Best Places to Visit in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local-Focused Guide

Atlanta combines big-city energy with Southern character, world-class attractions, and distinct neighborhoods. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a trip, or are trying to understand what makes the city special, this guide walks through the best places to visit in Atlanta, Georgia—organized in a way that makes it easy to plan your time.

Top Landmark Attractions in Atlanta

These are the spots most visitors and many locals consider “must-see” at least once.

Georgia Aquarium (Downtown)

One of the largest aquariums in the world, the Georgia Aquarium is a top Atlanta highlight.

Why go:

• Massive viewing windows with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of marine animals
• Family-friendly exhibits and interactive experiences
• Located in the heart of downtown, near several other major attractions

Good to know:

• Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Expect lines on weekends and holidays—arrive early or go on a weekday if possible.

World of Coca‑Cola (Downtown)

Right next to the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola tells the story of Atlanta’s most famous hometown brand.

Highlights:

• Museum-style exhibits about Coca‑Cola’s history and advertising
• A tasting area with drinks from around the world
• Memorabilia, art, and short films about the brand’s global reach

Good to know:

• Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Easy to pair with Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park on the same day.

Centennial Olympic Park (Downtown)

Originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is now a public green space and a central hub for downtown attractions.

Why visit:

• Open lawns, fountains, and city skyline views
• A convenient place to rest between nearby attractions
• Seasonal events, festivals, and outdoor performances

Location tip:
The park is bordered by Baker St NW, Marietta St NW, and Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW. It’s walkable from MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station and Peachtree Center station.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Sweet Auburn)

This national park in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood is one of Atlanta’s most meaningful historic sites.

What you’ll find:

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King once preached
• The King Center and his final resting place
• Visitor center with exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement

Good to know:

• Address (Visitor Center): 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Expect a quiet, reflective atmosphere and plan enough time to walk the full area.

CNN Center Area & State Farm Arena (Downtown/Entertainment District)

While the CNN Center has shifted over time, the surrounding area remains a key entertainment zone.

Nearby draws:

• State Farm Arena – major concerts, basketball games, and events
• Easy access to Centennial Olympic Park and downtown hotels
• Close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for NFL and MLS games

Transit tip:
Use MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station for this area.

Best Neighborhoods and Districts to Explore

Atlanta’s neighborhoods have strong personalities. If you want to understand what Atlanta feels like, these areas are worth your time.

Midtown: Art, Culture, and City Life

Midtown is dense, walkable (by Atlanta standards), and full of culture.

Key reasons to visit:

• Close to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, and major museums
• High-rise skyline, theaters, and restaurants
• Lively nightlife and events

Popular spots in Midtown:

• Peachtree St NE corridor – main spine with restaurants, hotels, and offices
• MARTA Midtown and Arts Center stations for easy access

Downtown: History, Attractions, and Government

Downtown Atlanta is where you’ll find many of the city’s top attractions and state buildings.

Highlights:

• Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, College Football Hall of Fame
• Centennial Olympic Park and nearby hotels
• Georgia State Capitol at 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

Downtown is especially convenient if you’re relying on MARTA rail, with multiple stations within walking distance of major sites.

Buckhead: Upscale Shopping and Dining

Buckhead is Atlanta’s traditional upscale district.

Why visit:

• High-end shopping, restaurants, and hotel options
• Tree-lined residential streets mixed with glass towers and offices

Transport:
Access via MARTA’s Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center stations and major roads like Peachtree Rd NE and GA‑400.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park: Trendy, Walkable, and Historic

These BeltLine-adjacent neighborhoods blend history and new development.

Old Fourth Ward highlights:

• Walkable access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Mix of lofts, murals, and local cafes
• Close to the MLK Jr. National Historical Park

Inman Park highlights:

• Victorian homes and leafy streets
• Restaurants around Euclid Ave NE and North Highland Ave NE
• Easy access to BeltLine and Krog Street Market area

Little Five Points: Alternative and Artsy

Known for its alternative vibe, Little Five Points is one of Atlanta’s most distinctive commercial districts.

Expect:

• Independent shops and vintage stores
• Tattoo studios, record shops, and street art
• Casual bars and eateries

The area centers around the intersection of Euclid Ave NE and Moreland Ave NE.

Parks, Nature, and Outdoor Spaces

Atlanta is often called a “city in a forest,” and its parks and trails show why.

Piedmont Park (Midtown)

Often compared to a smaller Central Park, Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s signature urban green space.

Why go:

• Walking and jogging paths, dog parks, and sports fields
• Great views of the Midtown skyline
• Frequent festivals and outdoor events

Good to know:

• Main entrance near 10th St NE & Charles Allen Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Adjacent to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, making it easy to visit both in one trip.

Atlanta Botanical Garden (Midtown)

Next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden showcases curated plant collections and seasonal exhibits.

Highlights:

• Canopy walk, themed gardens, and indoor conservatories
• Orchid and tropical plant displays
• Seasonal light shows and special events

Address:1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a multi-use trail network repurposing old rail corridors into walkable and bikeable paths that connect neighborhoods.

