Fun, Food, and Culture: The Best Stuff To Do in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta packs a lot into a relatively small area: major attractions, historic sites, big-event venues, and plenty of spots to eat, drink, and explore. Whether you live in the metro area or you’re in town for a quick visit, downtown is where Atlanta’s energy really shows up.

Below is a practical guide to things to do in Downtown Atlanta, how to plan your time, and what locals usually recommend.

Getting Oriented: What Counts as “Downtown Atlanta”?

When people say Downtown Atlanta, they’re usually talking about the area around:

• Peachtree Street, from the Five Points area up toward Peachtree Center
• Centennial Olympic Park and the stadium district
• The Georgia State Capitol and government buildings
• The Fairlie-Poplar Historic District (older brick buildings, lofts, and small eateries)

Most of the big-name attractions are within a 10–20 minute walk of each other, and you can easily get around using MARTA rail, street-level walking, scooters, or rideshare.

Top Downtown Atlanta Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

Centennial Olympic Park Area: Atlanta’s “Postcard” View

The Centennial Olympic Park district is usually where visitors start. It’s also a nice spot for locals to show off the city.

Key things to do:

• Walk the park itself
  Stroll around Centennial Olympic Park to see the Fountain of Rings, green spaces, and skyline views. It’s often used for festivals, concerts, and public events.

• World of Coca-Cola (121 Baker St NW)
  A popular stop where you can:

  • Learn the history of the Coca-Cola brand
  • Walk through themed exhibits
  • Sample different Coca-Cola products from around the world

• Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW)
  Known for:

  • Large, immersive tanks with whale sharks, manta rays, and more
  • Interactive touch pools and behind-the-scenes add-ons
  • Family-friendly shows and educational talks

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights (100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW)
  A powerful museum that:

  • Highlights the U.S. Civil Rights Movement (with strong Atlanta ties)
  • Connects it to global human rights issues
  • Offers thoughtful, reflective exhibits that many locals recommend as “must-do”

These three attractions cluster around Centennial Olympic Park, so you can easily visit one or two in a single day.

Downtown History and Government: From the Capitol to Fairlie-Poplar

If you’re into history, politics, or architecture, south and east of Peachtree Center offer a lot.

Georgia State Capitol

• Georgia State Capitol (206 Washington St SW)
  Recognizable by its gold dome, the Capitol:
  • Houses the Governor’s offices and the General Assembly
  • Includes a museum with Georgia history and artifacts
  • Often offers public tours (check current hours and security guidelines before visiting)

You can walk around the exterior for good photo angles of the dome and nearby monuments, even if you don’t enter.

Fairlie-Poplar Historic District

Northwest of Five Points, Fairlie-Poplar features older buildings, narrow streets, and a more intimate feel. Things to look for:

• Historic commercial buildings converted to lofts, offices, and small eateries
• Classic architecture and facades that make for interesting photos
• Occasional pop-up events, galleries, and performances

This area is good for wandering, grabbing coffee, and feeling “old Atlanta” beneath the modern skyline.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Downtown Atlanta

Families with kids can fill a day or weekend downtown without getting bored.

Top family stops:

• Georgia Aquarium – large, walkable, and stroller-friendly
• World of Coca-Cola – colorful, interactive spaces
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW)
  • Hands-on exhibits, play areas, and learning activities
• SkyView Atlanta (168 Luckie St NW)
  • A large Ferris wheel near Centennial Olympic Park
  • Offers enclosed gondolas and skyline views, especially nice at night

Tips for families:

• Aim for morning visits to major attractions to avoid the heaviest crowds.
• Many places allow re-entry the same day; check policies if you want to take breaks.
• Pack a light bag with snacks and water, especially if visiting multiple spots.

Sports, Events, and Big-Game Energy

Downtown hosts many of Atlanta’s biggest events, from pro sports to concerts.

• State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr)

  • Home of the Atlanta Hawks
  • Major concerts, shows, and special events

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW)

  • Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC
  • Hosts major football games, concerts, and large-scale events
  • Known for its retractable roof and fan-friendly design

When events are happening, the streets, MARTA trains, and nearby restaurants fill up quickly. If you’re not attending the game, you may want to time your visit before or after event rush hours.

Arts, Culture, and Performance in Downtown

Downtown isn’t just about big attractions—it also has a deep arts and theater scene.

Live Theater and Performing Arts

Several venues sit in or very close to downtown:

• The Tabernacle (152 Luckie St NW) – A historic church-turned-concert venue with a distinctive interior.
• Balzer Theater at Herren’s / Theatrical Outfit (84 Luckie St NW) – Local company focusing on plays and storytelling.
• Rialto Center for the Arts (80 Forsyth St NW) – Georgia State University’s performing arts center, with music, dance, and theater events.

