Twelve Must-See Spots in Downtown Atlanta: A Local’s Guide

Downtown Atlanta packs a lot into a relatively small footprint: major attractions, historic landmarks, sports arenas, quirky public art, and everyday city life. If you’re trying to understand “Twelve Downtown Atlanta” as a visitor, new resident, or long‑time local looking to explore, this guide walks you through 12 essential places and experiences that define downtown.

These picks focus on spots you can realistically see in a day or weekend, mostly within walking distance or a short Atlanta Streetcar or MARTA ride.

1. Centennial Olympic Park & Surrounding Attractions

Centennial Olympic Park is the heart of downtown Atlanta tourism and a natural starting point.

Why it matters:

• Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, it’s now a central green space surrounded by many of downtown’s biggest attractions.
• The Fountain of Rings is a standout feature, where kids play in the water and light shows run at set times.
• The park often hosts festivals, concerts, and public events.

Nearby highlights you can pair with a park visit:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, especially popular with families.
• World of Coca‑Cola – A museum-style attraction about the history and branding of Coca‑Cola.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – A powerful look at the Civil Rights Movement, with strong Atlanta connections.
• SkyView Atlanta – A large Ferris wheel near Centennial Olympic Park with climate‑controlled gondolas.

📝 Tip: If you’re short on time, walking a loop around Centennial Olympic Park and picking one nearby attraction gives you a good “snapshot” of downtown Atlanta.

2. Georgia State Capitol & Government District

For history and civics in one place, the Georgia State Capitol area is essential.

• Located at the south end of downtown, the Capitol building is topped with its recognizable gold dome.
• Inside, visitors can usually see displays about Georgia’s political history and artwork featuring notable Georgians.
• Outside, there are monuments and markers that offer quick lessons in state history.

Nearby points of interest in the government district:

• Government offices and courts around Central Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
• Historic churches and older office buildings that show Atlanta’s past as a railroad and government hub.

📝 Tip: This area tends to be busier on weekdays during working hours. Weekends are quieter but some interior spaces may be closed or operate on limited hours.

3. State Farm Arena & Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

If you’re into sports or big events, downtown Atlanta is where much of the action happens.

State Farm Arena

• Home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and a major concert venue.
• Located steps from the CNN Center area and a short walk from Centennial Olympic Park.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

• Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS).
• Known for its retractable roof and large video halo board.
• Also hosts college football games, major concerts, and national events.

What locals often do:

• Grab food downtown or in nearby neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill before or after a game.
• Use MARTA (the GWCC/CNN Center, Vine City, or Five Points stations) to avoid parking congestion during big events.

📝 Tip: On non‑event days, you can still walk around the exterior of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for photos and to see the public art and wide plazas.

4. Peachtree Street Corridor: Classic Downtown Atlanta

Peachtree Street is one of the most recognizable names in Atlanta, and the downtown stretch gives you a sense of the city’s business core and historic hotels.

Key stretches to walk:

• From Five Points up toward Peachtree Center
• Continuing north toward the Midtown border

Notable along or near Peachtree Street in downtown:

• Historic and modern office towers
• Major hotels that host conventions and events
• Street‑level restaurants and quick‑service spots used by office workers and visitors
• Occasional public art, plazas, and small parks

📝 Tip: This corridor is busiest on weekdays. If you want to feel the “downtown workday energy,” walk during lunchtime on a weekday. For a quieter stroll, go on a Saturday morning.

5. Underground Atlanta & Five Points

The area around Five Points (the junction of major streets and a key MARTA station) and Underground Atlanta has long been a central landmark.

• Five Points is the main transfer point for MARTA rail, and a convenient reference point for navigating the city.
• Underground Atlanta has gone through multiple phases—historically a shopping and entertainment district, now in an evolving state with occasional events, nightlife, and ongoing redevelopment efforts.

What this area offers a visitor:

• A location that shows Atlanta’s layers of history, from old brick structures to newer downtown buildings.
• Proximity to government buildings, the streetcar, and the rest of central downtown.

📝 Tip: Because this area can feel more transitional and is used heavily for transit, many locals recommend being especially aware of your belongings and surroundings, particularly late at night—similar to other big‑city downtown hubs.

6. Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Corridor (Edge of Downtown)

While technically edging into the Sweet Auburn area just east of downtown, this corridor is part of most “essential downtown Atlanta” itineraries.

Key places along Auburn Avenue and nearby:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Includes Dr. King’s birth home (tours are sometimes available), the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and visitor centers.
• The King Center – With exhibits and memorial spaces dedicated to Dr. King and Coretta Scott King.
• Sweet Auburn Curb Market (now officially the Municipal Market) – A historic indoor market with food stalls and vendors, offering a local alternative to typical food courts.

📝 Getting there from downtown: You can walk, take a short rideshare, or use the Atlanta Streetcar, which connects Peachtree Center to the Sweet Auburn/King Historic District.

