The Best Things To Do in Downtown Atlanta: A Local-Focused Guide

Downtown Atlanta packs many of the city’s biggest attractions, historic sites, and local flavors into a walkable core. Whether you live in Atlanta, are here for a quick trip, or are trying to understand what makes Downtown unique, there are several must-do experiences that belong on your list.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to what to do in Downtown Atlanta, how to get around, and how to make the most of your time in the heart of the city.

Get Your Bearings: Core Downtown Atlanta Areas

Before diving into specific activities, it helps to know the main pockets of Downtown:

• Centennial Olympic Park District – Big attractions and green space
• Five Points & Fairlie-Poplar – Historic core, MARTA hub, classic architecture
• South Downtown & Castleberry Hill (edges of Downtown) – Artsy, creative, historic lofts, growing restaurant/bar scene
• Georgia State University area – Younger energy, student-focused food spots, quick eats

Most of the “must do” activities sit within a 10–15 minute walk of one another.

1. Explore Atlanta’s Big-Ticket Attractions in Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park is the green heart of Downtown and a great starting point.

Why it’s a must-do:

• Walkable lawns and fountains in the middle of the city
• Views of the skyline, SkyView Ferris wheel, and nearby attractions
• Good for picnics, people-watching, or letting kids run around

You’ll find it bordered by many of Downtown’s signature spots, making it a natural “home base” for exploring.

World of Coca-Cola

Just off Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable attractions.

What to expect:

• Exhibits on the history and branding of Coca-Cola
• Memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and tasting areas
• A very family-friendly, indoor option (helpful on hot or rainy days)

This is especially popular with visitors, but plenty of locals take out-of-town guests here as a go-to Downtown activity.

Georgia Aquarium

Also adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park is the Georgia Aquarium, one of the most visited attractions in the city.

Highlights include:

• Massive tanks with whale sharks and manta rays
• Hands-on exhibits and kid-friendly areas
• Special experiences that may require separate tickets or reservations

If you only have time for one major paid attraction, many people choose between the Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola based on interest and who’s in the group (kids, adults, mixed ages).

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Across from the park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is one of Downtown Atlanta’s most meaningful experiences.

Why it matters in Atlanta:

• Strong focus on the American Civil Rights Movement, with deep ties to Atlanta’s history
• Exhibits that connect local history to global human rights issues
• A powerful way to understand the city beyond surface-level tourism

Plan enough time here to move at a thoughtful pace; it’s both educational and emotionally impactful.

State Farm Arena & Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Nearby Downtown Edge)

On the western edge of Downtown, you’ll find:

• State Farm Arena – Home to the Atlanta Hawks and major concerts
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, plus large-scale events

Even if you’re not going to a game or a show, walking around this part of Downtown on an event day gives you a feel for the city’s energy. If you are attending, build in time to navigate MARTA, parking, and security lines.

2. Walk Through History: Sweet Auburn & MLK Jr. Sites

Though technically just east of the densest part of Downtown, the Sweet Auburn area and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park are a key part of any Downtown-focused visit.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This area typically includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home (tours may require timed tickets)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• The King Center and reflecting pool

It’s one of the most significant historical areas in the city and helps connect Downtown’s modern skyline with Atlanta’s past.

Sweet Auburn Avenue

Once known as one of the most prosperous African American business districts in the country, Auburn Avenue offers:

• Historic buildings and churches
• Murals and small businesses
• A walkable stretch that shows a different side of “Downtown” than the entertainment core

If you’re staying Downtown, this area is close enough to incorporate into a half-day of walking and exploration.

3. Eat and Drink Around Downtown Atlanta

Downtown has long been more about attractions and offices than dining, but that’s steadily changing. The area now has a mix of quick spots and more memorable places.

Classic Downtown Food Experiences

Some locally rooted experiences you might consider:

• Southern and soul food – Restaurants around Sweet Auburn, the GSU area, or edges of Downtown often serve fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and other local staples.
• Casual lunch spots – Ideal for office workers and visitors heading to or from attractions, often clustered near Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, and around Georgia State University.

Hotel Restaurants and Rooftop Views

Many of the best views and upscale meals in Downtown come from hotel-based restaurants and bars, especially around Peachtree Street.

These often feature:

• Rooftop or high-floor bars with skyline views
• Pre- and post-game dining for arena and stadium events
• More polished menus than typical quick stops

If you’re staying in Downtown, ask your hotel staff which nearby rooftops or lounges have a good combination of view, pricing, and atmosphere.

Late-Night and Game-Day Spots

On event nights around State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you’ll find:

• Bars with big TVs and game-day specials
• Crowded sidewalks near the arenas before and after events
• Quick counter-service options for grabbing food on the way in or out

If you’re not here for a game or concert, consider checking an event calendar in advance. Streets, restaurants, and trains can be much more crowded when there’s a major event.

