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

Downtown Atlanta is where the city’s history, culture, sports, and skyline all collide. Whether you live here or you’re in town for a day, Downtown Atlanta packs a lot into a walkable area: world-famous attractions, local food spots, historic sites, and green spaces.

Below is a practical guide to the top things to do in Atlanta’s Downtown, plus tips on how to plan your time, where to walk, and what to expect in each area.

Get Your Bearings: Key Downtown Atlanta Areas

Understanding how Downtown is laid out makes it much easier to explore:

Most visitors and many locals start around Centennial Olympic Park, then branch out.

Must-See Attractions Around Centennial Olympic Park

1. Visit Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park is the centerpiece of Downtown, originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games.

• What to do:
  • Walk the paths and enjoy the Fountain of Rings
  • Relax on the lawns with a skyline view
  • Look for engraved bricks and Olympic markers
• Why it’s worth it: It’s a great starting point to orient yourself and decide which nearby major attraction to hit next.

Address:
Centennial Olympic Park
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

2. Georgia Aquarium

One of the most popular things to do in Downtown Atlanta is to visit the Georgia Aquarium, just a short walk from the park.

• Highlights:
  • Massive ocean tank with whale sharks and manta rays
  • Dolphin and sea lion presentations
  • Touch pools and kid-friendly exhibits
• Good for: Families, couples, and anyone wanting a “must-do Atlanta” experience.

Address:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000

3. World of Coca-Cola

Right next door to the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola focuses on the history and culture around the Coca-Cola brand, which has deep roots in Atlanta.

• Things to do:
  • Explore exhibits on the company’s Atlanta origins
  • See vintage memorabilia and ads
  • Sample drinks from around the world in the tasting room
• Tip: It pairs nicely with the aquarium for a full day in the Centennial Olympic Park area.

Address:
World of Coca-Cola
121 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 676-5151

4. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

For a more reflective stop, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s civil rights history to global human rights issues today.

• Key features:
  • Exhibits focused on the American Civil Rights Movement
  • Rotating installations on modern human rights issues
  • Interactive displays suited to older kids, teens, and adults
• Why it matters in Atlanta: Downtown is heavily tied to the legacy of the civil rights movement, and this center helps put that in context.

Address:
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (678) 999-8990

5. College Football Hall of Fame

Across from Centennial Olympic Park, this attraction leans into Atlanta’s role as a major sports city.

• What to expect:
  • Interactive exhibits, simulated plays, and skill challenges
  • Memorabilia from college programs across the country
• Best for: College football fans, sports enthusiasts, and older kids who want hands-on activities.

Address:
College Football Hall of Fame
250 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 880-4800

Explore History and Government in Downtown Atlanta

6. Georgia State Capitol

The Georgia State Capitol anchors the Government District, a short walk or quick ride from the core tourist spots.

• What you can do:
  • Walk the grounds and view the gold dome
  • Visit the public museum inside, which features Georgia history and artifacts
• Tip: Weekday mornings are often best if you want to see the building in full activity.

Address:
Georgia State Capitol
206 Washington St SW
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: (404) 656-2844

7. Atlanta City Hall and Government District Walk

Nearby, you can take a quick stroll past Atlanta City Hall and surrounding government buildings for a look at the civic side of Downtown.

• Good for: Locals handling errands, and visitors who want to see a less tourist-focused part of Downtown.
• Pair with: A walk toward Underground Atlanta and Five Points for a mix of history and modern transit activity.

Address:
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 330-6000

Dive Into Atlanta’s Civil Rights and Cultural History

8. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Nearby but Worth the Short Trip)

While not technically within the core Downtown blocks, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is close enough—east of Downtown near Sweet Auburn—that many people include it in their Downtown plans.

• Key sites:
  • Dr. King’s birth home (by guided tour)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • The King Center and reflecting pool
• How it ties to Downtown: It deepens what you might learn at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and connects directly to Atlanta’s role in the movement.

