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

Downtown Atlanta packs a lot into a compact area: major attractions, historic sites, sports, nightlife, and some of the city’s best skyline views. Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re here for a quick visit, you can fill a day (or a weekend) without ever leaving downtown.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to the best things to do in Downtown Atlanta, organized so you can mix and match based on your time, energy, and budget.

Classic Atlanta Attractions in the Core of Downtown

Centennial Olympic Park & Surrounding Landmarks

At the center of Downtown’s tourist district is Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313), a large green space built for the 1996 Olympic Games.

What to do here:

• Walk the Fountain of Rings and see the Olympic ring plaza
• Relax on the lawns with skyline views
• Use it as your hub to walk to nearby attractions

Within a short walk from Centennial Olympic Park, you’ll find:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, home to whale sharks, manta rays, and interactive exhibits. Great for families and first-time visitors.
• World of Coca‑Cola – A museum-style attraction that explores the history and global impact of Coca‑Cola, with memorabilia and tasting rooms.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – A powerful, interactive museum that connects Atlanta’s civil rights history with modern global human rights movements.

These three attractions, plus the park, are often grouped into a half-day or full-day “Centennial Park area” visit.

History, Culture, and Museums

Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District (Edge of Downtown / Sweet Auburn)

Just east of the main Downtown core, you can explore Atlanta’s civil rights legacy in and around Sweet Auburn:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  Main visitor area: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

  Within walking distance of each other you can visit:

  • Dr. King’s birth home (guided tours often require advance planning)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King co-pastored
  • The King Center, with exhibits and Dr. and Mrs. King’s crypt
  • Historic Fire Station No. 6, showing life in the segregated South

• Auburn Avenue – Once known as the “richest Negro street in the world,” Auburn Avenue still features historic buildings, murals, and local businesses.

This area is technically just east of the core “Downtown” streets, but it’s commonly included on Downtown itineraries because it’s walkable or a short streetcar ride away.

College Football Hall of Fame

• Address: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Located right by Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame is part museum, part interactive playground. Fans can:

• Create a personalized, school-themed experience at the entrance
• Test their skills in the indoor practice field area
• Explore historic memorabilia and interactive exhibits

It’s popular before and after big games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

Atlanta’s Government & Civic Core

You can also walk around the city’s civic backbone:

• Georgia State Capitol
  206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

  Notable for its gold dome, the Capitol often offers weekday tours where you can:

  • Learn about Georgia’s political history
  • See legislative chambers and historic exhibits

Nearby streets also include state offices, courthouses, and public plazas that show the more “everyday” side of Downtown.

Sports, Arenas, and Big-Event Energy

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

• Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), Mercedes‑Benz Stadium hosts everything from pro football and soccer to major concerts and college games.

Things to do:

• Catch a game or concert
• Take a guided tour (often available on non-event days) to see locker rooms, the field, and the halo board from behind the scenes

State Farm Arena

• Address: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

Home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and a major concert venue:

• Watch an NBA game during the season
• Catch big touring artists and shows throughout the year

Because State Farm Arena is connected to the CNN Center area and close to MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/College Football Hall of Fame Station, it’s easy to pair with other Downtown stops.

College & Convention Energy

The Georgia World Congress Center sits right between Centennial Olympic Park and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. If you’re in town for a convention, you can still easily explore the park, Aquarium, and downtown restaurants between sessions.

Neighborhood Vibes: Walking Different Parts of Downtown

Fairlie‑Poplar Historic District

Just north of the Five Points MARTA station, the Fairlie‑Poplar area shows off early 20th‑century architecture, narrow streets, and a different feel from the modern towers.

Look for:

• Restored historic buildings with offices, eateries, and lofts
• Local coffee shops and casual spots for lunch
• Street art and smaller performance venues

This is a good area for a quieter stroll that still feels very “Downtown Atlanta.”

Underground Atlanta

• General area: 50 Upper Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Underground Atlanta is a historic multi-level district at the southern edge of Downtown. It has gone through multiple phases; in recent years, it’s been reimagined as a space for:

• Art installations
• Events and festivals
• Nightlife and live music

Because programming changes over time, it’s worth checking what’s currently active before you go, but the area remains a long-standing landmark in the Downtown landscape.

Parks, Greenspaces, and Views

Centennial Olympic Park (Again—and Why It Matters)

Centennial Olympic Park isn’t just a pass-through space; it’s one of the most versatile things to do in Downtown Atlanta:

• Morning: Start with coffee and a relaxed walk
• Midday: Picnic on the lawn between attractions
• Evening: Enjoy city lights and occasional events or performances

On game days or during big conventions, the park often fills with fans and visitors, giving it a festival-like atmosphere.

Woodruff Park

• Address: 91 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Closer to Georgia State University and the Five Points hub, Woodruff Park offers:

• A central fountain and open areas
• Tables and seating for lunch or remote work
• Occasional public programs, yoga, or markets

It’s a good midway stop if you’re walking between Peachtree Center, Fairlie‑Poplar, and Sweet Auburn.

