What To Do in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local’s Guide to the City

Atlanta, Georgia is a city where history, food, music, sports, and nature all sit side by side. Whether you live here, you’re visiting for a weekend, or you’re trying to understand what makes Atlanta unique, there is a lot to explore in a relatively compact area.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what to do, organized by interest so you can mix and match based on your time, budget, and energy.

Top Atlanta Highlights First-Time Visitors Shouldn’t Miss

If you’re short on time, these are the core Atlanta experiences many people start with:

• Georgia Aquarium (Downtown) – One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for its whale sharks and beluga whales.
  • 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• World of Coca-Cola (Downtown) – Interactive museum about the Coca-Cola brand, its history, and global reach.
  • 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Centennial Olympic Park – Green space built for the 1996 Olympics, with fountains, walking paths, and views of the downtown skyline.
  • 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Sweet Auburn) – Includes Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and The King Center.
  • 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – Multi-use path connecting neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Virginia-Highland, lined with art, cafes, and parks.
• Piedmont Park & Midtown – Large urban park with skyline views, walking trails, dog parks, and easy access to Midtown’s restaurants and cultural institutions.

If you have one or two days, you can realistically visit the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, and the MLK Jr. National Historical Park, then spend an evening on the BeltLine or in Midtown.

Exploring Atlanta’s Neighborhoods

Atlanta’s personality changes dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Exploring by area is one of the best ways to get a feel for the city.

Downtown Atlanta

Best for: First-time visitors, major attractions, big events.

Key things to do:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive exhibits, especially popular with sports fans.
• State Farm Arena & Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Check for Hawks, Falcons, United games, and major concerts.

Downtown is also convenient if you’re traveling by MARTA, Atlanta’s rail system, with multiple stations including Peachtree Center and Five Points.

Midtown Atlanta

Best for: Arts, culture, walkable dining, city parks.

Highlights:

• Piedmont Park – Jogging paths, playgrounds, dog runs, and seasonal festivals.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Next to Piedmont Park, with seasonal exhibits, a canopy walk, and children’s garden.
  • 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• High Museum of Art – Leading art museum featuring American, European, African, and contemporary collections.
  • 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Fox Theatre – Historic theater hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.
  • 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Midtown is walkable by Atlanta standards and is served by Midtown and Arts Center MARTA stations.

Buckhead

Best for: Shopping, higher-end dining, nightlife.

Things to do:

• Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza – Major shopping malls with national and luxury retailers.
• Dining and lounges throughout Buckhead Village and along Peachtree Road.

Buckhead can be more car-oriented, but the Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center MARTA stations provide some access.

Eastside: Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland

Best for: BeltLine access, local restaurants, nightlife, historic homes.

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail runs through this area, ideal for walking, biking, or skating.
• Ponce City Market (Old Fourth Ward) – A large mixed-use development with a popular food hall and rooftop amusement area (Skyline Park).
  • 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Krog Street Market (Inman Park) – Food hall with local eateries and shops.
  • 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Krog Street Tunnel – Known for vibrant street art and graffiti.

This side of town is popular with locals for casual evenings out and weekend brunch.

Westside & West Midtown

Best for: Trendy dining, design shops, breweries.

• Converted warehouses now host restaurants, galleries, and shops.
• The Westside Provisions District is a common destination for browsing and dining.

It’s less walkable than Midtown but rewarding if you like food-focused exploring.

Civil Rights, History, and Culture in Atlanta

Atlanta plays a central role in the story of the Civil Rights Movement and Southern history. If you want to understand the city, these stops are essential.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

• Includes Dr. King’s childhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center.
• Rangers and exhibits help explain how Atlanta shaped Dr. King’s life and work.
• Located in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, which was once a major center of Black commerce and culture.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Located near Centennial Olympic Park.
  • 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Focuses on the American Civil Rights Movement and modern global human rights issues.
• Well-known for immersive exhibits that give a sense of what activists faced and still face.

Atlanta History Center

• In Buckhead.
  • 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Large campus with:
  • Atlanta History Museum
  • Swan House (historic mansion)
  • Smith Family Farm
  • Extensive gardens and trails
• Offers context on Atlanta’s role in the Civil War, railroads, business, and urban growth.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is generally quite family-friendly, with a mix of indoor and outdoor options.

Core Family Attractions

• Georgia Aquarium – Kids tend to enjoy the large ocean tank, touch pools, and shows.
• Zoo Atlanta – Features giant pandas, gorillas, giraffes, and children’s activities.
  • 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (Grant Park)
• Fernbank Museum – Focus on natural history with dinosaur exhibits and an IMAX-style giant screen theater.
  • 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Hands-on exhibits for younger kids, close to Centennial Olympic Park.
  • 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Outdoor Spaces for Kids

• Piedmont Park – Playgrounds, open fields, and plenty of space to run.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Near Ponce City Market; has a playground and pond.
• Atlanta BeltLine – Particularly the Eastside Trail, for safe biking and scootering.

👪 Tip: Many families bundle the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the Children’s Museum into a single downtown day, then visit a park in the evening.

Outdoor Activities and Green Spaces

For a major city, Atlanta has significant tree cover and parkland. If you want nature without driving far:

In the City

• Piedmont Park – Central hub for jogging, picnics, and skyline views.
• Atlanta BeltLine – Growing network of trails. The most developed and popular segments:
  • Eastside Trail
  • Westside Trail
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Good choice for those who want nature in a more curated setting.

