What To Do in Downtown Atlanta: A Local-Friendly Guide to the Heart of the City

Downtown Atlanta packs a lot into a relatively small area: major attractions, sports venues, historic landmarks, and a growing food scene. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting for a day, you can easily fill your time without ever leaving downtown.

Below is a practical guide to what to do in Downtown Atlanta, organized so you can plan a half‑day, full day, or weekend based on your interests.

Key Downtown Atlanta Highlights at a Glance

*King Center and Edgewood Avenue nightlife are just east of “core” downtown in the Sweet Auburn area but easily reachable.

Explore Downtown’s Big-Name Attractions

Georgia Aquarium

Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

One of Atlanta’s most popular attractions, the Georgia Aquarium is right in the heart of downtown. It’s known for massive viewing windows, walk-through tunnels, and large marine animals.

What to know:

• Plan 2–3 hours minimum.
• Morning visits are often less crowded on weekdays.
• It pairs well with the World of Coca-Cola or Centennial Olympic Park right next door.

World of Coca-Cola

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Across from the aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola walks through the brand’s history and global reach.

Highlights:

• Historical exhibits and vintage ads.
• A tasting room with drinks from different countries.
• Convenient for families or groups staying nearby in downtown hotels.

SkyView Atlanta

Location: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

The SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel near Centennial Olympic Park offers an elevated view of the skyline and downtown streets.

Tips:

• Evening or sunset rides are especially popular.
• Cabs, rideshares, and MARTA access are easy from here.
• Good quick stop if you’re already walking around the park.

Visit Centennial Olympic Park and Surrounding Sights

Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Centennial Olympic Park is the central green space in downtown, originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games. It’s a good base for exploring.

Things to do:

• Walk the paths and fountains between attractions.
• Pack a snack and relax on the lawn between museum visits.
• Look for plaques and markers related to the 1996 Olympics.

Nearby within a short walk:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• SkyView Atlanta
• Hotels along Baker St, Luckie St, and Marietta St

Learn About Civil Rights and Human Rights

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Near the aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights explores both the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues.

What to expect:

• Exhibits connected to Atlanta’s role in civil rights.
• Thought-provoking displays that work for older kids through adults.
• Easy to combine with Centennial Olympic Park area attractions.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Just East of Downtown)

Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

While technically in the Sweet Auburn area, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is close enough to be part of a downtown day.

Key sites:

• Visitor Center with exhibits on Dr. King’s life.
• Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.
• Dr. and Mrs. King’s crypt and reflecting pool.

It’s reachable by:

• Short drive or rideshare from downtown hotels.
• Bus routes that run along Auburn Avenue and Edgewood Avenue.

Take in a Game or Major Event

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

A short walk from the core of downtown, Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) home games.
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) matches.
• Concerts and large events.

Tips:

• On event days, expect heavy traffic around Northside Dr, MLK Jr Dr, and Mitchell St.
• Many people walk from downtown hotels or take MARTA to GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station.

State Farm Arena

Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

Next to CNN Center, State Farm Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and frequently hosts concerts.

If you’re staying downtown:

• You can typically walk from most major hotels on Marietta St, Andrew Young International Blvd, or Peachtree St.
• Pre- or post-event, Centennial Olympic Park and nearby restaurants are within minutes.

Walk, People-Watch, and Explore Downtown Streets

Downtown Atlanta is more walkable than many people expect, especially around Peachtree Street, Centennial Olympic Park, and Marietta Street.

Peachtree Street Corridor

Peachtree Street runs right through downtown and is lined with:

• Office towers and historic buildings.
• Hotels and casual restaurants.
• Occasional street-level public art.

Walking Peachtree between about Five Points and Ellis St gives you a feel for downtown’s business core and older architecture.

Woodruff Park

Location: 91 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Near the Five Points MARTA station, Woodruff Park offers:

• Open lawn and shaded seating.
• Occasional events and small installations.
• A convenient place to pause while exploring downtown streets.