Checking schedules ahead of time makes it easy to pair an afternoon attraction with an evening show.

Street Art and Murals

While some of Atlanta’s most famous murals are in neighborhoods like Midtown and the Old Fourth Ward, downtown has its share of public art, including:

• Installations near Centennial Olympic Park
• Murals in the Fairlie-Poplar area
• Rotating public art projects supported by local organizations

A short, self-guided walk can reveal unexpected art tucked into alleyways and side streets.

Eating and Drinking in Downtown Atlanta

Food options in downtown range from quick grab-and-go to sit-down spots good for groups, pre-game meals, or casual dates.

Quick Bites Near Major Attractions

If you’re spending the day around Centennial Olympic Park, the Aquarium, or the World of Coca-Cola, you’ll find:

• Fast-casual eateries along Marietta St NW and Luckie St NW
• Food courts and indoor options connected to hotels or office towers
• Food trucks at certain events or busy times (varies by season and schedule)

This is ideal when you don’t want to leave the attraction cluster but need a quick meal.

Classic Downtown & Hotel-Adjacent Dining

Around Peachtree Center, Peachtree St, and the big hotels, you’ll see:

• Sit-down restaurants suited for business lunches and convention travelers
• Coffee shops and bakeries convenient for a quick recharge
• Bars and lounges that stay open later on event nights

Local residents often use these spots for after-work meetups, pre-theater dinners, or game-day gatherings.

Free and Low-Cost Things To Do in Downtown Atlanta

You don’t have to spend much to enjoy downtown. There are several budget-friendly options:

• Walk Centennial Olympic Park

  • Enjoy the green space, skyline views, and fountain shows (when operating).

• Georgia State Capitol grounds

  • Explore the exterior, monuments, and nearby government buildings.

• Self-guided walking tours
  Focus on:

  • Historic buildings in Fairlie-Poplar
  • Street art and public art installations
  • The evolution of Peachtree Street and surrounding blocks

• Window-shop and explore Peachtree Center and nearby corridors

  • Good for people-watching and getting a feel for city life.

If you’re local, these options work well for low-key evenings or quick weekend outings without committing to ticketed attractions.

Nightlife and Evening Activities in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown’s vibe changes at night, especially when there’s a game, concert, or convention.

Evening ideas:

• Ride SkyView Atlanta after dark for city lights.
• Catch a concert or game at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Head to a lounge, sports bar, or hotel bar on or near Peachtree St or Marietta St NW.
• See a show or live music at venues like the Tabernacle or Rialto Center (depending on schedule).

If you’re new to the city, many locals recommend sticking to well-lit, busier streets at night and using MARTA, rideshare, or paid parking rather than hunting for free street spots far from your destination.

Practical Tips for Visiting Downtown Atlanta

Getting There and Getting Around

MARTA Rail:

• Downtown is served by multiple MARTA rail stations, including:
  • Five Points Station – central hub for north-south and east-west lines
  • Peachtree Center Station – convenient for hotels, Peachtree St, and some attractions
  • CNN Center / GWCC Station – close to Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Driving and Parking:

• Numerous paid parking decks and surface lots, especially near major attractions and arenas.
• Event days can mean higher prices and limited availability, so arriving early or using MARTA often reduces stress.

Walking and Scooters:

• Many attractions are within 10–15 minutes’ walking distance of each other.
• You’ll often see shareable scooters and bikes in busy areas; follow local rules and ride cautiously on city streets.

Safety and Comfort Tips

• Keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night and around busy transit hubs.
• Summer heat and humidity can be intense—water, sunscreen, and light clothing help a lot if you’re exploring on foot.
• Check attraction hours and any special entry policies (such as bag restrictions for arenas) before you go.

Sample Half-Day and Full-Day Downtown Plans

To make planning easier, here’s a simple overview of how you might spend your time.

At-a-Glance Itinerary Ideas

You can adjust based on your interests—swap in the State Capitol, Children’s Museum, or a walking tour if those appeal more.

Is Downtown Atlanta Worth a Visit If You Live Here?

For locals, downtown can serve several roles:

• A go-to spot for out-of-town visitors who want the “Atlanta highlights” in one area
• A convenient hub for sports, concerts, and theater
• A place to revisit periodically as new restaurants, events, and public art projects appear

Even if you’re mostly in the suburbs or other in-town neighborhoods, planning the occasional downtown day or evening can remind you how much is packed into this part of the city.

Whether you’re coming for the Georgia Aquarium, a Falcons or Hawks game, a civil rights history deep dive, or just a walk through the park and dinner on Peachtree, downtown Atlanta offers plenty of ways to fill your time—and see a side of the city that feels distinctly its own.