Address:
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
450 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Visitor Information: (404) 331-5190

9. Sweet Auburn Curb Market (Municipal Market)

On the edge of Downtown and Sweet Auburn, the Municipal Market, often called Sweet Auburn Curb Market, is a classic stop for local food.

• What to do:
  • Grab lunch from local vendors
  • Pick up fresh produce or Southern specialties
  • Sample a few small bites instead of one big meal
• Why go: It’s a convenient, indoor spot to taste Atlanta flavor between cultural stops.

Address:
Sweet Auburn Curb Market / Municipal Market
209 Edgewood Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 659-1665

Walk Historic Streets and Local Blocks

10. Fairlie-Poplar Historic District

The Fairlie-Poplar district is one of the most interesting walkable parts of Downtown, with older buildings, narrow streets, and a mix of offices, restaurants, and performance spaces.

• What to see and do:
  • Admire the architecture and older facades
  • Stop in for coffee, lunch, or a drink after work or sightseeing
  • Catch a performance at a nearby theater (more on that below)
• Best time: Weekdays for a lively feel; evenings for pre-show dining.

Rough area:
Centered around Luckie St NW, Poplar St NW, and Fairlie St NW, west of Peachtree St and north of Marietta St.

11. Underground Atlanta and Five Points

Underground Atlanta has gone through several phases and remains a work-in-progress area, but it’s historically significant and adjacent to the Five Points MARTA hub.

• Reasons to visit:
  • See the street-level history of Atlanta’s old downtown
  • Use it as a stepping stone between the Government District and Sweet Auburn
  • Catch MARTA trains to other neighborhoods from Five Points Station
• Tip: Check hours and current uses before dedicating a lot of time; the area is often in transition with events, art, or pop-up spaces.

Address (general area):
Underground Atlanta
50 Upper Alabama St SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Sports and Big-Event Experiences

12. Mercedes-Benz Stadium

While technically on the western edge of Downtown, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is walkable from the Centennial Olympic Park area and is one of the city’s major landmarks.

• What happens here:
  • Atlanta Falcons (NFL) home games
  • Atlanta United FC (MLS) home matches
  • Major concerts and events
• What to know:
  • Crowds are significant on event days; plan transit or parking in advance
  • The stadium is known for wide concourses and a distinct roof design

Address:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
General Information: (470) 341-5000

13. State Farm Arena

Right next to the park and CNN Center area, State Farm Arena is another key Downtown venue.

• Events:
  • Atlanta Hawks (NBA) home games
  • Concerts, family shows, and special events
• Tip: Pair a game or show with a pre-event meal in Fairlie-Poplar or around Centennial Olympic Park.

Address:
State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Dr
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (866) 715-1500 (box office and event information)

Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Downtown

14. Theatrical Performances and Live Shows

Downtown Atlanta has some notable performance venues:

• The Tabernacle (music, live shows)
  152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

• The Rialto Center for the Arts (Georgia State University)
  80 Forsyth St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Often hosts concerts, performances, and cultural events.

• Balzer Theater at Herren’s (Theatrical productions)
  84 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

What to do:

• Check performance calendars in advance
• Make a night of it by grabbing dinner in Fairlie-Poplar before or after the show

15. Public Art and Film Locations

Downtown Atlanta often doubles as a filming location for TV and movies.

• Things to look for:
  • Superhero-movie-style city streets and skylines
  • Public art and murals tucked along side streets
  • Occasional production trucks, especially around Fairlie-Poplar and Government District

You can explore casually or look up self-guided film location walks focused on Downtown blocks.

Parks, Greenspace, and City Views

16. Woodruff Park

Woodruff Park sits between Five Points and Fairlie-Poplar and offers an open space to pause in the middle of Downtown.

• Features:
  • Open lawn and seating
  • Occasional programming like markets or small events
• Good for: A quick break, coffee on a bench, or people-watching on a workday.

Address:
Woodruff Park
91 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Managed by: Atlanta Downtown Improvement District

17. Views of the Skyline

Downtown’s tall buildings give you plenty of opportunities for skyline views.

