968 Peachtree Rd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309
  Large hospital serving Buckhead/Midtown area.

• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) – Multiple campuses, including:

  • Egleston (near Emory University) – pediatric specialty care.

For medical issues, individuals typically choose a provider or facility based on insurance, location, and type of care needed.

A List of Atlanta Colleges & Universities

Atlanta is a regional education hub, with several well-established institutions:

• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) – Midtown Atlanta
• Georgia State University (GSU) – Downtown Atlanta and additional campuses
• Emory University – Just outside city limits in Druid Hills, but closely tied to Atlanta
• Morehouse College – Part of the Atlanta University Center (West End)
• Spelman College – Also in the Atlanta University Center
• Clark Atlanta University – Another key AUC institution
• Atlanta Metropolitan State College – South of Downtown

These schools contribute significantly to Atlanta’s student population, research environment, and cultural life.

A List of Popular Shopping & Dining Areas in Atlanta

Atlanta has many pockets of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Some of the best-known areas include:

• Buckhead Village & Lenox/PHIPPS area – Upscale malls and dining.
• Ponce City Market – Food hall, retail, offices, and BeltLine access, in the Old Fourth Ward/Poncey-Highland area.
• Atlantic Station – Mixed-use district with shops, restaurants, and residential buildings, just west of Midtown.
• Little Five Points (L5P) – Alternative shops, vintage stores, music venues, and casual dining.
• Westside Provisions District – Trendy restaurants and boutiques in West Midtown.
• Edgewood Avenue – Known for nightlife and bars, especially around the Edgewood/Inman Park area.

A List of Annual Events & Festivals in Atlanta

Specific dates change each year, but certain events are regularly recognized in or near Atlanta:

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival – Usually in spring at Piedmont Park.
• Atlanta Jazz Festival – Typically held over Memorial Day weekend in Piedmont Park.
• Music Midtown – Major music festival in Midtown (timing and status can vary year to year).
• Peachtree Road Race – Large 10K race usually held on July 4 along Peachtree Road.
• Dragon Con – Multi-genre convention held in Downtown hotels around Labor Day weekend.
• Atlanta Pride Festival – Generally takes place in October, centered around Piedmont Park and Midtown.

A List of Helpful Contacts & Next-Step Resources (Atlanta-Focused)

If you’re trying to live, work, or get things done in Atlanta, these core points of contact often come up:

• City of Atlanta General Information
  City Hall – 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

• MARTA Customer Service
  For bus/rail schedules, fares, and route planning for moving around Atlanta.

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Information
  Visitor information centers are typically located in Downtown near Centennial Olympic Park and at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, offering maps and local guidance.

• Fulton County Information
  Fulton County Government Center – 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Using this organized list of Atlanta essentials—from neighborhoods and attractions to government offices and transit—makes it easier to navigate the city, plan a visit, or settle in as a new resident.