Food & Drink: Where to Eat in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown’s food scene ranges from quick, affordable bites to full-service restaurants suited for pre-game or pre-show meals.

Peachtree Center & Surrounding Blocks

Peachtree Center, connected by skybridges and underground passages, has:

• Food court-style options ideal for workers and convention attendees
• Quick-service spots that help you refuel between attractions

Just beyond Peachtree Center, you’ll find:

• Casual Southern eateries
• Sports bars near the arenas and stadium
• A mix of national chains and local concepts

Local Favorites & Easy Picks

Without focusing on specific brands, expect to find:

• Southern comfort food (fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens)
• Burgers and wings close to State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Coffee shops and bakeries tucked into historic buildings in Fairlie‑Poplar and near Georgia State University

If you’re attending an event, plan to eat:

• Before the event (crowds peak 60–90 minutes prior)
• Or afterward a few blocks away from the main venue to avoid the biggest rush

Performing Arts, Music, and Nightlife

Theatrical & Cultural Venues

While many of Atlanta’s largest theaters are in Midtown, Downtown has its own performance options:

• Smaller theaters and performance spaces in Fairlie‑Poplar and around Georgia State University
• University-affiliated venues that host concerts, talks, and shows

Check schedules in advance if you want to add a performance to your Downtown day.

Live Music & Bars

Nightlife in Downtown often clusters around:

• Underground Atlanta, with art shows, live performances, and late-night events
• Sports bars and music-friendly spots near the arenas and along key streets like Marietta St and Andrew Young International Blvd

You’ll find:

• Pre- and post-game crowds on event nights
• A more relaxed, office-worker mix on weekday evenings

If you’re more interested in low-key nights:

• Look for hotel lounges and quieter bars near Peachtree Center and Fairlie‑Poplar

Quick Overview: Top Things To Do in Downtown Atlanta

Getting Around Downtown Atlanta

MARTA and Streetcar

Downtown is one of the easiest areas in Atlanta to navigate without a car.

• MARTA Rail

  • Major Downtown stops: Peachtree Center, Five Points, Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia State
  • Good for: Arriving from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Midtown, Buckhead, or other parts of the city

• Atlanta Streetcar

  • Loops between Centennial Olympic Park, Sweet Auburn, and other Downtown stops
  • Handy for: Moving between attractions like Centennial Park, Peachtree Center, and the MLK Jr. Historic District without a long walk

Walking & Safety Basics

Downtown is walkable, but it’s still a busy urban core.

Practical tips:

• Plan your routes around MARTA stations and major streets like Peachtree St, Marietta St, and Auburn Ave
• At night, stay on well-lit, busier routes and be aware of your surroundings
• During events, arrive early to avoid the heaviest pedestrian and vehicle congestion

Parking

If you’re driving:

• Expect event pricing near the stadium and arena during games and concerts
• Look for public parking decks around Peachtree Center, Marietta St, and Andrew Young International Blvd
• Many attractions (like Georgia Aquarium) have on-site or adjacent paid parking garages

Family-Friendly Planning Tips

If you’re visiting Downtown Atlanta with kids:

• Group attractions:
  • Example: Morning at Georgia Aquarium, lunch in Centennial Olympic Park area, afternoon at World of Coca‑Cola
• Build in breaks:
  • Use parks like Centennial Olympic Park or Woodruff Park to rest between museums
• Consider transit:
  • MARTA and the Atlanta Streetcar can be less stressful than driving and parking multiple times

Free or Low-Cost Downtown Activities

You don’t have to spend heavily to enjoy Downtown Atlanta. Some worthwhile low-cost options include:

• Walking the Centennial Olympic Park grounds and Fountain of Rings
• Exploring Woodruff Park and public art installations
• Touring the MLK Jr. outdoor spaces (some elements are free, though certain exhibits and tours may be structured)
• Window-shopping and wandering the Fairlie‑Poplar streets
• Riding MARTA or the Atlanta Streetcar for a low-cost, city-view experience

How to Build a One-Day Downtown Atlanta Itinerary

Here’s a simple example of how you might plan a single day focusing on things to do in Downtown Atlanta:

Morning

• Arrive via MARTA at Peachtree Center or Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena
• Walk to Georgia Aquarium (2–3 hours)

Midday

• Eat lunch near Centennial Olympic Park
• Relax in Centennial Olympic Park for photos and people-watching (30–60 minutes)

Afternoon

• Visit World of Coca‑Cola or the College Football Hall of Fame (2 hours)
• Ride the Atlanta Streetcar to the MLK Jr. National Historical Park (1.5–2 hours)

Evening

• Head back toward State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for a game or concert
• Or choose a Downtown restaurant/bar near Peachtree Center or Underground Atlanta for dinner and nightlife

With this kind of schedule, you can see why many residents and visitors treat Downtown as the “greatest hits” section of Atlanta—full of big attractions, history, and energy all within a few blocks.