• Options:
  • Lookout spots around Centennial Olympic Park
  • Higher-floor hotel bars or restaurants (where open to the public)
• Tip: If you’re staying in Downtown, ask about accessible rooftop or top-floor lounges that offer views, especially at sunset.

Eating and Drinking in Downtown Atlanta

18. Quick Bites and Lunch Spots

Downtown caters heavily to workers, students, and visitors, so you’ll find many lunch-friendly options:

• Near Centennial Olympic Park: National chains and sit-down restaurants convenient for museum days.
• Fairlie-Poplar: Local cafes, coffee shops, and smaller restaurants with character.
• Sweet Auburn Curb Market: Food stalls serving everything from Southern dishes to international options.

👍 Tip: If you’re doing multiple attractions in one day, aim for Sweet Auburn Curb Market or a Fairlie-Poplar spot to break up the day with more local flavor.

19. After-Work Drinks and Evening Spots

Evenings in Downtown can be lively, especially when:

• There’s a big game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
• There are shows at the Tabernacle or Rialto
• Workers from nearby offices head out after work

Where to look:

• Fairlie-Poplar: Bars and small restaurants ideal for a drink before or after a show.
• Around Centennial Olympic Park: Hotels and nearby restaurants that stay active into the evening on event days.

Getting Around Downtown Atlanta

20. MARTA Rail and Streetcar

Downtown is one of the easiest parts of Atlanta to reach without a car.

• MARTA Rail:

  • Key stations: Five Points, Peachtree Center, Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/College Football Hall of Fame, and Georgia State
  • Connects you to Midtown, Buckhead, the airport, and beyond

• Atlanta Streetcar:

  • Loops through parts of Downtown and the Sweet Auburn area
  • Useful for traveling between Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree Center, and MLK Jr. National Historical Park

MARTA General Information: (404) 848-5000

21. Walking Tips

Downtown is relatively walkable by Atlanta standards, especially between:

• Centennial Olympic Park area
• Fairlie-Poplar
• Woodruff Park and Five Points
• Government District

Practical advice:

• Be mindful of hills; some blocks can be steeper than they appear on a map.
• On busy event days, sidewalks can be crowded around the stadium and arena.
• For late nights, many locals prefer pairing walking with MARTA, rideshare, or trusted transportation options.

Ideas for 1-Day and 2-Day Downtown Atlanta Plans

Sample 1-Day Downtown Itinerary (Visitor Focused)

• Morning:

  • Start at Centennial Olympic Park
  • Visit the Georgia Aquarium

• Midday:

  • Walk to World of Coca-Cola
  • Lunch nearby or at Sweet Auburn Curb Market (short ride or longer walk)

• Afternoon:

  • Tour the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Stroll through Fairlie-Poplar and Woodruff Park

• Evening:

  • Catch a game at State Farm Arena or a show at The Tabernacle
  • End with a drink or dessert at a Downtown spot near your venue

Sample 2-Day Downtown + Nearby Itinerary

Day 1 – Classic Downtown

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Aquarium or College Football Hall of Fame
• World of Coca-Cola
• Fairlie-Poplar walk and dinner
• Evening show or game

Day 2 – History and Local Flavor

• Morning: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• Midday: Lunch at Sweet Auburn Curb Market
• Afternoon: Georgia State Capitol and Government District walk
• Late afternoon: Time in Underground Atlanta or Woodruff Park
• Evening: Explore additional Downtown dining or head to nearby neighborhoods

When Downtown Atlanta Is Best to Visit

• Weekdays:

  • Lively during the day with workers and students
  • Good for museums, government buildings, and casual walks

• Weekends:

  • Centered more around tourists, conventions, and game/event days
  • Attractions can be busier, especially around the aquarium and stadium

• Event days:

  • Expect heavier traffic and bigger crowds near Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
  • Great energy if you’re attending; plan something quieter earlier in the day if you want balance

By focusing on these core Downtown Atlanta activities—major attractions around Centennial Olympic Park, historic and government sites, local food markets, arts venues, and walkable streets—you can easily fill a day or two without ever leaving the heart of the city.