Exploring Underground Atlanta and Georgia’s Underground Scene

When people search for “Georgia Underground Atlanta”, they’re usually looking for two related things:

1. Underground Atlanta, the historic entertainment district in downtown Atlanta, and
2. The broader “underground” side of Georgia’s capital – from hidden spots and tunnels to less obvious local experiences.

This guide walks you through both, with a strong focus on what a resident or visitor in Atlanta, Georgia actually needs to know.

What Is Underground Atlanta?

Underground Atlanta is a historic district and mixed-use entertainment area located in downtown Atlanta, near the intersection of Alabama Street SW and Pryor Street SW, just south of Five Points.

It sits at the original street level of old Atlanta. Over time, as the city raised its street grades and expanded rail lines, the older storefronts and passages effectively became “underground.” Today, it’s a mix of:

• Historic brick viaducts and walkways
• Retail and small businesses
• Bars, art spaces, and event venues
• Open plazas used for festivals, markets, and performances

Where Underground Atlanta Is Located

• Address (central area):
  Underground Atlanta
  Around 50 Upper Alabama St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• Nearby landmarks:

  • Five Points MARTA Station (about a 2–5 minute walk)
  • State Capitol to the southeast
  • Peachtree Street and Woodruff Park to the north
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena a short drive or longer walk away

If you live in Atlanta, you probably know it as the historic area just south of the Five Points transit hub.

Getting to Underground Atlanta

By MARTA

Using MARTA is often the easiest way, especially if you want to avoid downtown traffic and parking costs.

• Take either the Red/Gold or Blue/Green line to Five Points Station.
• Follow station signs toward Alabama Street exits.
• From the street, Underground Atlanta’s main entrances are within a short walk.

This is especially convenient if you’re coming from:

• Midtown or Buckhead (via Red/Gold lines)
• Decatur or West End (via Blue/Green lines)

By Car

You can drive directly into downtown and park nearby.

Common approaches:

• From I-75/85 (Downtown Connector), use exits for Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, Edgewood Ave, or Williams St depending on direction, then follow signs into downtown.
• Look for garages and lots around Alabama St SW, Pryor St SW, and Wall St SW.

🅿️ Parking tips:

• Check rates before you pull in, especially on event days near Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena.
• Some lots are staffed, others are pay-by-app or kiosk; have a card or mobile payment ready.

On Foot or Bike

If you’re already downtown:

• From Peachtree Street/ Woodruff Park: walk south on Peachtree St, then toward Alabama St and Pryor St.
• From the Capitol: walk northwest via Mitchell St or MLK Jr. Dr toward Five Points.

Cyclists can use downtown bike lanes and nearby racks; always use a secure lock, especially during events.

What You’ll Find at Underground Atlanta

The exact mix of tenants and activities can evolve as the district redevelops, but in general you can expect:

Shops and Small Businesses

You may find:

• Local boutiques and small retailers
• Art and craft vendors
• Pop-up style shops during markets and events

If you’re a resident, it’s a place to occasionally discover new local brands. Visitors may enjoy browsing for unique Atlanta-themed items.

Food, Drinks, and Nightlife

Historically, Underground Atlanta has hosted:

• Casual eateries and snack spots
• Bars or lounges
• Nightlife-oriented venues, especially on weekends or during events

The atmosphere can be lively on weekend evenings or when there’s a major downtown event. If you prefer quieter visits, aim for daytime or early evening.

Events and Festivals

Depending on the current programming, Underground Atlanta may host:

• Live music performances
• Art shows and cultural events
• Seasonal festivals, markets, or themed nights

Locals sometimes use it as a gathering spot before or after nearby events at:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Georgia State University campus area

If you’re planning a visit around a specific event, it’s a good idea to check an up-to-date local events calendar or the district’s latest announcements.

Is Underground Atlanta Safe?

Like many urban districts, safety in Underground Atlanta can vary by time of day, day of the week, and what’s going on nearby.

General patterns locals keep in mind:

• Daytime hours: Often feel more relaxed, with foot traffic from downtown workers, students, and tourists.
• Evenings and event days: Crowds can be larger and more energetic; some people like the busy nightlife vibe, others prefer to stay on the main, well-lit streets and travel in groups.

Basic safety tips many Atlanta residents follow downtown:

• Stick to well-lit, busier areas, especially after dark.
• Be aware of personal belongings and avoid flashing valuables.
• Use MARTA or rideshare pick-ups in visible, designated areas.
• Travel with friends if you’re out late for nightlife.

