Things To Do in Downtown Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the Heart of the City

Downtown Atlanta is compact, walkable, and packed with attractions, history, and local flavor. Whether you live in the city, you’re here for a quick work trip, or you’re planning a family visit, Downtown is where many of Atlanta’s biggest things to do are clustered together.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to the best things to do in Downtown, plus tips on how to get around and make the most of your time.

At-a-Glance: Top Things To Do in Downtown Atlanta

*Center for Puppetry Arts is just north in Midtown but often combined with Downtown visits.

Must-See Attractions Around Centennial Olympic Park

Most classic Downtown Atlanta things to do are clustered around Centennial Olympic Park, making it easy to walk between stops.

Georgia Aquarium

Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Why go: It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world and a major reason people stay in Downtown instead of the suburbs.

Highlights include:

• Ocean Voyager gallery with whale sharks and manta rays
• Hands‑on touch pools
• Dolphin and sea lion presentations

Tips:

• 🕒 Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid school groups.
• 🎟️ Booking tickets in advance is common and often recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.

World of Coca‑Cola

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

This attraction focuses on the history and global reach of the Coca‑Cola brand, which has deep roots in Atlanta.

Expect:

• Exhibits on the brand’s history and advertising
• Memorabilia and interactive displays
• A tasting experience with different Coca‑Cola products from around the world

It’s especially popular with families, convention visitors, and anyone who wants a shorter, 1–2 hour attraction near the aquarium.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

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

This museum connects Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement with broader global human rights issues.

What to know:

• Exhibits focused on the U.S. civil rights era
• Rotating galleries connecting past and present civil and human rights struggles
• A quieter, more reflective experience compared to other nearby attractions

Many locals view this as a must‑visit for understanding Atlanta’s place in American history.

College Football Hall of Fame

Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Even if you’re not a die‑hard fan, this Downtown attraction is designed to be interactive and family‑friendly.

You’ll find:

• Interactive skill challenges (kicking, passing, and more)
• Exhibits honoring college football teams and players
• Photo‑friendly displays and themed areas

It’s easy to pair with a visit to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena on game days.

Enjoying Centennial Olympic Park and Outdoor Spaces

Centennial Olympic Park

Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games, this park anchors much of Downtown’s visitor area.

You can:

• Walk the Fountain of Rings area
• Relax on the lawns between attractions
• Enjoy seasonal events, concerts, and festivals that often take place inside or around the park

Many people use the park as a central meeting point when exploring Downtown on foot.

Other Downtown Green Spaces

If you want a quick break from buildings and traffic:

• Woodruff Park — 91 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

  • Close to Georgia State University and Peachtree Center
  • Good for people‑watching and short walks

• Hurt Park — 25 Courtland St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

  • Smaller but convenient if you’re near Georgia State or the Government District

These parks tend to be part of a broader walk through Downtown, rather than stand‑alone destinations.

Iconic Views and City Landmarks

SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel

Location: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

The SkyView Atlanta observation wheel offers enclosed gondolas with views over Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and the Downtown skyline.

Good to know:

• Rides are relatively short, making this easy to fit into a packed day
• Evening rides offer city lights; daytime rides give clearer skyline views

State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Both major venues sit on the western edge of Downtown, walkable from Centennial Olympic Park and MARTA stations.

• State Farm Arena — 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

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

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium — 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

  • Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC
  • Known for its retractable roof, fan‑friendly concessions, and major events

Even when there isn’t a game, the stadium often offers tours that walk you through locker rooms, field level, and unique architectural features.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Downtown Atlanta

If you’re visiting with kids, Downtown is one of the most convenient parts of Atlanta because so many activities are close together.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

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

Ideal for younger children, this museum offers:

• Hands‑on learning exhibits
• Rotating themed areas
• Play‑focused spaces that tie in art, science, and everyday life

Most families combine this with nearby attractions within walking distance.

Nearby Educational Stops

Within a short walk or quick MARTA ride from Downtown, you can also reach:

• The King Center & Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  • Mainly located along Auburn Ave NE (east of core Downtown)
  • Includes Dr. King’s birth home (by tour), Ebenezer Baptist Church, and historic exhibits

These sites help families and visitors connect Atlanta sightseeing with important historical context.

Arts, Culture, and Atlanta History in the Downtown Core

Historic Auburn Avenue and Sweet Auburn District

Just east of major Downtown hotels, Auburn Avenue carries deep cultural and historical importance.

Within this area, you can explore:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  • Visitor Center: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Historic churches, neighborhoods, and landmarks tied to the civil rights movement
• Local businesses and murals that reflect the area’s heritage

It’s common to walk or rideshare from central Downtown to Auburn Avenue if you’re not familiar with the streets.