4. Experience Downtown’s Culture, Arts, and Entertainment

Beyond big-name attractions, Downtown offers several culture-forward experiences that tell you more about Atlanta’s identity.

SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel

Located across from Centennial Olympic Park, SkyView Atlanta is a large Ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas.

Why it’s popular:

• Elevated views of the Downtown skyline
• A good option at dusk or night when the city is lit up
• Works well as a “cap” to a day around the park and aquarium

Theatrical and Live Performance Venues

Downtown and its immediate surroundings have several performance spaces, including:

• Theatrical venues that host plays, touring productions, and local performances
• Smaller performance spaces or university theaters near Georgia State

For locals, these venues are regular cultural stops. For visitors, they’re a chance to experience Atlanta talent and touring shows in the heart of the city.

Street Art, Murals, and Public Art

While neighborhoods like the Old Fourth Ward and Castleberry Hill are better known for murals, Downtown itself has:

• Public art installations near Centennial Olympic Park
• Sculptures and statues around government buildings and plazas
• Occasional rotating displays or temporary installations

A simple way to explore: walk between Centennial Olympic Park, Five Points, and Sweet Auburn, paying attention to walls, underpasses, and building sides.

5. Dive into Downtown’s Historic Core: Five Points & Fairlie-Poplar

Five Points

Five Points is a transportation and geographic hub for Atlanta:

• Home to Five Points MARTA Station, where several rail lines connect
• A busy intersection of locals commuting, students traveling, and visitors transferring
• Surrounded by a mix of shops, small eateries, and historic structures

If you’re relying on public transit, you’ll probably pass through Five Points at least once.

Fairlie-Poplar District

Just northwest of Five Points is the Fairlie-Poplar district, one of Downtown’s most architecturally interesting pockets.

What makes it worth a walk:

• Older buildings with rich architectural detail
• Narrower streets and a more intimate feel than the main Peachtree corridor
• Small theaters, offices, and occasional cafes or lunch spots

Fairlie-Poplar gives you a sense of pre-modern Atlanta—a nice contrast to glassy towers closer to Peachtree Center.

6. Family-Friendly Things To Do in Downtown Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta with kids, Downtown is one of the easiest areas to entertain the whole family in a single day.

Top family-friendly picks:

• Georgia Aquarium – Sea life, massive tanks, hands-on areas
• World of Coca-Cola – Colorful exhibits, tastings, and memorabilia
• Centennial Olympic Park – Space for kids to run around; seasonal fountains
• SkyView Atlanta – A fun ride with views (often a hit with older kids)

Tips for families:

• 🕒 Go early in the day to avoid heavier crowds.
• 🎟️ Look into passes or combo options that include multiple attractions.
• 🚆 Consider MARTA rather than driving right into the core during major events.

7. How to Get Around Downtown Atlanta

Walking

Much of Downtown Atlanta is walkable, especially:

• Centennial Olympic Park area
• The blocks around Peachtree Street
• The path between attractions like the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, SkyView, and the civil rights center

Comfortable shoes are helpful; some blocks have mild hills and longer distances than they may appear on a map.

MARTA Rail and Bus

For many people, MARTA is the easiest way to reach and move around Downtown.

Key rail stops in or near Downtown include:

• Five Points Station – Major transfer point, centrally located
• Peachtree Center Station – Close to several hotels and offices
• GWCC/CNN Center Station – Convenient for the arena, stadium, and Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia State Station – Near Georgia State University and some government buildings

Using rail reduces the stress of parking, especially when large events are happening.

Driving and Parking

Driving into Downtown is possible but can be challenging during events or weekday rush hours.

If you drive:

• Look for public parking decks and surface lots near your main destination.
• Check signage carefully for pricing and time limits.
• Allow extra time for traffic, especially around the stadium, arena, and major intersections.

8. Quick Reference: Top Downtown Atlanta Must-Do List

Below is a simple at-a-glance summary of core Downtown activities and what type of visitor they’re best for:

Use this as a rough planning tool if you’re building a one-day or weekend itinerary.

9. Practical Tips for Enjoying Downtown Atlanta

A few grounded, Atlanta-specific pointers:

• Check event calendars – Large events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or the Georgia World Congress Center dramatically change traffic, parking, and crowd levels.
• Heat and weather – In warmer months, plan indoor attractions for midday and use early mornings or late afternoons for walking and park time.
• Safety awareness – Like any major downtown area, stay aware of your surroundings, stick to well-lit, busier streets, and keep valuables secured.
• Plan your cluster – Group attractions by area (for example, do the Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, and SkyView all in one loop).
• Leverage MARTA – If you’re staying elsewhere in Atlanta (Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport), MARTA can be more straightforward than driving and parking Downtown.

Once you understand how Downtown Atlanta is laid out and what each pocket offers, it becomes much easier to choose the must-do experiences that match your interests—whether that’s history, family attractions, skyline views, sports, or simply walking around the urban core that anchors the rest of the city.