For non-emergencies or general safety concerns downtown, people commonly contact the Atlanta Police Department (APD) non-emergency line.

• Atlanta Police Department (headquarters)
  226 Peachtree St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Non-emergency (commonly used number): 404-658-6666
  Emergency: 911

Who Manages and Oversees the Area?

While different private entities may be involved in its day-to-day operations, multiple public agencies influence the overall environment around Underground Atlanta:

• City of Atlanta (zoning, permits, public works, policing)
• Downtown Improvement District / Central Atlanta Progress (cleanliness, public space enhancement, ambassadors)
• MARTA (transit access and station safety at Five Points)

Residents who want to understand redevelopment plans or long-term changes often monitor:

• City of Atlanta planning and zoning updates
• Public meetings about downtown redevelopment
• Notices from downtown-focused civic organizations

How Underground Atlanta Fits into Atlanta’s “Underground” Identity

The phrase “Georgia Underground Atlanta” sometimes gets used more broadly, beyond just the historic district. People might be curious about:

• Old underground tunnels and passageways in the downtown and railroad areas
• The “underground” arts, music, and culture scenes that thrive in the city
• Unique or less touristy places that feel a bit hidden

Here’s how that plays out locally.

Historical Underground Tunnels and Infrastructure

Atlanta’s downtown core developed around railroads and freight lines, which created layered streets and underpasses. Over time, this produced:

• Service tunnels and utility corridors under downtown streets
• Enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces under viaducts (like those near Underground Atlanta)
• Older infrastructure that is not generally accessible to the public

Most of these areas are restricted for:

• Safety reasons
• Protection of utilities and transportation infrastructure
• Regulatory requirements

If you’re interested in this side of Atlanta, many people explore it indirectly through:

• Historic walking routes near Underground Atlanta
• Public-facing railroad and transportation history spots
• Occasional guided tours or talks offered by local history groups

The Underground Arts and Music Scene

Atlanta is known for strong “underground” creative communities, including:

• Hip-hop and rap scenes that started locally before becoming globally known
• Indie music venues and DIY show spaces
• Street art and murals under bridges and along rail corridors
• Pop-up galleries and studios in repurposed industrial buildings

While these aren’t necessarily concentrated inside Underground Atlanta, the downtown rail and viaduct landscape has shaped how locals think about the “underground” identity of the city.

If you live in Atlanta and want to tap into this side of the city, people often:

• Follow local venue calendars in Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, East Atlanta, and West Midtown
• Watch for art walks, open studio nights, and pop-up events
• Pay attention to neighborhood associations and arts organizations that promote local shows and exhibits

Visiting Underground Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Here’s a quick reference for planning a visit, especially if you’re coming from another part of Atlanta or from out of town.

Nearby Downtown Atlanta Attractions

If you’re adding Underground Atlanta to a broader day in the city, you can easily combine it with other downtown stops:

• Georgia State Capitol (historic building and grounds)
• Center for Civil and Human Rights
• World of Coca-Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• CNN Center area
• Woodruff Park and Peachtree Street corridor

All are reachable on foot or via MARTA and are commonly grouped into a single downtown itinerary for out-of-town visitors.

Practical Contacts for the Area

If you spend time around Underground Atlanta, these public contacts are often useful:

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office / City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone (commonly listed): 404-330-6000

• MARTA Customer Service (for Five Points access info)
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer service line (commonly used): 404-848-5000

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors information (for visitor guidance)
  The city often has visitor information centers downtown and at the airport, where staff can provide maps, directions, and current attraction information.

Should You Visit Underground Atlanta?

If you are:

• Living in Atlanta: Underground Atlanta can be worth exploring as part of understanding the city’s older downtown fabric and watching an evolving redevelopment area.
• Visiting Atlanta: It’s a convenient stop near Five Points, especially if you’re already downtown visiting major attractions.
• Curious about Georgia’s underground culture: Use Underground Atlanta as a starting point, then branch out into local music venues, art spaces, and historic rail-adjacent neighborhoods that carry forward Atlanta’s “underground” spirit.

By knowing where it is, how to get there, what to expect, and how it fits into the broader Atlanta landscape, you can decide how Underground Atlanta and the city’s “underground” side fit into your own experience of Georgia’s capital.