Museums and Cultural Venues in Downtown

• Tabernacle — 152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • A former church turned concert venue; often hosts big‑name and indie acts
• Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University — 80 Forsyth St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Hosts performances, film screenings, and cultural events
• Underground Atlanta — 50 Upper Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • A historic district that has evolved over time; now often used for markets, events, and creative spaces

These spots are useful if you want evening entertainment after daytime attractions.

Eating and Drinking in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown’s food scene is shaped by hotels, convention visitors, students, and office workers. You’ll find a mix of fast casual, Southern comfort, and business‑friendly sit‑down spots.

What to Expect

• Quick bites near Centennial Olympic Park and Peachtree Street
• Hotel restaurants around Peachtree Center and the Fairlie‑Poplar District
• Game‑day bars and restaurants closer to State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Locals often step just slightly outside the primary tourist routes into areas like Fairlie‑Poplar (around Luckie St, Poplar St, and Fairlie St) for more character and locally rooted spots.

Tips for Dining Downtown

• 🕒 Lunch hours are busiest on weekdays due to office workers and students
• On event nights (concerts, Hawks, Falcons, Atlanta United, major conventions), restaurants closest to venues can fill quickly
• If you’re staying Downtown, consider planning at least one meal in neighboring neighborhoods (like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park) if you have time to explore beyond the core

Nightlife, Events, and Live Entertainment

Downtown nightlife is more event-driven than neighborhood bar‑hopping. Many evenings revolve around concerts, games, and special events.

Game Nights and Arena Events

Before or after events at:

• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Nearby convention centers (like the Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young Intl Blvd NW)

you’ll see crowds fill local bars, restaurants, and hotel lounges.

If you’re not attending an event, it can still be fun to walk around, take in the atmosphere, and grab a bite or drink nearby.

Live Music and Shows

Key Downtown venues include:

• Tabernacle — popular for concerts
• Rialto Center for the Arts — cultural performances and arts programming
• Underground Atlanta — often hosts festivals, pop‑ups, and music events

Checking current schedules before you head out is common practice, as offerings change from week to week.

Walking, Transit, and Getting Around Downtown Atlanta

Using MARTA

Downtown Atlanta is served by multiple MARTA rail stations, making it relatively easy to reach without a car:

• Five Points Station — central hub, connects north‑south and east‑west lines
• Peachtree Center Station — convenient for many hotels and Peachtree Street
• Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station — best for stadiums and Centennial Olympic Park’s west side
• Georgia State Station — good for the Government District and GSU area

From these stations, many attractions are 5–15 minutes on foot.

Walking Tips

• Distances between major attractions (like from the aquarium to State Farm Arena) are usually short
• The area can feel hilly in spots, so comfortable shoes help
• Daytime sightseeing on well‑traveled streets is common; at night, visitors often choose main routes, rideshares, or MARTA depending on comfort level

Parking Considerations

If you’re driving:

• Many attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, College Football Hall of Fame) have attached or nearby parking decks
• Stadium and arena events use large parking lots and decks surrounding Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
• Rates and availability can vary significantly on game or event days, so many locals arrive early or use MARTA to avoid traffic

Practical Tips for Planning Your Downtown Atlanta Day

To make Downtown Atlanta easier to navigate, it helps to plan by cluster:

• Centennial Olympic Park Cluster:

  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • SkyView Atlanta
  • Centennial Olympic Park itself

• Stadiums & Arena Cluster:

  • State Farm Arena
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • GWCC (Georgia World Congress Center)

• Historic & Civic Cluster:

  • Auburn Avenue / Sweet Auburn
  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  • City government buildings and courthouses
  • Woodruff Park and Hurt Park

Planning 2–3 stops in a single cluster per day keeps walking manageable and leaves room for meals, breaks, and unplanned exploring.

When Downtown Atlanta Is at Its Best

Downtown can feel very different depending on when you’re there:

• Weekdays (work hours): Busy sidewalks, more lunch options, heavier traffic
• Evenings on event days: Energetic, crowded around stadiums and arenas
• Weekends without major events: Often more relaxed, easier parking, shorter lines at some attractions

For many visitors and locals, the ideal Downtown day is:

• Late morning to afternoon at Centennial Olympic Park area attractions
• Early evening dinner within walking distance
• Nighttime SkyView Atlanta ride, a concert at Tabernacle, or a game at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Staying flexible and building your day around a few anchors—like the aquarium, a museum, and an evening event—makes Downtown Atlanta feel manageable, walkable, and full of things to do without needing to crisscross the whole city.