What Can You Do in Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Things To Do in the ATL

Atlanta offers a mix of big-city energy, Southern history, arts, sports, and outdoor space that’s hard to match. Whether you’re living here, visiting for a few days, or trying to understand what Atlanta is really like, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you explore the city by interest, neighborhood, and budget.

Top Things To Do in Atlanta for First-Time and Repeat Visitors

If you’re asking “What can you do in Atlanta?” these are the core experiences most people start with.

Downtown Atlanta Highlights

1. Georgia Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the world, the Georgia Aquarium is a go-to for families, couples, and solo visitors.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Best for: Kids, animal lovers, rainy days
• Tip: Weekday mornings are usually less crowded than weekends and holidays.

2. World of Coca-Cola
Right next to the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola focuses on the history and branding of Atlanta’s most famous beverage.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Best for: First-time visitors, brand/history fans

3. Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is a central green space surrounded by major attractions.

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• What to do:
  • Walk the park and see the Olympic Ring fountain
  • Relax between aquarium and museum visits
  • Attend seasonal festivals and concerts

Midtown and Arts District Essentials

4. High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s flagship art museum, with rotating exhibits and a solid permanent collection.

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Best for: Art lovers, date nights, quiet afternoons

5. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers themed gardens, canopy walks, and seasonal light displays.

• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Tip: Spring and fall are especially beautiful; evening events are popular.

Exploring Atlanta Neighborhoods: What To Do and Where

Atlanta is very neighborhood-driven. Each area has its own personality, food, and attractions.

Downtown & Castleberry Hill

What you can do:

• Visit State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303) for basketball games and concerts
• Catch an Atlanta Falcons game or major event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• Walk through Castleberry Hill, a historic arts district with galleries and loft-style architecture

Best for: Sports fans, event-goers, first-time tourists

Midtown & Piedmont Park

What you can do:

• Relax or exercise at Piedmont Park (1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306)
• Explore Midtown Mile along Peachtree St NE for dining and people-watching
• Enjoy performing arts at:
  • Fox Theatre – 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Alliance Theatre – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Best for: Nightlife, arts, festivals, central location

BeltLine, Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail connects several trendy intown neighborhoods.

What you can do:

• Walk, bike, or run along the Eastside Trail
• Visit Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307) for food stalls and casual dining
• See colorful murals under the Krog Street Tunnel
• Hang out at Historic Fourth Ward Park (680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)

Best for: Urban exploring, local restaurants, street art, active outings

Buckhead

What you can do:

• Shop at Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326) and Phipps Plaza (3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326)
• Explore upscale dining and nightlife along Peachtree Rd
• Visit the Atlanta History Center (130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305), which includes:
  • Cyclorama exhibit
  • Swan House historic mansion

Best for: Shopping, history, higher-end dining

Little Five Points & East Atlanta

What you can do:

• Browse vintage clothing, records, and independent shops in Little Five Points
• Catch live music at small venues in East Atlanta Village
• Enjoy colorful street art and casual bars

Best for: Alternative culture, thrift shopping, nightlife on a smaller scale

Outdoor Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is known as a “city in a forest”, and locals take outdoor time seriously.

Parks and Green Spaces

Piedmont Park

• Big central park with walking paths, playgrounds, sports fields, and a dog park
• Hosts festivals, concerts, and seasonal events

Grant Park

• Location: 840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Home to Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315)
• Good for picnics, walking, and family outings

Chastain Park

• Location: 140 W Wieuca Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
• Features trails, tennis courts, golf, and an amphitheater for summer concerts

The Atlanta BeltLine

The BeltLine is a multi-use trail network circling intown Atlanta.

• Popular segments:
  • Eastside Trail: From Inman Park to Piedmont Park
  • Westside Trail: Runs through neighborhoods like West End
• Activities:
  • Walking, running, and biking
  • Exploring cafes, breweries, and art installations along the trail

Day Trips for Nature Near Atlanta

If you’re willing to leave the city limits, there are popular nature spots within driving distance:

• Stone Mountain Park (around 30 minutes east) – hiking, laser shows, and lake recreation
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (various access points north of the city) – trails, tubing, and paddling

Arts, Culture, and History in Atlanta

Atlanta has a deep history and an active arts scene. You can spend entire days just on museums and cultural sites.

