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

Downtown Atlanta is compact enough to explore in a day, but busy enough to keep you coming back. Whether you live in the metro area or you’re just in town for a weekend, downtown is where you’ll find many of the city’s biggest attractions, major venues, and historic sites all within walking or short streetcar distance.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what to do in downtown, how to get around, and how to plan your time.

Downtown Atlanta at a Glance

Downtown Atlanta includes:

• Centennial Olympic Park District (tourist attractions, big venues)
• Fairlie-Poplar & Historic Core (older architecture, theatres)
• Government & Business District (state capitol, courts, offices)
• Sweet Auburn (civil rights history, Auburn Avenue corridor)
• Castleberry Hill (arts district just southwest of downtown)

Here’s a quick overview of popular things to do:

Must-See Attractions in Downtown Atlanta

Georgia Aquarium

Located in the Centennial Olympic Park area, the Georgia Aquarium is one of downtown’s signature attractions. It’s known for its massive tanks and large marine animals like whale sharks and manta rays.

• Best for: Families, couples, first-time visitors, rainy days
• Tips:
  • Buy tickets in advance when possible.
  • Go early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
  • Parking garages nearby often serve multiple attractions in the area.

World of Coca-Cola

Next door to the Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola showcases the history of the iconic Atlanta-based brand.

• Best for: Visitors who like interactive exhibits and brand history
• What to expect:
  • Exhibits on advertising, global influence, and company history
  • A tasting room featuring Coke products from around the world

SkyView Atlanta

SkyView Atlanta, the giant Ferris wheel across from Centennial Olympic Park, offers an aerial view of the downtown skyline.

• Best for: Quick photo stop, evening city lights, date night
• Tip: Sunset or after-dark rides give you the best city views.

College Football Hall of Fame

The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame sits just off Centennial Olympic Park Drive.

• Best for: Sports fans, SEC fans in town for a game, families
• Highlights:
  • Interactive exhibits
  • Memorabilia from college programs across the country
  • Kid-friendly activities

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Near the Aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s civil rights legacy with global human rights issues.

• Best for: History enthusiasts, older kids, adults
• Good to know:
  • Exhibits can be emotionally intense; allow time to reflect.
  • Many locals pair this with a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park just east of downtown.

Civil Rights History and Sweet Auburn

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Just east of the central business district (off Auburn Avenue), you’ll find the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which includes:

• The Visitor Center
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• King Center and Reflecting Pool
• Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home area (guided tours often required)
• “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden

This area is one of Atlanta’s most significant historic districts.

Tips:

• Plan at least 1.5–2 hours.
• Check hours for specific areas like the birth home and church.
• The site is managed by the National Park Service, and many parts are free to visit.

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

A short distance from the MLK site, the Municipal Market / Sweet Auburn Curb Market is a local food market with produce stands, butcher shops, and small eateries.

• Best for: Casual lunch, quick snacks, local flavor
• Good to know: It’s indoors and a nice break from the heat in summer.

Parks, Plazas, and Walking Spots

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is the main green space in downtown’s tourist core.

What to do:

• Walk the park’s paths and see Olympic monuments and fountains.
• Relax on the lawns between visiting the Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and College Football Hall of Fame.
• Seasonal events and concerts sometimes use the park as a venue.

Woodruff Park

Located closer to the Peachtree Center and Georgia State University area, Woodruff Park is a smaller urban park surrounded by office buildings and student life.

• Best for: A quick break, people-watching, short walks
• Nearby: Historic buildings, cafes, and the Atlanta Streetcar route.

Sports, Concerts, and Big Events

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

On the western edge of downtown, Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts major professional football and soccer games, concerts, and large events.

• Best for: Falcons or Atlanta United games, big-name concerts, neutral-site college matchups
• Tips:
  • MARTA’s GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center or Vine City stations are usually the easiest way in and out on event days.
  • Clear bag policies and security screening are strictly enforced.

State Farm Arena

Adjacent to CNN Center, State Farm Arena is home to professional basketball and also hosts concerts and events.

• Best for: Hawks games, major touring artists
• Good to know: The arena connects with the GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center MARTA Station.

Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)

The Georgia World Congress Center is one of the city’s largest convention venues, hosting trade shows, expos, and large gatherings.

• What this means for you:
  • During big conventions, you’ll notice heavier crowds in nearby hotels, restaurants, and streets.
  • The GWCC complex is walkable to Centennial Olympic Park and nearby attractions.

Arts, Theater, and Culture

Fairlie-Poplar Historic District

The Fairlie-Poplar area is one of downtown’s older commercial districts with early 20th-century buildings, small cafes, and theaters.

Things to do:

• Catch a performance at one of the nearby theaters.
• See historic façades and explore side streets off Peachtree Street.
• Grab coffee or a quick meal between activities.

Theatrical and Cultural Venues

Within or near downtown, you’ll find:

• Theatrical performances in historic or modern spaces
• Student-driven arts events connected to Georgia State University
• Public art and murals scattered around the downtown core and nearby Castleberry Hill

Check individual venue calendars when you’re planning a specific evening out downtown.

