The Best Things To See in Downtown Atlanta: A Local’s Guide

Downtown Atlanta packs a lot into a relatively small area: historic landmarks, major sports venues, world-famous attractions, and quick pockets of green space when you need a breather. Whether you live in the metro area or you’re here for a weekend, there’s plenty to see within a short walk or rideshare.

Below is a practical guide to what to see in Downtown Atlanta, how these spots fit together, and tips to make your visit smoother.

Core “Must-See” Attractions in Downtown Atlanta

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of downtown’s top draws and a favorite for families, couples, and groups.

• What to see:
  • Massive Ocean Voyager gallery with whale sharks and manta rays
  • Cold Water Quest with penguins and beluga whales
  • Interactive touch pools and smaller exhibits tucked throughout
• Good to know:
  • Located at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Parking garages and lots nearby; many people pair this with the World of Coca‑Cola or Centennial Olympic Park

If you’re only choosing one big-ticket indoor attraction in Downtown Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is often the first pick.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next door to the aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola focuses on the history and culture of Atlanta’s most famous brand.

• Highlights:
  • Historical displays about the company’s Atlanta roots
  • Advertising exhibits and memorabilia
  • Tasting room where you can sample Coca‑Cola products from around the world
• Location:121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

It’s a good option if you want something that’s less time‑intensive than the aquarium but still uniquely tied to Atlanta.

Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park ties several major downtown attractions together.

• Why go:
  • Open green space for picnics or a quick break between attractions
  • The Fountain of Rings, inspired by the 1996 Olympic Games
  • Frequent festivals, concerts, and seasonal events
• Location:265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

If you’re visiting multiple downtown attractions in one day, you’ll likely walk through or around this park at some point.

History and Civil Rights Landmarks

Downtown Atlanta is deeply connected to civil rights history and African American culture. Several significant sites are within a short drive or MARTA ride of the central hotel and business district.

The King Center Area & Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Although technically just east of the core downtown, this area is a cornerstone of any things to see in Downtown Atlanta list because it’s so closely tied to the city center.

• Key sites:
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church (Historic Sanctuary and Horizon Sanctuary)
  • The King Center, including Dr. and Mrs. King’s tomb and exhibits
• Location hub: Visitor area generally centered around 449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

You can walk sections of Auburn Avenue, historically known as “Sweet Auburn,” and get a better sense of Atlanta’s role in the civil rights movement.

Center for Civil and Human Rights

Back near Centennial Olympic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the U.S. civil rights movement to global human rights issues.

• Exhibit features:
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. paper and artifact collections
  • Immersive galleries on segregation, protests, and global human rights struggles
• Location:100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

It’s a powerful complement to visiting the King Center area, and it’s walkable from many downtown hotels.

Sweet Auburn Historic District

The Sweet Auburn corridor runs just east of the downtown core and is closely linked to Atlanta’s Black business, religious, and civic history.

• Notable stops:
  • Historic churches and businesses along Auburn Ave NE
  • Murals and smaller historic markers
• How to experience it:
  • Walk short sections of Auburn Avenue
  • Combine it with your visit to MLK Jr. National Historical Park

It’s easy to overlook Sweet Auburn if you’re focused only on the big attractions, but it offers a more neighborhood-level view of Atlanta’s history.

Family-Friendly and Educational Spots

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Directly off Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a solid option for younger kids.

• Best for: Toddlers and elementary-aged children
• What you’ll find:
  • Hands‑on exhibits about science, engineering, and everyday life
  • Rotating themed exhibits and play zones
• Location:275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

This is an easy add-on if you’re already downtown with kids and want a lower-key, indoor activity.

College Football Hall of Fame

The Chick‑fil‑A College Football Hall of Fame appeals to sports fans and people curious about Southern football culture.

• Highlights:
  • Helmet wall representing college teams
  • Interactive exhibits where you can test your skills
  • Historical displays about legendary players and coaches
• Location:250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

It’s directly across from Centennial Olympic Park, so you can see it the same day as the aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola.

Sports, Arenas, and Big Events

Downtown Atlanta is one of the city’s main hubs for games, concerts, and conventions.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is a major sight even if you’re not attending a game.

• Why visit:
  • Unique architecture and retractable roof
  • Occasional tours that take you behind the scenes
  • Regularly hosts large concerts and special events
• Location:1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

On game or event days, surrounding streets get busy—plan extra travel time if you’re staying or parking nearby.

State Farm Arena

Next to CNN Center and the GWCC, State Farm Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks and hosts concerts and shows year-round.

• Location:1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• What to know:
  • Connected to the CNN Center area and close to MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station
  • Frequently part of weekend downtown itineraries that also include nearby dining and walking around Centennial Olympic Park

Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)

The Georgia World Congress Center is one of the city’s main convention venues.

• Location:285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• What you might see:
  • Large trade shows and conventions
  • Special events and festivals tied to major weekends in Atlanta

Even if you’re not attending an event, this complex explains why downtown feels especially crowded on certain dates.

Culture, Architecture, and City Vibes

The Historic Fairlie‑Poplan District

The Fairlie‑Poplar Historic District offers a more architectural, street‑level view of Downtown Atlanta.

