Top Attractions in Downtown Atlanta: What to See, Do, and Know

Downtown Atlanta packs many of the city’s most popular attractions into a walkable area, with MARTA stations, hotels, and major highways close by. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or are visiting for a weekend, downtown is where you’ll find big-name sights, historic landmarks, and family-friendly activities all within a few blocks.

Below is a practical guide to attractions in Atlanta’s downtown core—what to expect, how to get around, and tips for making the most of your visit.

Getting Oriented: Downtown Atlanta at a Glance

Downtown Atlanta generally centers around:

• Peachtree Street
• Centennial Olympic Park
• The area around Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Georgia State University

Key MARTA stations serving downtown include Five Points, Peachtree Center, GWCC/CNN Center, and Georgia State. If you’re staying at a downtown hotel, many of the attractions below are 10–15 minutes’ walk apart.

Centennial Olympic Park Area: Big-Name, Family-Friendly Attractions

World of Coca‑Cola

The World of Coca‑Cola is one of downtown’s most recognizable attractions, exploring the history and global impact of Atlanta’s hometown beverage brand.

What to expect:

• Interactive exhibits about Coca‑Cola’s advertising, history, and bottling
• A tasting area featuring Coca‑Cola products from around the world
• A look at memorabilia and brand collectibles

Location:
121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Near the GWCC/CNN Center and Peachtree Center MARTA stations.

Tip: This attraction can get busy on weekends and school holidays. Visiting earlier in the day usually means shorter lines.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium, often cited as one of the largest in the world, is a major downtown highlight, especially for families and marine-life enthusiasts.

Highlights include:

• Large viewing windows with whale sharks and manta rays
• Exhibits featuring dolphins, sea otters, penguins, and tropical fish
• Educational programs and shows geared to kids and adults

Location:
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Local tip: If you live in metro Atlanta, watch for resident discounts or off-peak pricing options that may be available on certain days.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Adjacent to the park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s central role in the Civil Rights Movement with ongoing human rights issues worldwide.

What you’ll find:

• Exhibits focused on the American Civil Rights era, with strong ties to Atlanta history
• Galleries highlighting global human rights struggles and advocates
• Multimedia displays that encourage reflection and discussion

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

This museum is often recommended for visitors who want to understand Atlanta’s role in civil rights, and it pairs well with a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District just east of downtown (short drive or streetcar ride).

CNN Center Area & GWCC

While the former CNN Center space is evolving, the area around it is still a central hub leading into:

• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) – a major convention facility
• State Farm Arena – home of the Atlanta Hawks and a major concert venue
• Nearby access to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (more on that below)

This part of downtown is especially active during conferences, sports games, and concerts, so plan for crowds and traffic on major event days.

Centennial Olympic Park

Originally built for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park now serves as a central green space surrounded by many of downtown’s biggest attractions.

Features:

• The Fountain of Rings, synced to music and lights
• Open lawns and walking paths with skyline views
• Occasional festivals and community events

Why it matters for visitors:
It’s a convenient meeting spot and a great place to take a break between attractions like the Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Sports & Entertainment Landmarks

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

On the western edge of downtown, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is home to:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
• Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• Major concerts and large events

Location:
1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

You can get there via the GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City MARTA stations, or walk from central downtown in 15–20 minutes depending on where you start.

Local tip: The stadium is known for relatively budget-friendly concession pricing compared to many venues, but lines can be long at peak times. Arriving before gates open gives you extra time to explore the building’s public art and fan areas.

State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena, adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park, hosts:

• Atlanta Hawks NBA games
• College basketball events
• Concerts and touring shows

Location:
1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

If you’re staying downtown, walking or using MARTA is often quicker than driving and parking on event nights.

History, Culture, and Architecture in Downtown

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Edge of Downtown/Old Fourth Ward)

While technically just east of the main downtown core, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is often part of a downtown itinerary because it’s so closely tied to Atlanta’s identity.

Key sites within the park area include:

• Dr. King’s birth home (by tour)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• The King Center, where Dr. King and Coretta Scott King are laid to rest
• Visitor center exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement

Location (Visitor Center):
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Easily reached by Atlanta Streetcar from the Peachtree Street corridor, or a short drive or rideshare from central downtown.