Family-Friendly Things To Do Downtown

Downtown Atlanta is especially convenient for families because many kid-friendly spots are close together. You can park once or ride MARTA and walk between several attractions.

Top picks for families:

1. Georgia Aquarium
2. World of Coca-Cola
3. Children’s Museum of Atlanta (adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park)
4. SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel
5. College Football Hall of Fame (hands-on exhibits for kids)
6. Centennial Olympic Park playgrounds and open lawns

Family tips:

• 🎟️ Bundle attractions: Many visitors group 2–3 attractions in the Centennial Olympic Park area into one full day.
• 🕒 Timing: Weekday mornings, especially outside school holidays, tend to be less crowded.
• 🍽️ Food breaks: The CNN Center area and nearby hotels offer many quick food options; Sweet Auburn Curb Market is another casual choice if you don’t mind a short walk or ride.

Food, Drinks, and Where to Eat Downtown

Downtown’s dining is a mix of hotel restaurants, quick-service spots, sports bars, and a few destination eateries.

Quick and Casual Options

Near the major attractions and hotels, you’ll find:

• Fast-casual chains and food court-style options
• Sports bars and grills around State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Food hall–style markets and local lunch spots near government and university buildings

These are convenient between museum visits, conferences, or before a game.

Sit-Down and Evening Dining

Expect:

• Southern and soul food restaurants within walking or short ride distance from central downtown
• Steakhouses and upscale hotel restaurants often used by convention-goers and business travelers
• Rooftop bars and restaurants around the broader downtown and nearby neighborhoods with skyline views

Reservations are recommended on big event nights, weekends, and during major conventions.

Coffee and Daytime Spots

Areas around Peachtree Center, Fairlie-Poplar, and Georgia State University have:

• Independent coffee shops
• Bakeries and sandwich shops
• Smoothie and juice bars

These are popular with office workers and students, so expect weekday rushes.

Nightlife and Evening Activities

Downtown’s nightlife is centered around events, arenas, and hotel bars, with more neighborhood-style bars and clubs found in nearby areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Castleberry Hill.

Evening ideas in or near downtown:

• Attend a Hawks game, Falcons/Atlanta United game, or arena concert.
• Ride SkyView Atlanta at night for city lights.
• Explore Castleberry Hill (southwest of downtown) for art galleries, loft spaces, and bars on event nights.
• Take in a theater performance or special event at one of the local venues.

If you prefer a quieter evening:

• Stroll around Centennial Olympic Park and the surrounding streets.
• Enjoy a more relaxed meal at a hotel restaurant or nearby neighborhood restaurant.

Getting Around Downtown Atlanta

Transit and Walking

MARTA Rail

Downtown is one of the easiest parts of Atlanta to reach by MARTA:

• Peachtree Center Station: Good for central hotels, Peachtree Street, and office areas.
• GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station: Best for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, CNN Center, and Centennial Olympic Park.
• Five Points Station: Central hub where rail lines intersect; connects to city buses.
• Georgia State Station: Convenient for the Georgia State University area and parts of Sweet Auburn.

Walking

Many of downtown’s sights are walkable from each other, especially around:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Peachtree Center
• Georgia State University and Woodruff Park
• MLK National Historical Park and Auburn Avenue (with a bit of a longer walk or short ride)

Atlanta Streetcar

The Atlanta Streetcar runs a loop connecting:

• Centennial Olympic Park area
• Peachtree Center / Woodruff Park
• Edge of the Sweet Auburn and MLK Historic District

It’s useful if you don’t want to walk the full distance between MLK sites and the Aquarium/park area.

Driving and Parking

If you drive:

• Expect multiple private and public parking decks around each major attraction.
• Event days at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or GWCC can make parking more expensive and harder to find.
• Some visitors choose a central parking garage and walk or use streetcar/MARTA for the rest of the day.

Practical Tips for Visiting or Exploring Downtown

• Plan by cluster:

  • Centennial Olympic Park cluster: Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, SkyView, Center for Civil and Human Rights.
  • MLK / Sweet Auburn cluster: MLK National Historical Park, Auburn Avenue churches and markers, Sweet Auburn Curb Market.
  • Stadium / Arena cluster: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, GWCC, CNN Center.

• Check event calendars: A big game or convention can dramatically change traffic, parking, and restaurant wait times.

• Dress for walking: Downtown sightseeing often involves several blocks on foot, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing help.

• Weekday vs. weekend:

  • Weekdays: Busy with office workers and students; some attractions less crowded earlier in the day.
  • Weekends: More tourists and event-goers; better for leisurely exploring without rush-hour traffic.

Who Downtown Atlanta Is Best For

Downtown Atlanta works well if you:

• Are visiting and want to hit the city’s biggest attractions in one area
• Live in the metro and want a day trip for a game, concert, or museum visit
• Are interested in civil rights history and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
• Want a family-friendly outing with multiple kid-focused stops close together

By clustering activities, using MARTA or the streetcar when it makes sense, and planning around major events, you can get a lot out of downtown Atlanta in a single day—or spread it out over several visits to see the city from different angles.