Atlanta’s Tallest Buildings: A Local Guide to the City’s Skyline

Atlanta’s skyline is one of the most recognizable in the Southeast, with glassy towers rising above tree-lined neighborhoods and major highways. Whether you live in Atlanta, GA, are visiting for a few days, or are just curious about the city’s architecture, understanding Atlanta’s tallest buildings is a great way to get oriented.

Below is a clear, locally focused guide to the tallest buildings in Atlanta, where they are, what they’re used for, and how you can experience them from the ground (or from above).

Quick Snapshot: Tallest Buildings in Atlanta

Atlanta’s tallest buildings are mostly clustered in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead—the city’s three major commercial cores.

Atlanta’s tallest buildings (approximate roof height):

Heights are approximate and rounded; rankings focus on architectural height rather than antennas or temporary structures.

1. Bank of America Plaza – Atlanta’s Tallest Skyscraper

Location: 600 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (Midtown)

Why it matters:
Bank of America Plaza is the tallest building in Atlanta and in Georgia, and one of the tallest in the United States outside New York and Chicago. If you’re anywhere near Midtown or passing along I‑75/85 (the Downtown Connector), the tower’s pointed spire is one of the easiest landmarks to spot.

Key features:

• Height: About 1,023 feet including its spire
• Floors: 55
• Use: Primarily office space
• Design detail: The building’s crown is illuminated at night, giving Midtown a recognizable silhouette.

Can you go inside for views?
The tower does not have a public observation deck, and access is generally limited to tenants and guests. For skyline views, locals and visitors typically choose other options like the Westin Peachtree Plaza or local rooftop bars and restaurants.

Best way to see it:

• From a car on the Downtown Connector as you pass through Midtown
• Walking along Peachtree Street NE between North Avenue and Ponce de Leon Avenue
• From public spaces like Piedmont Park, where the tower stands out in skyline photos

2. Truist Plaza – Icon of Downtown Atlanta

Location: 303 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (Downtown)

Why it matters:
Formerly known under other bank names, Truist Plaza is the second-tallest building in Atlanta and a centerpiece of the Downtown business district. It stands near key government and commercial buildings and is visible from many downtown streets.

Key features:

• Height: Around 871 feet
• Floors: About 60
• Use: Class A office building
• Neighborhood context: Sits within walking distance of Peachtree Center, major hotels, and MARTA’s Peachtree Center Station.

Public access:
The building is a working office tower. The lobby and exterior plaza are accessible during standard business hours, but there is no public viewing deck.

Nearby places to combine with a visit:

• Georgia State Capitol (206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334)
• Woodruff Park (91 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303) for downtown skyline views
• MARTA Peachtree Center Station for easy transit access

3. One Atlantic Center – Postmodern Landmark in Midtown

Location: 1201 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown)

Why it matters:
One Atlantic Center was once the tallest building in Atlanta and remains a standout for its design: a copper pyramidal top, gothic-inspired elements, and granite cladding. It sits in the heart of Midtown’s business district, close to cultural institutions and residential towers.

Key features:

• Height: About 820 feet
• Floors: 50
• Use: Office space
• Design character: Widely recognized for its distinctive crown and setbacks, adding texture to the Midtown skyline.

Experiencing the building:

• Walk along West Peachtree Street and 17th Street to view the tower up close.
• Combine your walk with a visit to:
  • Atlanta Symphony Hall (1280 Peachtree St NE)
  • High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE)
  • Nearby restaurants and cafes in Midtown’s Arts District.

4. 191 Peachtree Tower – Twin Crowns in Downtown

Location: 191 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Downtown)

Why it matters:
The 191 Peachtree Tower is famous for its twin crown roofline, which is lit at night. It’s a major office hub right on Peachtree Street, surrounded by hotels, office buildings, and retail within the Peachtree Center area.

Key features:

• Height: Around 770 feet
• Floors: 50
• Use: Office tower
• Visual highlight: Twin “lanterns” at the top that glow after dark.

Accessibility:
The lower levels and lobby can typically be accessed during weekdays, but upper floors are not open to the public for views. The building is, however, easy to appreciate from street level.

Nearby transit and landmarks:

• Close to MARTA Peachtree Center and Five Points stations
• Walking distance to Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center area

5. Georgia-Pacific Tower – Red Granite Standout

Location: 133 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Downtown)

Why it matters:
Home to the headquarters of Georgia-Pacific, this red-granite skyscraper is another prominent member of the downtown Atlanta skyline. Its angular shape and color set it apart from glass-heavy neighboring buildings.

