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

Midtown Atlanta is one of the city’s most walkable, vibrant neighborhoods. It’s packed with art, green space, nightlife, restaurants, and events that appeal to both locals and visitors. If you’re trying to figure out what to do in Midtown Atlanta, this guide walks you through the best options by interest and time of day.

Top Things To Do in Midtown Atlanta at a Glance

Explore Midtown’s Signature Green Spaces

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is Midtown’s backyard and one of the best spots if you’re not sure where to start.

• Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• What to do:
  • Walk or run the paved trails with skyline views
  • Picnic on the meadow near the Active Oval
  • Play tennis, soccer, or use open fields
  • Visit the dog parks on the north end
  • Check for festivals and weekend events on the main lawn

Locals often combine a walk in Piedmont Park with brunch or dinner in Midtown since you can easily stroll to nearby restaurants along 10th Street or Monroe Drive.

Atlanta BeltLine – Eastside Trail (Midtown Access)

From the park, you can connect to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail via the Piedmont Park access points.

• What to do:
  • Rent a scooter or bike and ride south toward Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park
  • Walk and enjoy murals, public art, and people-watching
  • Stop at coffee shops, breweries, or quick bites just off the trail

If you’re staying in or near Midtown, this is one of the easiest ways to experience multiple neighborhoods without needing a car.

Dive Into Midtown’s Art & Culture

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is the centerpiece of Midtown’s arts district.

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Highlights:
  • Permanent collection of American, European, African, and folk art
  • Rotating exhibitions that often draw big crowds
  • Family programs and hands-on activities on select days

It’s directly off the Arts Center MARTA Station, so it’s very convenient if you’re traveling by train.

Woodruff Arts Center (Alliance Theatre & Atlanta Symphony Orchestra)

The Woodruff Arts Center complex includes:

• Alliance Theatre – Known for Broadway-style productions and new works

• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – Classical and pops concerts throughout the year

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (same campus as the High)

If you’re planning an evening in Midtown, pairing dinner on Peachtree Street with a show at Alliance Theatre or a symphony performance is a classic local night out.

Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

For design-focused exhibits, MODA offers a more niche experience.

• Location: 1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• What to expect:
  • Exhibitions on architecture, industrial design, fashion, and digital design
  • Smaller, more focused space that’s easy to do in an hour or two

This area of Peachtree, across from the High, is very walkable and filled with public art and interesting architecture.

Enjoy Nature in the City: Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden sits on the northern edge of Piedmont Park and is one of Midtown’s must-do attractions.

• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Highlights:
  • Elevated canopy walk through the treetops
  • Seasonal flower displays and plant collections
  • Children’s Garden with interactive features for kids
  • Evening events like garden lights in winter and themed nights in warmer months

Many visitors plan a half-day here, starting with the garden and then walking into Midtown for lunch or dinner.

Walk the Midtown Mile & Explore Peachtree Street

Midtown Mile

The Midtown Mile is a roughly one-mile stretch of Peachtree Street known for:

• Street-level shops and restaurants
• Office towers and residential high-rises
• Public art and wide sidewalks

Walking Peachtree from around 10th Street to 15th Street gives a good snapshot of Midtown’s atmosphere, especially during lunch or early evening when foot traffic is highest.

Colony Square

Colony Square is a redeveloped mixed-use complex right on Peachtree.

• Location: 1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30361
• Why go:
  • Open-air plaza with seating and often public events
  • Multiple dining options in one central spot
  • Easy access from Midtown MARTA Station

It’s a convenient, central place to meet friends, grab a quick bite, or sit outside and people-watch.

Food & Drink: Where to Eat and Hang Out

Midtown is one of Atlanta’s densest dining areas. While specific restaurant names change over time, some reliable areas to explore are:

• 10th & Piedmont / 10th & Peachtree area
  • Cluster of restaurants, bars, and patios
  • Easy access to Piedmont Park and the MARTA station
• Peachtree Street between 8th–14th Streets
  • Mix of casual spots, coffee shops, and full-service restaurants
• Near Arts Center & Colony Square
  • Good for pre-theatre and pre-symphony dinners

General tips:

• Weekends and event nights can be busy; if you have a specific place in mind, reservations are often a good idea.
• Many patios face the street, making them popular in spring and fall when the weather is mild.