City Hall and Government District

South of the main hotel corridor, near Mitchell St SW and Central Ave SW, you’ll find:

• Atlanta City Hall and government buildings.
• More low-key streets with views back toward the skyline.

This area is less touristy but helps you see how downtown functions as a civic center.

Discover Museums and Specialty Attractions

Beyond the big-name spots, downtown and its edges include other places to explore.

College Football Hall of Fame

Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame is popular with sports fans.

Expect:

• Interactive exhibits focused on college football traditions.
• Memorabilia and displays for specific teams.
• A relatively compact space you can see in 1–2 hours.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

For families with younger children, this museum sits right off Centennial Olympic Park and focuses on hands-on play and learning.

Eat and Drink in Downtown Atlanta

Food in downtown tends to cluster around hotels, event venues, and main streets like Peachtree St, Marietta St, and Andrew Young International Blvd.

Quick, Practical Dining

You’ll find:

• Fast-casual spots near Centennial Olympic Park and around major hotels.
• Food courts or clusters of options in and around office buildings.
• Coffee shops on or near Peachtree and around Woodruff Park.

These are convenient if you’re bouncing between attractions or on a lunch break from work.

Sit-Down and Evening Options

For a fuller night out:

• Look along Peachtree St, Marietta St NW, and streets around State Farm Arena for restaurants that cater to game and concert traffic.
• Consider walking or a quick ride to nearby neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill (just southwest of downtown) or Edgewood Avenue (east toward Old Fourth Ward) for more nightlife and dining choices that still feel connected to downtown.

Use MARTA and Other Transit to Get Around

One benefit of staying or starting your day in downtown Atlanta is access to MARTA rail and bus lines.

Rail Stations in or Near Downtown

Key MARTA stations:

• Five Points Station (30 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303) – central transfer point for all rail lines; close to Woodruff Park and many office buildings.
• Peachtree Center Station (216 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303) – convenient for Peachtree Street hotels and indoor walkways.
• GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station – best for State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Centennial Olympic Park area (access paths vary, so follow station signs).

Using MARTA can:

• Reduce parking costs for big events.
• Make it easier to hop between downtown, Midtown, and the airport.

Walking and Rideshare Tips

• Many attractions around Centennial Olympic Park are within a 5–10 minute walk of each other.
• Rideshare pickup spots are common near major hotels and along Andrew Young International Blvd and Marietta St NW.
• On event nights, it can be faster to walk a few blocks away from a stadium or arena before calling a rideshare.

Plan a Sample Day in Downtown Atlanta

If you want a simple plan, here are two example itineraries you can adjust to your timing and interests.

Family-Friendly Day

1. Morning: Georgia Aquarium
2. Late Morning/Early Afternoon: World of Coca-Cola
3. Lunch: Nearby casual restaurant around Centennial Olympic Park
4. Afternoon: National Center for Civil and Human Rights or Children’s Museum of Atlanta
5. Evening: Walk through Centennial Olympic Park, ride SkyView Atlanta

History and City Experience Day

1. Morning: MARTA to Five Points, walk through Woodruff Park and along Peachtree Street
2. Late Morning: National Center for Civil and Human Rights
3. Lunch: Around Marietta St or Centennial Olympic Park
4. Afternoon: Short rideshare or transit trip to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Sweet Auburn
5. Evening: Return downtown for dinner near State Farm Arena or explore nearby Castleberry Hill for a more neighborhood feel

Practical Tips for Enjoying Downtown Atlanta

• Timing: Weekdays feel more like a business district during the day; evenings and weekends are busier around major events and tourist spots.
• Parking: Many garages and surface lots exist around Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium; event rates can be higher, so check signage.
• Comfort: Summer heat and humidity can be intense; water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes help if you plan to walk between attractions.
• Safety awareness: As in any major city center, staying aware of your surroundings, keeping valuables secure, and sticking to well-lit, active streets—especially at night—can make your visit smoother.

Exploring Downtown Atlanta can be as simple as picking a cluster—Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree Street, or the stadium/arena area—and building your day around it. With major attractions, historic sites, and easy transit access, it’s a practical starting point for getting to know the city.