Must-Do Experiences in Atlanta: Your Essential Guide

Atlanta blends Southern history, big-city energy, and a fast-growing food and arts scene. Whether you live here, are visiting for a weekend, or planning a longer stay, there are a few must-do Atlanta experiences that give you a real feel for the city.

Below is a practical guide organized by interest, with local tips and what to know before you go.

Iconic Atlanta Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Walk Through Atlanta’s History: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

For many people, a must-do in Atlanta starts in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood.

Key stops within the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park area include:

• Dr. King’s Birth Home (501 Auburn Ave NE) – Guided tours are often limited and can fill up quickly.
• Ebenezer Baptist Church (101 Jackson St NE) – Where Dr. King preached.
• The King Center (449 Auburn Ave NE) – Exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King’s legacy.
• Visitor Center – Good starting point for maps, exhibits, and restrooms.

✅ Local tip:
Parking can be tight on weekends. If you’re staying in Downtown or Midtown, consider taking MARTA (King Memorial Station is nearby) or a rideshare.

2. Explore Centennial Olympic Park and the Downtown Attractions

Centennial Olympic Park is the heart of Atlanta’s Downtown tourist area and a good place to start if you’re short on time.

From the park, you can easily walk to:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the most popular attractions in the city. Plan at least 2–3 hours.
• World of Coca‑Cola – A museum-style experience centered on the Coca‑Cola brand and history.
• CNN Center area – The building is a recognizable landmark, even if tours are limited or changed over time.
• College Football Hall of Fame – Hands-on exhibits for sports fans.

✅ Local tips:

• Downtown can get busy with conventions and sports events. Check event calendars if you want to avoid crowds.
• If you’re driving, park once and walk between attractions around Centennial Olympic Park.

3. Stroll the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a former railway corridor turned multi-use trail, and it’s become one of the city’s top must-do experiences for both residents and visitors.

Most popular stretch:

• Eastside Trail – Connects neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Virginia-Highland.

What to do along the BeltLine:

• Walk, jog, or rent a scooter or bike.
• Browse local art installations and murals.
• Stop at food halls and markets, such as Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE).
• Enjoy patios and breweries that back up to the trail.

✅ Local tips:

• The BeltLine is busiest on weekend afternoons.
• It’s family-friendly, but keep to the right and watch for fast-moving cyclists and scooters.
• Many locals treat the BeltLine like a neighborhood “main street,” so it’s a good place to people-watch and get a feel for in-town Atlanta life.

4. Visit Piedmont Park and Midtown

Piedmont Park is often called Atlanta’s “Central Park.” It’s a must-do if you want to be outdoors without leaving the urban core.

Highlights:

• Meadow and lake area – Ideal for picnics and skyline photos.
• Dog parks and playgrounds – Popular with families and pet owners.
• ATL festivals – The park frequently hosts events like outdoor concerts and seasonal festivals.

Right next to Piedmont Park is Midtown Atlanta, where you’ll find:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden (1345 Piedmont Ave NE) – Known for seasonal exhibits and nighttime light shows at certain times of year.
• A dense cluster of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
• MARTA Arts Center Station and Midtown Station for easy transit access.

✅ Local tip:
If you’re visiting during a major festival or parade, parking near Piedmont Park will be tough. Consider MARTA or rideshare and give yourself extra time.

Culture, Arts, and Museums You Should See

5. Dive into Art at the High Museum and Midtown Arts District

The High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE) is Atlanta’s premier art museum and a cornerstone of the city’s arts scene.

Why it’s a must-do:

• Rotating exhibitions alongside a strong permanent collection.
• Special evenings and family-friendly programming on selected days.
• Easy access near Arts Center MARTA Station.

In the surrounding Midtown Arts District you’ll also find:

• Alliance Theatre – Major regional theatre productions.
• Atlanta Symphony Hall – Home of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

6. Learn Local Stories at History and Specialty Museums

Depending on your interests, there are several Atlanta museums that help you understand the city and region:

• Atlanta History Center (130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW) – Civil War exhibits, historic homes, and extensive gardens in Buckhead.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights (100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW) – Near Centennial Olympic Park, focused on civil and human rights issues.
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History (767 Clifton Rd) – Dinosaurs, natural history, and a forested outdoor area.

✅ Local tip:
If you plan to visit multiple attractions in a short time, look for multi-attraction passes or bundled admission options that are commonly offered in the Atlanta area.

Neighborhoods Worth Your Time

7. Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Krog Street

For an in-town Atlanta feel, explore the neighborhoods just east of Downtown:

• Old Fourth Ward – A mix of lofts, restaurants, and access to the BeltLine and Ponce City Market.
• Inman Park – Tree-lined streets, Victorian homes, and a strong local restaurant scene.
• Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE) – A food hall in a former industrial building.

Nearby, the Krog Street Tunnel is known for:

• Constantly changing street art and graffiti.
• Popular photo stops (especially for visitors).

✅ Local tip:
These areas are walkable once you’re there, but many streets are narrow. If you drive, expect limited street parking and be mindful of residential permit areas.

