Is Underground Atlanta Still Open? Here’s What to Know in 2025

If you’re wondering “Is Underground Atlanta still open?”, the short answer is: yes, Underground Atlanta is open, but it’s very different from the old enclosed mall many longtime Atlantans remember.

Today, Underground Atlanta is an open, evolving mixed-use district with events, nightlife, art spaces, and a handful of shops and eateries. It’s in an active redevelopment phase, so what you’ll find can change over time.

Where Underground Atlanta Is and What It Is Today

Location:
Underground Atlanta is in Downtown Atlanta, centered around:
50 Upper Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

It sits just south of Five Points, near:

  • MARTA Five Points Station
  • Peachtree Street
  • The Fulton County Government Center

What “Open” Means for Underground Atlanta Now

When people ask if Underground Atlanta is still open, they usually mean:

  • Is the property itself accessible?
  • Can I walk around, shop, eat, or go out at night?
  • Are there still events or attractions?

As of now:

  • The streets and plaza areas are open to the public.
  • There are active venues, bars, event spaces, and businesses operating.
  • The area is not a fully leased traditional mall; some spaces are active, and others are under renovation or waiting for new tenants.

If you haven’t been in a few years, expect a transition zone: part historic landmark, part construction zone, part nightlife and event district.

What You Can Do at Underground Atlanta Right Now

What’s available can shift, but visitors typically find:

1. Events and Nightlife

Underground Atlanta has been repositioning itself as a cultural and entertainment hub, so you’re more likely to go there for:

  • Concerts and live music
  • Art shows and markets
  • Nightlife and bar events
  • Pop-up experiences and festivals

Many Atlantans now think of Underground less as a daytime mall and more as a destination for specific events, especially in the evenings or on weekends.

2. Dining and Drinks

There are usually a small but changing mix of restaurants, bars, and food options. These can include:

  • Casual spots for quick bites
  • Bars and lounges
  • Food stands linked to events or markets

📌 Because tenants change, it’s wise to check the latest business listings or Underground’s own communications before planning a meal there as your main destination.

3. Art, Culture, and Community Uses

You may find:

  • Art installations and murals in and around the property
  • Creative studios or galleries using former retail spaces
  • Community-centered events, such as local vendor markets or cultural festivals

The emphasis has been shifting toward local creators, artists, and small businesses rather than national retail chains.

What’s NOT at Underground Atlanta Anymore

If you remember Underground Atlanta from earlier decades, it’s important to know what has changed.

You will not find:

  • A fully functioning indoor shopping mall with lots of chain stores
  • The same tourist-heavy, novelty-shop atmosphere it had in the 1990s and early 2000s
  • A large concentration of national retail brands

Many longtime retailers, souvenir stores, and older attractions are gone. The focus now is on redevelopment and reimagining the space for a new mix of uses.

Typical Hours and What to Expect

Because different businesses and venues set their own hours, there is no single “Underground Atlanta” closing time anymore.

General patterns:

  • Public outdoor areas: Often accessible much of the day, subject to security and event schedules.
  • Bars, clubs, and music venues: Commonly open in the late afternoon and evening, especially Thursday–Sunday.
  • Events: Hours vary; some are daytime festivals, others are nighttime events.

For the most accurate picture, it’s smart to:

  • Look up specific venues or bars at Underground Atlanta
  • Check event calendars for concerts, markets, and festivals taking place onsite

How to Get to Underground Atlanta

By MARTA

For many people in Atlanta, MARTA is the easiest way:

  • Take any rail line that connects to Five Points Station.
  • Once you exit at Five Points, follow signs toward Alabama Street / Underground Atlanta. It’s just a short walk.

This option lets you avoid downtown parking costs and traffic around major events.

By Car

If you’re driving:

  • Navigate to: 50 Upper Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Look for nearby parking decks and surface lots around Underground, Peachtree Street, and Central Avenue.

Parking availability and prices can change based on:

  • Time of day
  • Weekdays vs. weekends
  • Special events or game days near Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena

Is Underground Atlanta Safe to Visit?

Underground Atlanta is in a busy urban area of Downtown Atlanta, so it sees a mix of workers, tourists, residents, and event-goers.

Experiences vary, but many locals approach it like any major downtown district:

  • Stay in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, as you would near any central transit hub.
  • Use trusted parking options, and secure valuables out of sight in your vehicle.
  • If using MARTA, stay alert on platforms and follow MARTA Police guidance.

Security and policing levels can vary depending on events and time of day. Many visitors find it most comfortable to go with a group, particularly for nightlife or large events.

Underground Atlanta vs. Other Atlanta Destinations

Some people ask if Underground Atlanta is “worth it” or if they should focus on other parts of the city instead.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide based on what you’re looking for:

If You Want…Underground Atlanta TodayOther Atlanta Spots to Consider
Big-name shoppingLimited; not a major retail centerLenox Square, Ponce City Market, Atlantic Station
Nightlife & musicSelect clubs, bars, event venuesEdgewood, East Atlanta Village, Midtown
Historic downtown vibeHistoric streets and structures, urban coreFairlie-Poplar, Auburn Avenue, Sweet Auburn
Family daytime activityDepends on event schedule; not always kid-focusedGeorgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Park
Local art & creative spacesGrowing scene, rotating events and installationsCastleberry Hill, West End / Westview arts corridors

If you’re curious about Atlanta’s history and current redevelopment, Underground can be an interesting stop—especially if you’re already in downtown. If you want guaranteed shopping or family attractions, you may want to pair it with a visit to other downtown landmarks.

Practical Tips for Visiting Underground Atlanta

If you decide to check it out, here are some ways to make the most of your visit:

  • Plan around a specific event or venue.
    Instead of just “seeing what’s there,” pick a concert, market, or bar you want to visit and build your trip around that.

  • Go during active hours.
    The area feels very different on a quiet weekday afternoon versus a weekend night during an event.

  • Combine it with nearby attractions.
    Underground is a short walk or quick MARTA hop from:

    • Georgia State University
    • Centennial Olympic Park
    • State Farm Arena
    • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
    • The Georgia Capitol
  • Check current information.
    Because the property is being redeveloped, specific tenants and uses can change. If you’re coming from out of town or haven’t been in a while, it helps to look up the latest details right before you go.

Key Takeaways for Atlantans and Visitors

  • Yes, Underground Atlanta is still open, but it’s no longer the enclosed mall many people remember.
  • It’s now a developing mixed-use and entertainment district with events, nightlife, and creative spaces, plus some food and drink options.
  • The area is in transition, so you’ll see a mix of open businesses, vacant spaces, and active construction or renovation.
  • For the best experience, visit for a particular event, performance, or venue, rather than expecting a traditional shopping mall.

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting, Underground Atlanta can be an interesting window into the city’s past and its ongoing effort to reinvent its downtown core—just go with realistic expectations and an eye on what’s happening there right now.