Nightlife & Live Music in Midtown

Midtown’s nightlife ranges from laid-back lounges to energetic clubs.

Bar & Club Areas

• Crescent Avenue (near 14th St)
  • Concentration of bars and late-night venues
  • Popular with young professionals and visitors
• Peachtree Street & cross streets
  • Cocktail bars, hotel bars, and lounges
  • Often within walking distance of most Midtown hotels

Expect busy sidewalks on Friday and Saturday nights, especially in the warmer months.

Live Music & Performance

Beyond major venues like the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Midtown frequently hosts:

• Small-venue gigs at bars and lounges
• Outdoor music at plazas like Colony Square or within larger events in Piedmont Park

If you prefer a quieter evening, early dinners or weeknights are usually more relaxed than late-night weekends.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Midtown

Midtown works well for families because so much is within walking or short driving distance.

Consider building a day around:

1. Morning:
   • Atlanta Botanical Garden or a playground stop in Piedmont Park
2. Lunch:
   • Picnic in the park or a casual spot along 10th Street
3. Afternoon:
   • High Museum of Art (children’s activities are sometimes available)
   • Simple BeltLine walk for older kids who like being outdoors
4. Early dinner:
   • Family-friendly restaurants along Peachtree Street or near Monroe Dr/Piedmont Ave

Stroller access is generally good around major attractions, but some BeltLine and park paths can be uneven, so comfortable shoes and a sturdy stroller help.

Getting Around Midtown Atlanta

MARTA Rail

Midtown is one of the easiest parts of Atlanta to navigate without a car.

Key MARTA stations serving Midtown:

• Midtown Station (N4) – Near 10th & Peachtree
• Arts Center Station (N5) – Convenient to High Museum, Woodruff Arts Center
• North Avenue Station (N3) – Southern edge of Midtown

From these stations you can:

• Walk to most major Midtown destinations
• Connect to buses or ride-share for shorter hops

Walking & Biking

• Sidewalks are generally wide and well lit on main streets like Peachtree and 10th.
• Bike and scooter rentals are commonly available; you’ll see many people using them to reach the BeltLine or move between neighborhoods.

Parking

If you’re driving:

• Most attractions (High Museum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Piedmont Park) have their own or nearby paid parking garages or lots.
• Street parking can be limited, especially near Piedmont Park on weekends and during events. Pay attention to posted signs and time limits.

Free or Low-Cost Things To Do in Midtown

You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy Midtown Atlanta. Some consistently budget-friendly options include:

• Strolling Piedmont Park and watching pickup games, dogs, and city views
• Walking the Midtown Mile for architecture and people-watching
• Exploring the BeltLine Eastside Trail from the park to nearby neighborhoods
• Window-shopping and relaxing at Colony Square or along Peachtree Street
• Enjoying public art and murals, especially near major intersections and around MARTA stations

Many larger events in Piedmont Park or public plazas are free to attend, though food and extras may cost money.

Planning Your Midtown Atlanta Day or Weekend

To make the most of your time in Midtown:

• Pick a “home base” area – near Piedmont Park, Midtown Station, or Arts Center Station works best.
• Combine indoor and outdoor stops – for example, High Museum + Piedmont Park, or Botanical Garden + Midtown Mile.
• Check event schedules – big festivals and performances can transform the energy (and traffic) in Midtown.
• Use MARTA when possible – it can be faster and less stressful than driving and parking, especially during major events.

With art, parks, nightlife, and good food all packed into a compact, walkable area, Midtown Atlanta is one of the easiest neighborhoods to explore whether you’re a long-time local or just in town for a day.