Best segments for visitors:

• Eastside Trail – connects Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Krog Street area; lined with art, restaurants, and retail
• Westside Trail – more residential and emerging, with local breweries and parks

What to do:

• Walk, jog, or bike
• Stop at BeltLine-fronting restaurants and food halls
• Enjoy public art installations

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Areas (Metro North/West)

If you want to escape city streets, the Chattahoochee River offers trails and water access just outside central Atlanta.

Popular access points near Atlanta:

• Areas around Powers Ferry Rd, Cochran Shoals, or Palisades sections
• Walking, trail running, paddling, and picnicking

Check local signage and official park information for parking and trail details, especially after heavy rain or seasonal changes.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Atlanta’s museums help explain its history, art, and role in the region.

High Museum of Art (Midtown)

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s premier art museum, easily accessible from Midtown.

Why visit:

• Permanent collection spanning classic and contemporary works
• Rotating special exhibitions
• Architecturally notable building

Address:1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Located near the Arts Center MARTA station.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Downtown)

This museum connects the American Civil Rights Movement with global human rights issues.

What to expect:

• Exhibits about key civil rights leaders and events
• Interactive installations focused on human rights worldwide
• Powerful, reflective environment

Address:100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Located between the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola.

Atlanta History Center (Buckhead)

The Atlanta History Center offers a broad look at the city’s and region’s past.

Highlights:

• Museum exhibits on local and regional history
• Historic houses on the property
• Beautiful garden spaces

Address:130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Family-Friendly Places to Visit

Many of Atlanta’s top spots work well for families, but a few stand out.

Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta hosts a wide range of animals in a leafy setting.

Why families like it:

• Animal habitats, feeding opportunities, and educational programs
• Stroller-friendly paths and shaded areas
• Adjacent to Grant Park’s open green space and playgrounds

Address:800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Children’s Museum of Atlanta (Downtown)

Designed specifically for younger children, this museum emphasizes play and hands-on learning.

Highlights:

• Interactive exhibits themed around science, building, and creativity
• Close to other downtown attractions

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

Sports and Entertainment Venues

If you’re interested in sports, concerts, or large events, Atlanta has several major venues in and around downtown.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Home to professional football and soccer, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also a major concert venue.

Address:1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Good to know:

• Located near the Vine City and Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center MARTA stations
• The surrounding area can be crowded on event days—plan extra time for parking or transit

State Farm Arena

Right next to downtown’s attractions, State Farm Arena hosts pro basketball, concerts, and large entertainment events.

Address:1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

Pairing an event here with nearby dining in downtown or the Luckie-Marietta District is common for both visitors and locals.

Iconic Streets, Markets, and Local Flavor

To get beyond the big-ticket attractions, many people focus on specific streets and local gathering spots.

Ponce City Market & Ponce de Leon Corridor

Ponce City Market, housed in a historic building along Ponce de Leon Ave NE, is one of Atlanta’s most visited mixed-use spaces.

Why go:

• Large food hall with diverse dining options
• Retail shops and rooftop entertainment area
• Direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Address:675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Krog Street Market & Krog Street Area

On the edge of Inman Park and Cabbagetown, Krog Street Market is known for its food stalls and casual atmosphere.

Nearby features:

• Walkable to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Close to the famous Krog Street Tunnel with rotating graffiti and street art

Address:99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Edgewood Avenue & Memorial Drive Corridors

These corridors, running through the Old Fourth Ward and nearby neighborhoods, offer a mix of nightlife, dining, and street art. They’re popular with locals for evenings out, especially near the streetcar route and BeltLine connections.

Performing Arts, Theater, and Music

Atlanta has a strong arts scene, with several key venues regularly hosting performances.

Fox Theatre (Midtown)

The historic Fox Theatre on Peachtree St NE is one of Atlanta’s most beloved landmarks.

Why visit:

• Unique “Moorish” interior design and starry-sky ceiling
• Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, and special events
• Tours sometimes available for those interested in architecture and history

Address:660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Woodruff Arts Center (Midtown)

The Woodruff Arts Center complex includes the High Museum of Art and major performing arts organizations.

On-site groups include:

• Major orchestral and theatrical organizations
• Rotating performances and educational programs

Address:1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Quick Planning Guide: Top Places by Interest

Use this simple table to match your interests with best places to visit in Atlanta, Georgia.

Practical Tips for Visiting These Atlanta Destinations

• Getting around:

  • MARTA rail is often the simplest way to reach downtown and Midtown attractions.
  • Rideshare and taxis are common; parking can be limited or paid in popular areas.

• Timing your visit:

  • Weekdays usually mean lighter crowds at major attractions.
  • Spring and fall often offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor spots like the BeltLine and Piedmont Park.

• Combining attractions in one day:

  • Downtown cluster: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  • Midtown cluster: Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, High Museum, Fox Theatre
  • BeltLine cluster: Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park

Focusing on a few areas at a time—downtown, Midtown, BeltLine neighborhoods, and Buckhead—will help you experience the best places to visit in Atlanta, Georgia without spending your entire trip in traffic.