What To See in Downtown Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the Heart of the City

Downtown Atlanta is compact, walkable, and packed with big-name attractions, local history, and everyday city life. Whether you live in the metro area, are in town for a conference, or planning a day trip on MARTA, downtown is where many of Atlanta’s most recognizable sights and experiences come together.

Below is a practical guide to what to see in Atlanta’s downtown core, how to group stops, and what’s worth prioritizing depending on your interests.

Top “Must‑See” Attractions in Downtown Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park & Surrounding Attractions

Centennial Olympic Park

• Where: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why go: The central green space of downtown, built for the 1996 Olympics.
• What to see:
  • Fountain of Rings water show
  • Olympic monuments and sculptures
  • Skyline views and open lawns for a quick break or picnic

The park is the anchor for several of downtown’s biggest attractions, all within a short walk.

World of Coca‑Cola

• Where: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights:
  • Exhibits on the history of Coca‑Cola and its Atlanta roots
  • Memorabilia, interactive displays, and a tasting room with drinks from around the world
• Good to know: It’s family‑friendly and easy to combine with a stroll through Centennial Olympic Park.

Georgia Aquarium

• Where: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights:
  • Massive tanks with whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales
  • Walk‑through tunnels and touch pools
• Tip: It’s one of downtown’s most popular spots; planning a weekday or early morning visit can be more comfortable.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Where: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights:
  • Exhibits on the American Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues
  • Deep local context about Atlanta’s role in civil rights history
• Why it matters: If you want to understand Atlanta beyond the skyline, this is one of the most meaningful stops downtown.

Sports, Live Events & Big Venues

Downtown is Atlanta’s main hub for major games, concerts, and conventions.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

• Where: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• What happens here:
  • Home games for the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS)
  • Large concerts and national events
• What to see (even if you’re not at a game):
  • Striking architecture visible from nearby streets and the plaza
  • Occasional tours that explore the field, locker rooms, and stadium art

State Farm Arena

• Where: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• What happens here:
  • Home court of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
  • Big touring concerts and entertainment shows
• Nearby: It’s next to CNN Center and easy to reach on foot from Centennial Olympic Park.

Georgia World Congress Center

• Where: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• What it is: A large convention center hosting trade shows, expos, and major industry events.
• Why you might go: Even if you’re not attending a conference, this complex shapes much of the foot traffic around Centennial Olympic Park and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

History, Landmarks & Architecture

Downtown Atlanta combines modern high‑rises with historic sites that tell the city’s story.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Nearby but Worth Including)

Technically just east of the core downtown area in the Sweet Auburn district, many people staying or exploring downtown include it in the same outing.

• Where: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• What to see:
  • Dr. King’s childhood home (guided tours may be limited and timed)
  • Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • Visitor Center exhibits and the King Center grounds
• Getting there: A quick drive or a longer walk east from downtown; also accessible by MARTA and the Atlanta Streetcar.

Georgia State Capitol

• Where: 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
• What to see:
  • The gold‑domed Capitol building, a key part of Atlanta’s skyline
  • Public exhibits inside about Georgia’s political and natural history (when open to visitors)
• Nearby: Government buildings, older architecture, and a more “everyday working city” feel compared with the touristy park area.

Historic Auburn Avenue & Sweet Auburn

Just on the edge of downtown, Auburn Avenue and the Sweet Auburn neighborhood are important to Atlanta’s civil rights and Black business history.

• What to see:
  • Historic commercial buildings along Auburn Ave
  • Murals and local churches
  • Access to the King Historic District via the same corridor

Family‑Friendly Things to See in Downtown Atlanta

If you’re planning a family day downtown, these stops are popular with kids and teens:

• Georgia Aquarium – Marine life, interactive galleries
• World of Coca‑Cola – Tasting room and colorful exhibits
• Centennial Olympic Park – Open spaces and the Fountain of Rings
• SkyView Atlanta
  • Where: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • A large Ferris wheel offering views of downtown and beyond
• College Football Hall of Fame
  • Where: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Interactive exhibits, sports memorabilia, and fan‑oriented experiences

These are all within walking distance of each other, which makes it realistic to park once or take MARTA in and spend the day on foot.