Georgia State Capitol

The Georgia State Capitol, with its recognizable gold dome, is a historic and political landmark at the southern edge of downtown.

What you’ll find:

• Public areas where you can observe the building’s architecture and displays
• The Georgia Capitol Museum, with exhibits on state history, natural history, and political life

Location:
206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

The Capitol sits near the Georgia State and Five Points MARTA stations. Security procedures and visiting hours can vary, so it’s wise to check ahead if you want to go inside.

College Football Hall of Fame

Next to Centennial Olympic Park, the Chick‑fil‑A College Football Hall of Fame appeals to fans of college sports and interactive exhibits.

Highlights:

• Team exhibits representing hundreds of college programs
• Interactive throwing and kicking experiences
• Memorabilia, trophies, and hall of fame displays

Location:
250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

This is a popular stop for visitors in town for games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, especially during football season and major bowl events.

Downtown Theater, Arts, and Entertainment

Downtown has a mix of historic theaters, performance spaces, and smaller venues, especially near Peachtree Street and Fairlie‑Poplar.

Theatrical & Performance Venues

• The Tabernacle – A former church turned concert venue near Centennial Olympic Park, hosting national touring acts across genres.
• Rialto Center for the Arts (Georgia State University) – Presents music, dance, and film, often featuring jazz, world music, and university programming.
  80 Forsyth St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

While some of Atlanta’s largest performing arts venues are in Midtown (such as the Fox Theatre), downtown’s spaces tend to offer more intimate shows and easy access via MARTA.

Walking Districts and Neighborhood Feel

Fairlie‑Poplar Historic District

The Fairlie‑Poplar area, roughly around Luckie Street, Walton Street, and Forsyth Street, is known for:

• Early 20th-century commercial architecture
• Narrow, walkable streets
• A mix of restaurants, small offices, and creative spaces

It’s a good area for a short walking tour if you’re interested in older downtown buildings and want to see a different side of the city beyond the big attractions.

Underground Atlanta (Redeveloping Area)

Just south of Five Points MARTA, Underground Atlanta is a historic site and shopping/entertainment complex that has gone through multiple redevelopment phases.

• The area has historically hosted events, nightlife, and festivals.
• Current offerings can change as redevelopment continues, so it’s smart to check what’s open before planning a specific visit.

Even without going inside, this area gives a sense of Atlanta’s older street grid and its evolution over time.

Quick Reference: Major Downtown Atlanta Attractions

Getting Around Downtown Atlanta

MARTA Rail

• Stations serving downtown include Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State, and GWCC/CNN Center.
• Many visitors use MARTA from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport directly into downtown to avoid parking.

Atlanta Streetcar

• Connects key downtown stops with the Sweet Auburn and MLK Jr. National Historical Park area.
• Useful if you’re staying near Peachtree Street and want to explore east of downtown without driving.

Walking

• Many of the main attractions around Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree Street, and Fairlie‑Poplar are within a 10–20 minute walk of each other.
• Sidewalks are generally good in the core, though you’ll encounter some hills, especially moving toward the Capitol or up Peachtree.

Driving & Parking

• Public garages and surface lots are widely available, especially near major attractions and event venues.
• Event days (Falcons, Hawks, large conventions) increase both parking costs and traffic; MARTA is often the smoother option in those cases.

Practical Tips for Visiting Downtown Attractions

• Plan by cluster: Group nearby attractions—such as the Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and Civil and Human Rights Center—to minimize backtracking.
• Check hours & tickets: Many downtown sites use timed-entry tickets, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays.
• Consider weekday visits: Weekdays outside rush hours are often less crowded than weekends or holidays.
• Stay hydrated and prepared for weather: Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer and occasionally chilly and windy in winter, especially around open spaces like Centennial Olympic Park.
• Think about locals’ perspective: If you live in Atlanta, downtown attractions can be easier to enjoy on off-peak days—for example, a weekday afternoon at the Georgia Aquarium or a morning visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Exploring downtown Atlanta attractions can easily fill a day or an entire weekend. With major museums, sports venues, historic sites, and walkable streets concentrated in a relatively compact area, it’s a natural starting point for understanding how the city looks, moves, and tells its story.