What Is There To Do in Atlanta? Your Local Guide to the City’s Best Experiences

Atlanta offers far more than a quick layover or a weekend conference. Whether you live here, are planning a visit, or are just trying to understand what Atlanta is like, there’s an enormous range of things to do — from major attractions and historic sites to neighborhood food spots, parks, and free community events.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to things to do in Atlanta, organized by interest so you can quickly find what fits your time, budget, and style.

Classic “Must-Do” Atlanta Attractions

If you’re new to the city or hosting visitors, these are the big-name Atlanta attractions most people start with.

Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park Area

Most of Atlanta’s biggest attractions sit within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown.

Major attractions near Centennial Olympic Park:

• Georgia Aquarium
  One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for whale sharks, manta rays, and interactive exhibits.
  • Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• World of Coca‑Cola
  A museum-style attraction exploring the history and branding of Coca‑Cola, with memorabilia, exhibits, and tasting areas.
  • Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  A powerful museum focused on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues.
  • Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• SkyView Atlanta
  A large Ferris wheel offering skyline views of Downtown and Midtown.
  • Location: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

These are all walkable from MARTA’s Peachtree Center station or via street-level parking decks.

Historic & Cultural Highlights

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  Includes Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center. It’s one of the most significant places to visit in Atlanta for history and reflection.
  • Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

• Atlanta History Center
  Combines museum exhibits, historic homes (including the Swan House), and gardens that cover Atlanta’s past from the Civil War to the present.
  • Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

• Oakland Cemetery
  A historic cemetery that’s also a peaceful city green space, with notable graves, architecture, and skyline views.
  • Location: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Outdoor Activities, Parks, and Green Spaces

Despite its traffic reputation, Atlanta is full of trees, trails, and parks that are easy to enjoy year-round.

The Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the most popular things to do in the city, especially for locals.

• Multi-use trails for walking, running, biking, and skating
• Street art, murals, and locally owned restaurants and shops along the way
• Segments like the Eastside Trail (Inman Park to Piedmont Park) and Westside Trail (near West End) are especially busy and vibrant

You can access the BeltLine from neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, Poncey-Highland, West End, and Reynoldstown.

Major Parks & Gardens

• Piedmont Park
  Atlanta’s central “city park,” with walking trails, sports fields, dog parks, playgrounds, and frequent festivals.
  • Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

• Atlanta Botanical Garden
  Adjacent to Piedmont Park, with seasonal exhibits, a canopy walk, and themed gardens.
  • Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Chastain Park
  Large park in north Atlanta with trails, tennis courts, a golf course, and an amphitheater that hosts concerts.
  • Location: 140 W Wieuca Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342

• Freedom Park
  A linear park connecting several intown neighborhoods, good for biking and walking, and linked to portions of the BeltLine.

Quick Nature Escapes

If you want something that feels more like a day in nature without leaving metro Atlanta:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA)
  Multiple access points for riverside trails, picnic areas, and tubing or kayaking in season.
  • Common access: 8800 Roberts Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30350 (Island Ford Visitor Center)

• Stone Mountain Park (east of the city)
  Hiking, walking up the mountain, or taking the skyride for views of the Atlanta skyline.

Neighborhoods to Explore (Food, Culture, & Nightlife)

Atlanta’s neighborhoods each have a different feel. Exploring them is one of the best ways to really “do” Atlanta.

Midtown

Why go: Arts, culture, and a walkable mix of restaurants and bars.

• Home to Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Cultural institutions like the High Museum of Art and Alliance Theatre
  • High Museum: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Many high-rise residential buildings, coffee shops, and LGBTQ+ friendly bars and nightlife

Downtown

Why go: Major attractions, historic sites, and convention activity.

• Close to State Farm Arena (basketball, concerts) and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (football, soccer, major events)
• Historic spots like the Fairlie-Poplar District
• Typical big-city mix of hotels, quick dining, and event-driven nightlife

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

Why go: BeltLine access, dining, and historic character.

• Direct access to the Eastside BeltLine Trail
• Near the MLK Jr. National Historical Park
• Mix of renovated historic homes, new apartments, and creative food spots

Virginia‑Highland, Poncey‑Highland, and Morningside

Why go: Walkable streets, independent shops, and casual dining.

• Great for a relaxed afternoon or evening stroll
• Close to BeltLine access points and Ponce City Market
  • Ponce City Market: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Buckhead

Why go: Shopping, higher-end dining, and nightlife.

• Major shopping centers like Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• Mix of upscale restaurants, bars, and hotels
• Easy access from Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh MARTA stations

Westside & West Midtown

Why go: Converted industrial spaces, breweries, and trendy restaurants.

