Atlanta Airport Attractions: What to See, Do, and Eat at Hartsfield–Jackson

If you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you’re in one of the world’s busiest hubs—and there’s a lot more here than just security lines and gates. Whether you live in Atlanta and fly often, or you’re visiting and have a layover, ATL has art, local food, quiet spaces, and even an indoor airport park worth exploring.

This guide focuses on what you can see and do inside the airport and what’s nearby if you have extra time.

Quick Overview: Top Atlanta Airport Attractions

All terminals and concourses at ATL are located at 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320.

Understanding ATL’s Layout (So You Don’t Get Lost)

Many airport “attractions” at ATL are scattered across concourses, so it helps to know the basic layout:

• Domestic Terminal North (T-North) and Domestic Terminal South (T-South)
• International Terminal (Concourse F / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F all connected by:
  • Plane Train (underground tram)
  • Walkable tunnels with art and sound installations

Once you’re past security, you can move freely between concourses on the Plane Train or on foot. Many of the best art attractions are in the tunnels between these concourses.

Art & Culture Inside Atlanta Airport

Hartsfield–Jackson is known for museum-style art displays throughout the terminals. If you have even 30–60 minutes, wandering for art is one of the easiest and most interesting things to do.

1. Permanent and Rotating Art Exhibits

You’ll find sculptures, paintings, photography, and mixed-media installations in:

• T, A, B, C, D, E, and F concourses (near gate areas and along the main hallways)
• Domestic and International terminals check-in areas
• Rotundas where halls meet or split

Look for:

• Glass display cases with rotating exhibits, often featuring Georgia and Atlanta artists
• City-themed displays, sometimes highlighting Atlanta history, neighborhoods, or cultural icons
• Large-scale sculptures near food courts or major intersections

Tip: If you’re already at your gate, walk one or two gate sections in either direction; many displays are tucked slightly off the main path.

2. The Famous Walkway Between Concourses A & B

One of the most memorable “attractions” is the underground walkway between Concourse A and Concourse B. Instead of riding the Plane Train, walk it:

• You’ll see immersive lighting, art panels, and soundscapes, often themed around Georgia’s natural environments, forests, and seasons.
• The space feels more like an art tunnel than an airport passage.
• Count on about 10–15 minutes end-to-end at an easy walking pace.

This walk is a good way to stretch your legs on a long layover and see one of ATL’s signature features.

3. Exhibits in the International Terminal (Concourse F)

If your flight goes through Concourse F, you’ll find:

• High-ceiling art installations and large wall pieces
• Displays that reflect global culture and Atlanta’s role as an international gateway
• A more open, airy feel compared to the tighter domestic concourses

For travelers visiting Atlanta, this can be a nice “first impression” of the city’s creative side before heading downtown.

Food & Drink: Local Flavor at ATL

Atlanta’s airport is heavily focused on local and Southern-inspired options, mixed with national chains. If you’re trying to get a taste of Atlanta without leaving the airport, food is one of the best ways.

Where to Find Local Atlanta Flavors

You’ll see Atlanta and Southern-focused offerings spread across concourses, including:

• Southern-style dishes: fried chicken, biscuits, mac and cheese, collard greens, and barbecue
• Local coffee and pastry spots featuring regional roasts or Southern-style sweets
• Bars and grills with Atlanta sports on TV and local beer on tap

Common patterns travelers notice:

• Concourse A and B: Lots of food variety and quick-service options
• Concourse C and D: Mix of fast casual and sit-down spots, good for longer layovers
• Concourses E and F (international): Higher-end dining options and more space to sit

If you’re based in Atlanta and know your favorite local spots, check whether they have an airport outpost; many local names do.

Tips for Eating Well at ATL

• 💡 Check the concourse map on the overhead screens to see where restaurants cluster—often near the center of each concourse.
• If you have less than 30 minutes, stick to grab-and-go shelves or counter service.
• For early-morning flights, coffee spots in T, A, and B generally open first.
• For late-night arrivals, more options tend to stay open in Concourse A, B, and the Domestic Terminal.

Unique Airport Experiences You Might Not Expect

Beyond food and art, ATL has several small but worthwhile attractions that can make a layover more pleasant.

1. Indoor “Airport Park” Feel

In some concourses and terminals, ATL has created green, park-like seating areas:

• Planters, greenery, and softer lighting
• Clustered seating that feels more like a living room than a waiting area
• Charging outlets, small tables, and quiet corners

These are scattered, but you’re most likely to find them in newer or recently updated sections like Concourse F and parts of E.

2. Plane-Spotting and Window Views

The airport offers excellent views of runways and taxiways:

• Many concourses have floor-to-ceiling windows near gate areas.
• Look for windows at the ends of concourses (like the far ends of A, B, C, or D) for less crowded viewing.
• Watching takeoffs and landings is a classic way to keep kids busy—or unwind yourself.

3. People-Watching

Being one of the world’s busiest airports, ATL is great for people-watching:

• Sit near central atrium areas or major intersections in Concourses A and B, where multiple streams of passengers converge.
• The Domestic Terminal Atrium (outside security) often has vendors, seating, and a lively mix of travelers and airport workers.