Key features:

• Height: Around 730 feet
• Floors: 52
• Use: Corporate office headquarters
• Design: Strong vertical lines and a distinct reddish façade.

Seeing it in context:

• Combine a walk past Georgia-Pacific Tower with a loop around Woodruff Park, Underground Atlanta, and Five Points to get a close-up feel for downtown’s financial and commercial core.

6. The Westin Peachtree Plaza – Hotel with a Classic View

Location: 210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Downtown)
Phone (hotel main line): Typically available via national listing; call before visiting restaurants or bars.

Why it matters:
The Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel is one of Atlanta’s most iconic buildings thanks to its cylindrical shape and revolving rooftop restaurant and bar concept (often rebranded over the years). For many residents and visitors, this is the most practical way to get a panoramic view of Atlanta’s skyline without a private office pass.

Key features:

• Height: About 723 feet
• Floors: 73
• Use: Hotel and events
• Unique aspect: One of the tallest hotel buildings in the Western Hemisphere at the time of completion.

Public view options:

• The top floors typically include a restaurant, lounge, or event space that may offer:
  • 360-degree skyline views
  • Reservations recommended, especially on weekends or event days
• Access policies, names, and hours can change, so it’s smart to call ahead or check current operating hours before planning a special trip.

Nearby attractions:

• CNN Center area
• Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW)
• World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium, all within walking distance

7. Promenade II – Elegant Midtown Silhouette

Location: 1230 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown)

Why it matters:
Promenade II is recognized for its stepped crown and reflective glass. It sits right in Midtown’s main corridor, surrounded by corporate offices, cultural sites, and growing residential towers.

Key features:

• Height: Around 691 feet
• Floors: 38
• Use: Office building
• Design feel: Slim profile with a sculpted top that is especially eye-catching at sunset.

Experiencing the area:

• Walk along Peachtree Street NE between 10th Street and 15th Street, where you’ll pass Promenade II as well as multiple other towers, restaurants, and transit stops.
• Nearby is MARTA’s Arts Center Station (1255 W Peachtree St NE), making it easy to explore the area without a car.

8. Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta – Luxury Tower in the Arts District

Location: 75 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown)

Why it matters:
The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta combines hotel and residential space in a high-rise that helps define Midtown’s Arts District skyline. It’s a key landmark for visitors attending events at the Woodruff Arts Center or exploring the area’s restaurants.

Key features:

• Height: Around 665 feet
• Floors: About 50+
• Use: Hotel and some residential/extended-stay accommodations
• Neighborhood context: Close to the High Museum of Art, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and several major Midtown office buildings.

Public-friendly aspects:

• The hotel lobby, restaurants, and bar areas are typically open to non-guests, giving locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the tower’s ambiance and views from mid-level floors.
• Valet and garage parking is generally available, but rates can vary.

9. 1180 Peachtree – “Symphony Tower” and Sustainable Design

Location: 1180 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown)

Why it matters:
Often nicknamed Symphony Tower due to its proximity to Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1180 Peachtree stands out with its two wing-like fins at the top and its focus on environmentally conscious design. It’s a flagship example of modern Midtown development.

Key features:

• Height: About 657 feet
• Floors: 41
• Use: Office tower
• Design: Noted for its dramatic top and energy-efficient features that helped set a standard for newer Midtown buildings.

Experiencing the area:

• Easily seen when walking along Peachtree Street NE between 14th and 16th Streets.
• Surrounded by:
  • Woodruff Arts Center
  • Sculptures, plazas, and walkable blocks with restaurants and cafes appealing to office workers and arts visitors.

10. Other Notable Tall Buildings in Atlanta

Beyond the top few towers, Atlanta has several other high-rises that shape the skyline and may matter to you if you’re choosing where to stay, work, or explore.

Notable Downtown and Midtown Towers

• SunTrust (now Truist) Plaza Garden Offices – Companion structure to Truist Plaza.
• One and Two Alliance Center (Buckhead) – Not quite in the very top height rankings, but important in the Buckhead skyline near GA‑400 and Lenox Road.
• Atlantic House, SkyHouse, and other residential towers – Modern high-rise apartments and condos in Midtown and Buckhead that add to the skyline and house many Atlanta residents.