8. Little Five Points and East Atlanta Village

For an edgier, more alternative vibe:

• Little Five Points – Vintage shops, record stores, indie boutiques, and street art.
• East Atlanta Village (EAV) – Bars, live music, and a neighborhood feel, especially at night.

Both areas are must-do spots if you’re into:

• Local music scenes.
• Thrift and vintage shopping.
• Casual, independent bars and eateries.

9. Buckhead: Shopping and Upscale Dining

Buckhead is known for higher-end shopping and dining:

• Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Rd NE) and Phipps Plaza (3500 Peachtree Rd NE) – Major malls with a mix of luxury and mainstream retailers.
• A large number of restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining.
• Easy access via Lenox and Buckhead MARTA Stations.

✅ Local tip:
Traffic around Buckhead can be heavy during rush hour. If you can, time your visit for midday or later in the evening.

Sports, Music, and Nightlife Must-Dos

10. Catch a Game or Major Event

Atlanta is a big sports town. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, attending a game is a great way to experience local energy.

Key venues:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW) – Home to Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), also hosts concerts.
• State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr) – Home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and many major tours and events.
• Truist Park (755 Battery Ave SE, Cumberland area) – Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB), surrounded by The Battery Atlanta entertainment district.

✅ Local tips:

• Plan your transportation ahead; MARTA and special game-day options can save time.
• The Battery and the area around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium are popular for pre- and post-game dining.

11. Experience Atlanta’s Music and Nightlife

Atlanta has long been a hub for hip-hop, R&B, and live music generally.

Places and areas to consider:

• Midtown – Clubs, lounges, and bars with a more traditional nightlife feel.
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward) – A dense stretch of bars, music venues, and late-night food.
• East Atlanta Village – Smaller venues and local bands.
• Larger venues and amphitheaters across the metro host touring artists.

If you’re new to the city, Edgewood and Midtown are often where visitors start for nightlife.

✅ Local tip:
Nightlife areas can be loud and crowded on weekends. Use rideshare if you plan to drink, and check venue age policies and dress codes ahead of time.

Food and Drink: Essential Atlanta Eats

12. Try Classic Southern and Soul Food

A visit to Atlanta feels incomplete without Southern and soul food. Around the city, you’ll find:

• Meat‑and‑three spots (choose a main meat and three sides).
• Fried chicken, biscuits, collard greens, mac and cheese, and peach desserts.
• Longstanding neighborhood institutions and newer spins on traditional dishes.

Look for these types of places in:

• West End and Southwest Atlanta – Especially for soul food.
• Decatur and East Atlanta – For a mix of traditional and modern Southern restaurants.
• Downtown and Midtown – Easier for visitors staying in hotels.

13. Explore Atlanta’s Global Food Scene

Atlanta’s food scene is far more than Southern cooking. Locals often recommend exploring:

• Buford Highway corridor (northeast of the city) – Known for Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, Chinese, and other international cuisines.
• Chamblee and Doraville – Packed with international groceries and restaurants.
• West Midtown and Inman Park – Trendy spots for creative, chef-driven menus.

✅ Local tip:
Buford Highway is spread out along a major road. It’s easier with a car, but there are also MARTA bus options from rail stations like Doraville.

Outdoors and Day Trips Near Atlanta

14. Discover Nature Without Going Far

Even though Atlanta is a major metro area, there are many ways to get outside:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Multiple access points; locals tube, kayak, and hike along the river.
• Stone Mountain Park (1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain) – Hiking trails, a large granite outcrop with city views, and seasonal attractions.
• Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area – Unique rocky landscapes and trails, southeast of the city.

These spots are especially popular in spring and fall when temperatures are more comfortable.

15. Easy Day Trip Ideas from Atlanta

If you’re staying a bit longer and want to see more of Georgia:

• Athens, GA – A college town with a strong music and food scene, about 1.5 hours east.
• Callaway Gardens – Gardens, trails, and seasonal events, about 1.5–2 hours southwest.
• North Georgia mountains (e.g., Dahlonega, Blue Ridge) – For hiking, vineyards, and small mountain towns.

While not within city limits, these are common “must-do” outings for Atlanta residents and repeat visitors.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Must-Do Highlights

Practical Tips for Getting Around and Enjoying Atlanta

To make the most of these must-do activities in Atlanta:

• 🚆 Use MARTA when possible:

  • Rail lines serve the airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and parts of Decatur.
  • Stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, Arts Center, and Lenox are especially useful for visitors.

• 🚗 Plan for traffic and parking:

  • Atlanta traffic is heaviest on weekdays during commute times.
  • Many in-town neighborhoods have limited street parking; pay attention to signs and meters.

• 🌤️ Consider the weather:

  • Summers are hot and humid—schedule outdoor activities earlier or later in the day.
  • Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable for walking the BeltLine or exploring parks.

• 📅 Check event schedules:

  • Big conventions, festivals, or games can affect hotel prices, traffic, and crowd levels around attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, Midtown, and Buckhead.

By focusing on these core experiences—history, neighborhoods, food, culture, and outdoor spaces—you’ll get a well-rounded sense of what Atlanta, Georgia is really like, whether you’re here for a day, a weekend, or much longer.