Family- and Kid-Friendly Attractions at ATL

Traveling with kids through Atlanta can be stressful, but there are built-in distractions.

1. The Plane Train (as a Ride)

Most kids consider the Plane Train an attraction:

• It’s a fully automated tram connecting all concourses and terminals.
• It feels like a short ride, with announcements and lighted maps.
• For restless kids on a layover, riding one or two full loops (without exiting) can be entertaining, as long as you allow time to get back to your gate.

Tip: Avoid peak boarding times if your kids get overwhelmed in crowds.

2. Long Hallways for Walking and Exploring

The walking tunnels between concourses, especially between A and B, give kids:

• Room to stretch their legs
• Visual stimulation from the art and lighting
• A contained, safe path with clear wayfinding signs

If you’re pushing a stroller, moving walkways can help, and there are elevators near most escalators for easier access.

3. Nursing Rooms & Family Areas

ATL has lactation/nursing rooms and family-friendly restrooms in multiple concourses. These aren’t “attractions” in the fun sense, but for families, they can be a major relief:

• Look for signs near restrooms or ask any airport staff member.
• Most rooms provide privacy, seating, and outlets.

Quiet Spaces, Chapels, and Lounges

If your ideal “attraction” is peace and quiet, ATL has several options.

1. Chapels and Interfaith Spaces

Hartsfield–Jackson includes chapels or interfaith prayer rooms that offer:

• A quiet, respectful space for prayer, reflection, or simply unplugging
• Seating, sometimes soft music or very low noise

Look for “Chapel” or “Interfaith” on airport directory signs or ask at an information desk inside the Domestic or International terminals.

2. Airline and Independent Lounges

If you have access through your ticket class, credit card, or membership, airport lounges can be a significant upgrade on long layovers:

• Quieter seating
• Snacks, light meals, and drinks
• Workspaces and outlets

Lounges are usually in:

• Concourse T
• Concourse A
• Concourse F
• Some other concourses may have airline-specific clubs

If you live in Atlanta and travel often, lounge access can be worth considering, especially for delays or frequent connecting flights through ATL.

Attractions Near Atlanta Airport (If You Have More Time)

If your layover is 4+ hours and you’re comfortable leaving and re-clearing security, or if you live in Atlanta and are picking someone up early, there are a few nearby options.

1. ATL SkyTrain & Rental Car Center

The ATL SkyTrain is an elevated train just outside the Domestic Terminal:

• Connects the Domestic Terminal to:
  • Rental Car Center
  • Nearby airport-area hotels and offices
• Offers elevated views of some airport operations and surrounding areas
• Ride is free and runs frequently

You’ll access it from the Domestic Terminal (follow signs for SkyTrain or Rental Cars).

2. Cell Phone Lots (For Arrivals/Pickups)

If you’re an Atlanta local waiting to pick someone up, the cell phone lots function as a low-key “attraction” simply because they’re:

• Free waiting areas for drivers
• A place to sit in your car, listen to music, or read until your passenger calls

Main lots are generally signed as:

• Cell Phone Lot – Domestic Terminal
• Cell Phone Lot – International Terminal (Concourse F)

Check current airport signage as routing can change with construction, but they’re well-marked off Airport Blvd and other access roads.

3. Nearby Hotels with Amenities

Several airport-area hotels offer:

• Day passes or restaurant access
• Lounges, lobbies, and sometimes pools (policies vary)

These can be useful if:

• You have a very long layover
• You’re delayed overnight
• You want a quieter space than the terminal but don’t want to go all the way into downtown Atlanta

Most airport hotels are clustered near Airport Blvd, Virginia Ave, and Best Rd. If you’re using a hotel shuttle, they typically pick up at designated areas outside the Domestic and International terminals.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta Airport Attractions

To actually enjoy ATL rather than just survive it, a bit of planning helps:

• Know your time window.

  • Under 1 hour: Stay near your gate; explore immediate art, windows, and nearby food.
  • 1–3 hours: Walk at least one tunnel (A–B is best), get a real meal, ride the Plane Train once end-to-end.
  • 4+ hours: Consider a lounge, leaving security for SkyTrain or a nearby hotel, or visiting the International Terminal for a change of scenery.

• Check your concourse first.
  Concourse changes happen; verify your departure gate before wandering far.

• Use the Plane Train strategically.
  Ride to a concourse known for better dining, then walk back toward your gate through the tunnels to see art.

• Watch the time carefully if you leave the secure area.
  Re-clearing security at ATL can be fast or slow depending on the time of day. Give yourself a comfortable buffer.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Atlanta airport attractions are real—from immersive art tunnels and rotating exhibits to local food and kid-friendly experiences.
• Most of the best things to do are inside security and accessible from any concourse via the Plane Train or walkways.
• If you’re an Atlanta local, you can turn pickups, drop-offs, or early arrivals into a chance to explore a different side of ATL.
• For visitors, the airport offers a mini-introduction to Atlanta culture—art, food, and a sense of the city—before you even reach downtown.

With a bit of curiosity and a few extra minutes, Hartsfield–Jackson becomes more than just a stopover; it’s a place where you can actually see, taste, and experience a slice of Atlanta.