7. Atlanta Streetcar Loop

The Atlanta Streetcar is a small but useful light rail loop connecting several parts of downtown and the Sweet Auburn area.

Why it’s useful:

• Links key points like Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree Center, the King Historic District, and areas near the Curb Market.
• Offers a simple way for visitors to move between attractions without relying only on cars or long walks.

Common rider experiences:

• Tourists use it as a hop‑on, hop‑off connection between attractions.
• Locals may use it to connect from MARTA to the King Historic District or market.

📝 Tip: Check posted schedules and fare information at stops before boarding, as hours and pricing can change.

8. Hotel & Convention Hub: Peachtree Center & AmericasMart Area

Downtown Atlanta is a convention city, and that shows in the cluster of hotels, food courts, and pedestrian walkways around Peachtree Center.

What you’ll find here:

• Large hotels connected by skybridges and indoor walkways.
• Food courts and quick‑service restaurants used heavily during large conventions.
• Access to AmericasMart Atlanta, a major wholesale market complex, during trade events.

This is often where out‑of‑town visitors stay when attending:

• Fan conventions
• Industry expos
• National or regional professional gatherings

📝 Tip: Even if you’re not attending a convention, the Peachtree Center area can be a useful spot to find indoor food options close to MARTA and major hotels.

9. College & University Cluster: Georgia State & Surroundings

A big part of downtown Atlanta’s energy comes from students.

Georgia State University (GSU) has a major footprint in downtown, including:

• Classroom buildings and lecture halls spread around the Woodruff Park, Decatur Street, and Courtland areas.
• Student housing and dining halls integrated into the downtown grid.
• A noticeable daytime population of students walking, biking, and using nearby amenities.

How this affects downtown:

• More affordable food options and cafes to cater to students.
• Public spaces like Woodruff Park used for studying, casual hangouts, and university events.
• A blend of office workers and students on sidewalks, especially on weekdays.

📝 Tip: If you’re visiting downtown during GSU’s academic year, expect more foot traffic around Woodruff Park and Decatur Street during class change times.

10. Cultural & Performing Arts Venues

Downtown isn’t just about sports and attractions—it also has several performing arts and cultural venues.

Some examples within or very close to downtown:

• Tabernacle – A well‑known concert venue in a former church building, near Centennial Olympic Park.
• Rialto Center for the Arts (connected with Georgia State University) – Hosts music, theatre, and cultural events.
• Smaller theaters and performance spaces used for local productions, comedy, and community events.

What to keep in mind:

• Schedules can change seasonally, so many locals check event listings regularly if they want to catch a show while downtown.
• Evening performances pair well with nearby restaurants before or after events.

📝 Tip: If you plan to stay in downtown late for a performance, think ahead about parking or MARTA return times, especially for weeknight shows.

11. Public Spaces, Parks, and Everyday Downtown Life

Beyond the headline attractions, downtown Atlanta has several smaller parks and plazas that shape everyday life in the city.

Commonly used spaces include:

• Woodruff Park – A central green space popular with office workers, students, and visitors, located near Georgia State and Five Points.
• Hardy Ivy Park and small plazas along Peachtree Street – Often used for short breaks or quick outdoor lunches.
• Pocket parks and seating areas around government buildings and corporate towers.

These spaces:

• Provide shade and seating in an area dominated by concrete and office towers.
• Host occasional pop‑up events, food trucks, and outreach activities.

📝 Tip: If you’re working or studying downtown for the day, identify one nearby park or plaza as your “go‑to” outdoor break spot; it can make the city feel more comfortable and less overwhelming.

12. Getting Around Downtown Atlanta: Practical Basics

Understanding how to navigate downtown Atlanta can turn a confusing grid into an easy, walkable zone.

Transit & Street Layout

• MARTA Rail:

  • Key downtown stations: Five Points, Peachtree Center, GWCC/CNN Center, Georgia State, and Vine City.
  • Useful for reaching the airport, Midtown, Buckhead, and outlying neighborhoods.

• Atlanta Streetcar:

  • Loops among key downtown and Sweet Auburn stops; handy for short hops.

• Walking:

  • Most of the core attractions between Centennial Olympic Park, the Capitol, and the King Historic corridor are walkable for those comfortable with urban walking distances.

Driving & Parking

• Downtown has multiple parking decks and surface lots, especially near Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
• Event days dramatically affect traffic and parking prices near major venues.

Safety & Awareness

Like many big‑city downtowns:

• Daytime is usually the busiest and feels more active, with office workers, students, and tourists.
• At night, some blocks can feel quieter, especially away from major hotels and event venues.
• Locals generally recommend:
  • Staying aware of your surroundings
  • Sticking to well‑traveled routes after dark
  • Planning your transit or parking before arriving

Quick Reference: Twelve Key Downtown Atlanta Spots

Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re in town for a few days, focusing on these twelve downtown Atlanta spots will give you a clear feel for how the city looks, moves, and lives at its core.