Civil Rights and History

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

• Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• What you can see:
  • Dr. King’s birth home (guided tours available)
  • Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • The King Center and reflecting pool

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Focuses on the U.S. civil rights movement and global human rights topics
• Near the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola

Atlanta History Center

• Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Offers exhibits on Atlanta’s past, plus historic homes and gardens

Performing Arts and Music

Major venues:

• Fox Theatre – Broadway shows, concerts, and special events
• Alliance Theatre – Regional theater productions
• Tabernacle (152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303) – Concerts in a historic building
• Variety Playhouse (1099 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307) – Music in Little Five Points

Atlanta also has a long musical legacy in hip-hop, R&B, and gospel, and smaller venues around Edgewood, East Atlanta, and Midtown host local and touring acts.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

If you’re planning a day out with kids, Atlanta has many family-focused attractions.

Popular family stops:

• Georgia Aquarium – Ocean exhibits, interactive areas
• Zoo Atlanta – Animals, kids’ play zones
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  • Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Hands-on educational exhibits for younger children
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  • Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • Dinosaurs, natural history exhibits, and forest trails
• SkyView Atlanta
  • Location: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Giant Ferris wheel near Centennial Olympic Park

Low-cost family activities:

• Playgrounds and splash pads in Piedmont Park and neighborhood parks
• Free festivals and events at Centennial Olympic Park or along the BeltLine (event schedules change seasonally)
• Library activities through the Fulton County Library System – multiple branches across Atlanta

Sports and Big Events in Atlanta

If you enjoy live games or large events, Atlanta has year-round options.

Professional Teams

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
  • Home: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Atlanta United FC (MLS)
  • Also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
  • Home: State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Atlanta Braves (MLB)
  • Home: Truist Park, 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Cumberland area, just outside city limits)

Other Events

• Major concerts and touring shows at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
• College sports and events at Georgia Tech and Georgia State University
• Road races and marathons, often passing through Midtown, Downtown, and historic neighborhoods

Food, Markets, and Nightlife in Atlanta

Atlanta’s food scene is a major reason people enjoy the city.

Where to Eat and Explore Food

Popular food hubs:

• Ponce City Market
  • Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Food hall, rooftop attractions, shops; connects directly to the BeltLine
• Krog Street Market
  • Location: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • Smaller food hall with local vendors
• Buford Highway (north of central Atlanta)
  • Long stretch known for diverse international dining, especially Asian and Latin American cuisines

You’ll also find strong Southern food traditions here—fried chicken, barbecue, biscuits, and soul food—alongside modern restaurants in Midtown, Inman Park, West Midtown, and Buckhead.

Nightlife and Entertainment Districts

• Midtown – Bars, lounges, LGBTQ+ friendly venues, and dance spots
• Buckhead Village – Upscale bars, restaurants, and late-night options
• Edgewood Avenue – Lively bar scene with a more casual, local feel
• East Atlanta Village – Neighborhood bars and live music

As with any city, nightlife offerings and venues can change, so it’s wise to check current schedules and hours before heading out.

Free and Budget-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy the city. Many locals mix paid attractions with free or low-cost activities.

Free or Low-Cost Ideas

• Walking or biking the Atlanta BeltLine
• Exploring Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and neighborhood green spaces
• Visiting public art and murals in:
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • Cabbagetown
  • Little Five Points
• Window-shopping and people-watching at Ponce City Market and around Midtown
• Checking out free events and festivals in:
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Piedmont Park
  • Neighborhood streets (especially in warmer months)

Simple Overview: What You Can Do in Atlanta

In Atlanta, you can spend one day on tourist highlights, another exploring neighborhood food and art, and another outdoors on trails and in parks—all without leaving the metro area. Whether you’re a resident looking for new ideas or a visitor planning an itinerary, the city offers something to match almost every interest, pace, and budget.