Buckhead High-Rises

If you’re staying or working in Buckhead, you’ll see a separate cluster of tall buildings north of Midtown along Peachtree Road and GA‑400:

• 3344 Peachtree (Sovereign) – One of the tallest in Buckhead, mixing offices, condos, and fine dining.
• Terminus 100 and 200 – Office and mixed-use towers at Peachtree Road NE and Peachtree Dunwoody/Lenox area.

These buildings aren’t taller than Bank of America Plaza or the main Midtown/Downtown towers, but they create a second skyline that many drivers notice from GA‑400 and I‑85.

How to See Atlanta’s Tallest Buildings in One Trip

If you’re in Atlanta and want to appreciate the tallest buildings in a single outing, you can focus on a few simple routes.

Option 1: MARTA + Walking Tour (Downtown & Midtown)

🚇 Step 1: Ride MARTA to Peachtree Center (Downtown)
From here, you can walk to:

• Truist Plaza
• 191 Peachtree Tower
• Georgia-Pacific Tower
• Westin Peachtree Plaza

🚶 Step 2: Walk or ride MARTA north to Arts Center or Midtown Station (Midtown)

In Midtown, you can view:

• Bank of America Plaza (best seen from North Ave or Midtown Station area)
• One Atlantic Center
• Promenade II
• 1180 Peachtree
• Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

This makes a convenient day exploring both neighborhoods without needing a car.

Option 2: Driving View from the Downtown Connector

Many locals first experience Atlanta’s tallest buildings while driving through on I‑75/85:

• Driving northbound, you’ll see:

  • Downtown towers (Westin, Truist Plaza, Georgia-Pacific, 191 Peachtree)
  • Then Midtown towers (Bank of America Plaza, One Atlantic Center, Promenade II, and others)

• Driving southbound, you get the reverse perspective, with Bank of America Plaza prominent as you approach Midtown.

If you’re driving, it’s best to focus on traffic and let a passenger enjoy the views or plan safe pull-off points, like parking in Midtown or Downtown and walking to viewpoints.

Practical Tips for Experiencing Atlanta’s Skyline

• Public observation decks are limited.
  Atlanta does not currently offer a dedicated, city-operated skyscraper viewing deck like some larger cities. Most skyline views come from hotels, rooftop restaurants/bars, public parks, and private event spaces.

• Best public spots for skyline photos:

  • Jackson Street Bridge (Jackson St NE over Freedom Parkway) – Famous view of Downtown/Midtown.
    • Approximate area: Near 433 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • Piedmont Park (400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306) – Iconic Midtown skyline reflecting in Lake Clara Meer.
  • Centennial Olympic Park and nearby areas – Views of Downtown towers including Westin and Georgia-Pacific.

• Check opening hours and policies.
  For hotel bars, restaurants, or rooftop spots in buildings like the Westin Peachtree Plaza or Four Seasons, policies can change. Call the hotel or venue in advance if you’re planning a special night or relying on a view.

• Transit helps avoid parking hassles.
  For Downtown and Midtown, MARTA rail stations such as Five Points, Peachtree Center, Civic Center, North Avenue, Midtown, and Arts Center put you within a short walk of Atlanta’s tallest towers.

Why Atlanta’s Tallest Buildings Are Clustered Where They Are

From a local perspective, Atlanta’s high-rises follow a pattern:

• Downtown:

  • Historical core with government buildings, hotels, and convention facilities
  • Home to towers like Truist Plaza, 191 Peachtree, Georgia-Pacific Tower, Westin Peachtree Plaza

• Midtown:

  • Growth hub for offices, tech companies, law firms, and mixed-use developments
  • Includes Bank of America Plaza, One Atlantic Center, Promenade II, 1180 Peachtree, Four Seasons

• Buckhead:

  • Upscale commercial and retail district with a separate cluster of skyscrapers
  • Features towers like 3344 Peachtree (Sovereign) and Terminus buildings, which are tall but not the tallest in the city

Understanding this pattern helps whether you’re choosing where to stay, commuting for work, or planning a photo tour of Atlanta’s skyline.

Atlanta’s tallest buildings are more than just numbers on a list—they define how the city looks from freeway overpasses, neighborhood parks, and hotel windows. If you’re in Atlanta, you don’t need a special ticket to appreciate them: a MARTA ride, a walk along Peachtree Street, or an evening at a rooftop venue will give you a front-row seat to one of the Southeast’s most distinctive skylines.