Arts, Culture & Museums

Beyond the big headline attractions, downtown has several cultural stops that add extra depth to an Atlanta visit.

Theatrical & Performance Venues

• The Tabernacle
  • Where: 152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • A historic church converted into a concert hall, known for its character and mid‑size shows.
• Rialto Center for the Arts (Georgia State University)
  • Where: 80 Forsyth St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Hosts music, dance, and cultural performances, plus university‑affiliated events.

Museums & Galleries

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  • Where: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Hands‑on exhibits geared toward younger children, right across from Centennial Olympic Park.
• Local galleries and pop‑up spaces
  • Various small gallery spaces and temporary shows can be found in the Fairlie‑Poplar area and around Georgia State University. These change over time but add to the arts feel of downtown.

Walking Districts & Street‑Level Exploring

Fairlie‑Poplar Historic District

This area, roughly bounded by Peachtree St, Marietta St, and Luckie St, has some of downtown’s oldest commercial buildings and a distinctive urban character.

• What to see:
  • Narrower streets and historic facades
  • Small cafes, quick food spots, and street‑level retail
  • Street art and occasional outdoor events
• Why go: Fairlie‑Poplar gives you a sense of downtown as a working neighborhood, not just a cluster of attractions.

Peachtree Street Corridor

Peachtree Street runs through the heart of downtown and continues into Midtown.

• What you’ll notice:
  • Office towers, hotels, and major intersections
  • PATH and sidewalk routes for walking between MARTA stations and attractions
  • Mix of locals, office workers, students, and visitors

Walking Peachtree between Five Points, Peachtree Center, and up toward Civic Center gives a good overview of downtown’s everyday energy.

Government, Education & Civic Life

Atlanta City Hall

• Where: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Why it matters: It’s the seat of city government and part of the civic side of downtown. You’re likely to pass nearby if you’re exploring around the Capitol or heading toward the south end of downtown.

Georgia State University (GSU) Downtown Campus

• Where: Centered roughly around 33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• What you’ll see:
  • Student‑heavy sidewalks, campus buildings, and dorms
  • Food spots and services geared toward students and staff
• Why go: The campus area brings a younger, more casual energy and is a good place to grab affordable food or coffee between attractions.

Practical Ways to Structure Your Downtown Visit

To make downtown Atlanta easier to tackle, it helps to group nearby sights.

Sample Half‑Day & Full‑Day Combinations

Getting Around Downtown Atlanta

MARTA & Transit

• Rail:
  • Five Points Station is the main downtown MARTA hub (rail transfer point).
  • Peachtree Center Station, GWCC/CNN Center Station, and Georgia State Station put you within walking distance of most attractions.
• Atlanta Streetcar:
  • Loops through parts of downtown and out to Sweet Auburn and the King Historic District.
  • Helpful for connecting Centennial Olympic Park with Auburn Avenue.

Walking Tips

• Distances between major attractions in the Centennial Olympic Park area are short and easy to walk.
• Sidewalks are generally good, but you’ll still want comfortable shoes, especially if you’re including the King Historic District or multiple venues in one day.
• Some areas are livelier during business hours and event times; evenings can be quieter outside of event nights.

Essentials to Know Before You Go

• Parking:
  • Numerous public garages and lots around Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
  • Costs and availability vary widely, especially during big events. Many locals prefer MARTA for event days to avoid traffic and parking costs.
• Best Times to Visit:
  • Weekdays: More office workers and students; busier transit; some attractions less crowded early in the day.
  • Weekends: Heavier visitor traffic at major attractions; event days can be very busy but also energetic.
• Weather Planning:
  • Atlanta summers can be hot and humid; plan indoor attractions midday and walk more in the morning or evening.
  • Winters are usually mild but can be chilly; layers help if you’re moving between indoor museums and outdoor parks.

If you’re asking “What is there to see in downtown Atlanta?”, the short answer is: a lot, within a relatively compact area. From Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium to the Georgia State Capitol, Sweet Auburn, and major sports venues, downtown gives you a concentrated overview of Atlanta’s history, culture, entertainment, and everyday city life—all close enough to link together in a single, well‑planned day.