• Why walk through it:
  • Early 20th‑century commercial buildings and narrow streets
  • Mix of offices, small eateries, and creative spaces
• Rough area: Near Fairlie St NW, Poplar St NW, and surrounding blocks, a short walk from Five Points and Peachtree Street

It’s a good place to get a feel for downtown beyond the big attractions and arenas.

Atlanta Street Art & Murals (Downtown Focus)

While some of Atlanta’s best‑known murals are in neighborhoods like Cabbagetown or the Westside, you can still spot street art in and around downtown:

• Underpasses and side streets near the central business district
• Portions of Sweet Auburn and the MLK Historic District
• Occasional building‑side murals along the main downtown corridors

If you’re interested in murals, it’s easy to add short detours while walking between more traditional sights.

Quick-View Downtown Atlanta Attractions Map (By Area)

Parks, Greenspaces, and Scenic Spots

Woodruff Park

Woodruff Park sits in the heart of downtown and is a common landmark for office workers, students, and visitors.

• Location:91 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• What to expect:
  • Open lawn areas and seating
  • Occasional programmed activities or events
  • Short walk from MARTA’s Peachtree Center and Five Points stations

Woodruff Park is more of an urban pause point than a destination park, but it’s useful if you’re walking through the central business district.

Centennial Olympic Park (Revisited for Relaxing)

Beyond being a sightseeing hub, Centennial Olympic Park works well for:

• A mid‑day break between major attractions
• Letting kids run around a bit between museum visits
• Taking photos of the downtown skyline and nearby landmarks

Benches, wide paths, and open lawns make it an easy place to slow down without leaving downtown.

Government, Civic, and Educational Landmarks

Georgia State Capitol

If you’re interested in government and history, the Georgia State Capitol is located at the southern edge of downtown.

• Location:206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
• What to see:
  • Iconic gold‑domed exterior
  • Historic displays inside (check for public hours and any security guidelines)

The Capitol area gives you a sense of Atlanta’s role as the state’s political center and is walkable from other downtown spots.

Georgia State University (Downtown Campus)

Georgia State University’s main campus is woven directly into downtown.

• Why it matters for visitors and locals:
  • Brings a student energy to nearby streets
  • Adds lower‑key dining and coffee options in the area
  • Some public events, performances, and lectures take place on or near campus

You’ll notice the university presence especially around Decatur St SE, Peachtree Center Ave, and the Five Points area.

How to Get Around Downtown Atlanta

Using MARTA

Downtown Atlanta is one of the easiest places in the city to navigate by MARTA rail.

• Key stations for downtown sights:
  • Peachtree Center Station: Good for the business district and Peachtree Street
  • Five Points Station: Central transfer point, close to Woodruff Park and GSU
  • Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station: Best for stadiums, arenas, and Centennial Olympic Park area
  • Georgia State Station: Useful for the Capitol and Georgia State University area

MARTA is generally the easiest way to move between downtown, Midtown, and the airport without dealing with parking.

Walking Tips

Downtown is walkable by Atlanta standards, especially around the Centennial Olympic Park cluster, but there are some practical points:

• Traffic can be heavy near stadiums and arenas on event days
• Some blocks are steep or hilly, especially closer to the Capitol and certain side streets
• Like any major city center, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and around transit hubs

Comfortable shoes and a simple plan (clustered by area) go a long way.

Planning Your Downtown Atlanta Day: Sample Combinations

If you only have a day or two, grouping attractions helps you make the most of your time.

Option 1: “Classic Downtown” Day

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium
• Midday: Lunch near Centennial Olympic Park
• Afternoon: World of Coca‑Cola or College Football Hall of Fame
• Evening: Walk through Centennial Olympic Park, then dinner nearby

Option 2: History and Civil Rights Focus

• Morning: MLK Jr. National Historical Park, Ebenezer Baptist Church, The King Center (Sweet Auburn)
• Midday: Explore more of Sweet Auburn and grab lunch in the area
• Afternoon: Head back toward downtown for the Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Evening: Short walk around Centennial Olympic Park or Peachtree Street

Option 3: Sports and Entertainment

• Daytime: Tour or event at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
• Between events: Walk through Centennial Olympic Park or visit the College Football Hall of Fame
• Night: Game or concert, then dinner within walking distance

Practical Tips for Visiting Downtown Atlanta

• Check hours and event calendars: Many major venues and museums in downtown adjust hours seasonally or for special events.
• Allow extra time on game days: Traffic and parking near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the GWCC can significantly affect travel time.
• Parking vs. transit: If you’re staying nearby or coming from the airport, MARTA can be more predictable than driving and parking at multiple attractions.
• Weather planning: Summers can be hot and humid; plan indoor attractions midday and enjoy parks earlier or later in the day.

Whether you want world‑class attractions, powerful civil rights history, or just a walk through the city’s core, Downtown Atlanta offers plenty to see within a relatively compact area. Building your day around these main clusters—Centennial Olympic Park, the sports corridor, and the MLK/Sweet Auburn area—will help you cover a lot without feeling rushed.