• Warehouses turned into food halls, design shops, and offices
• Growing brewery and distillery scene
• Close to Georgia Tech and the Westside BeltLine segments

Arts, Museums, and Cultural Experiences

Beyond the big attractions, Atlanta has a wide range of arts and culture options.

Visual Arts & Museums

• High Museum of Art
  The city’s main art museum, with rotating exhibits and a permanent collection ranging from classic to contemporary.
  • 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
  Focuses on design in architecture, products, and graphic arts.
  • 1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
  Exhibitions emphasizing art by women of the African diaspora.
  • 350 Spelman Ln SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Theater, Music, and Performance

• Fox Theatre
  Historic theater in Midtown hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.
  • 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• Alliance Theatre (inside Woodruff Arts Center)
  Regional theater known for new works and high-quality productions.
  • 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
  Also based at the Woodruff Arts Center, with a full concert season.

Across the city, you’ll also find smaller venues, improv theaters, and music spaces in neighborhoods like East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, and West Midtown.

Sports, Games, and Live Events

Atlanta is a major sports and events city, with professional teams and large venues.

Professional Sports

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  Home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), plus major concerts and events.
  • 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• State Farm Arena
  Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and a regular concert venue.
  • 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Truist Park (in nearby Cobb County)
  Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB), surrounded by The Battery entertainment district.
  • 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Other Active Things to Do

• Bike or scooter along the BeltLine
• Pick-up sports in Piedmont Park or local recreation centers
• Indoor climbing gyms, bowling alleys, and escape rooms scattered around the metro area

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

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

Popular Family Attractions

• Zoo Atlanta
  Located in historic Grant Park, with animals, kids’ play areas, and seasonal programs.
  • 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  Hands-on, educational play areas for younger children near Centennial Olympic Park.
  • 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  Dinosaur exhibits, an IMAX-style theater, and nature trails in Fernbank Forest.
  • 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Low-Cost or Free Family Ideas

• Splash pads and playgrounds in Piedmont Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, and neighborhood parks
• Public library events through Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
  • Central Library: 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq, Atlanta, GA 30303

Food, Markets, and Nightlife

Eating and going out are central to the Atlanta experience.

Food Halls and Markets

These are convenient if your group wants multiple food options in one place:

• Ponce City Market – Large food hall and retail space along the BeltLine.
  • 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• Krog Street Market – Smaller, more intimate food hall in Inman Park.
  • 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

• Sweet Auburn Curb Market – Historic market with food stalls and local vendors.
  • 209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

Nightlife Areas

Nightlife shifts over time, but commonly busy areas include:

• Midtown – Bars, lounges, LGBTQ+ clubs, and late-night spots
• Buckhead – Higher-end bars and lounges with a dressier feel
• Edgewood Avenue – More casual, eclectic bar scene
• East Atlanta Village & Little Five Points – Alternative and indie vibe, with live music and small venues

Free and Budget-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy the city. Many Atlanta activities are low-cost or free, especially if you take advantage of public spaces.

Free or Low-Cost Ideas

• Walk, bike, or skate the Atlanta BeltLine
• Spend an afternoon in Piedmont Park
• Visit historic districts like Inman Park or Grant Park just to walk, look at architecture, and explore
• Attend free events, festivals, and concerts in city parks and public spaces (especially spring through fall)
• Visit public art and murals in neighborhoods like Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown

Quick Reference: Types of Things To Do in Atlanta

Getting Around to Do Things in Atlanta

How you move around the city affects what’s realistic to do in a day.

MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA offers rail and bus service across much of Atlanta:

• Rail lines run through Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the Airport, and Decatur
• Many major attractions (like those near Centennial Olympic Park and parts of Midtown) are accessible by a short walk from a MARTA station

MARTA Headquarters:
• 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer service phone numbers and current schedules are typically available through MARTA’s official customer channels.

Driving and Parking

• Many attractions offer paid parking decks or lots
• Traffic can be heavy at rush hours and before/after major events
• Rideshare services are widely used, especially at night or when parking is limited

Seasonal and Special Events

Throughout the year, Atlanta hosts festivals, parades, and seasonal activities that are major draws for both residents and visitors.

Common types of events include:

• Music festivals and neighborhood street festivals
• Cultural parades and heritage celebrations
• Holiday markets, lights displays, and seasonal shows
• Large conventions and fan events at the Georgia World Congress Center

Checking event calendars through city and venue websites can help you plan around big weekends or find something special going on during your visit.

In Atlanta, “things to do” can mean a big-ticket day at the aquarium, a quiet walk on the BeltLine, exploring neighborhood murals, or just sitting in Piedmont Park watching the skyline. Whether you’re here for a few hours or you’ve lived in the city for years, there is always another corner of Atlanta to discover.