Just Outside the Core

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Multiple access points (e.g., Cochran Shoals, Powers Island) for hiking, paddling, and river views.
• Stone Mountain Park – East of Atlanta; offers hiking, a lake, and family-focused attractions.
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park – Northwest of the city, with hiking trails and Civil War history.

For many locals, weekend mornings at Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, or the Chattahoochee are part of everyday life.

Sports and Live Events

Atlanta has a full slate of professional and college sports, plus major concerts and festivals.

Professional Teams

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – State Farm Arena
  • 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Play at Truist Park in nearby Cumberland area (just outside the Atlanta city limits).

College Sports

• Georgia Tech (Midtown) – Football at Bobby Dodd Stadium, basketball and other sports on campus.

Concerts & Major Events

Big venues include:

• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Fox Theatre (for performances and touring shows)
• Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park (seasonal outdoor concerts)

When planning a visit, it’s useful to check for major events, which can strongly affect traffic and hotel availability.

Arts, Music, and Nightlife

Atlanta is known for its music scene, particularly hip-hop and R&B, as well as a growing film and television industry.

Arts & Performance

• High Museum of Art – Major destination for visual arts.
• Alliance Theatre – Professional theater company at the Woodruff Arts Center.
• Smaller galleries and spaces are scattered around West Midtown, Castleberry Hill, and Midtown.

Live Music

Venues change over time, but Atlanta consistently offers:

• Large touring acts at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and amphitheaters.
• Smaller club shows in neighborhoods like East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, and Old Fourth Ward.

Nightlife Areas

• Midtown – Mix of bars, lounges, and clubs within walking distance of one another.
• Buckhead – More upscale and cocktail-focused.
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward) – Lively stretch with bars and late-night spots.

🚕 Local tip: If you’re not used to Atlanta’s driving patterns, rideshare or MARTA can be more convenient when you’re going out at night, especially on weekends.

Shopping and Markets

Atlanta offers everything from luxury malls to local markets.

Major Shopping Districts

• Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza (Buckhead) – High-end and luxury retail.
• Atlantic Station (West Midtown) – Outdoor shopping, dining, and a movie theater.
• Ponce City Market – Mix of local vendors, national brands, and a food hall.

Local and Farmers Markets

• Atlanta Farmers Market options vary, but common hubs include:
  • Markets near Piedmont Park on certain days
  • Smaller neighborhood markets on weekends

Checking local listings for the day you’re planning to shop is helpful, as schedules can be seasonal.

Food and Dining in Atlanta

Atlanta’s food scene reflects its Southern roots and its diversity.

Classic Southern & Soul Food

Look for:

• Fried chicken, biscuits, collard greens, mac and cheese
• Barbecue – Pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and smoked wings are common favorites.

These styles appear in many neighborhoods; locals often have strong preferences about where to go, so asking an Atlantan near you can lead to good finds.

International Cuisines

Atlanta has sizable communities from many regions, particularly:

• Korean and other Asian cuisines in Doraville, Chamblee, and along Buford Highway (just outside the city).
• Mexican, Central American, and South American restaurants across the metro.
• A wide mix of global offerings in Midtown, West Midtown, and along the BeltLine.

Food Halls and Casual Options

If you want to try multiple styles in one place:

• Ponce City Market – Wide variety of stalls and restaurants.
• Krog Street Market – Smaller but tightly curated selection.

These spots are popular with both locals and tourists and are easy to combine with a walk on the BeltLine.

Practical Tips for Getting Around Atlanta

Atlanta is spread out, and transportation planning can significantly affect your experience.

Using MARTA

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operates trains and buses.

Key rail stations near major attractions:

MARTA is especially useful for traveling between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead without a car.

Driving and Parking

• Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours and major events.
• Many attractions offer parking garages or lots, but costs vary.
• In walkable areas like Midtown, Inman Park, and parts of Old Fourth Ward, you may choose to park once and explore on foot.

Walking and Biking

Some neighborhoods are very walkable:

• Midtown
• Portions of Downtown
• BeltLine areas (especially Eastside Trail)

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the best places for biking; many visitors rent bikes or scooters to cover more distance.

Free or Low-Cost Things To Do in Atlanta

If you’re budget-conscious or just prefer simple pleasures, Atlanta still has a lot to offer.

• Walk the Atlanta BeltLine – People-watching, public art, skyline views.
• Picnic or stroll in Piedmont Park – Bring your own food and enjoy open spaces.
• Visit Centennial Olympic Park – Free to enter, close to many attractions.
• Explore neighborhood streets like Inman Park or Virginia-Highland – Architecture, small shops, and cafes.
• Self-guided walking tours of historic areas such as Sweet Auburn or sections of Downtown.

Some museums and institutions also offer discount or free admission days; checking specific venues in advance can help you plan.

If You Live in Atlanta: Everyday and Repeatable Activities

For residents, “what to do in Atlanta” often means finding regular, reliable options rather than one-time tourist stops.

Ideas that work well for locals:

• Regular walks, runs, or bike rides on the BeltLine.
• Joining a sports league or fitness class in Piedmont Park or nearby gyms and studios.
• Seasonal festivals and events often held in Piedmont Park, Downtown, or neighborhoods like Inman Park and Little Five Points.
• Trying new restaurants or coffee shops as different areas of the city continue to develop.
• Taking short day trips to nearby natural areas, such as the Chattahoochee River or Stone Mountain.

Whether you are planning a fast weekend or settling in for the long term, focusing on a few neighborhoods at a time, blending history, parks, and food, and using MARTA and the BeltLine where possible will give you a well-rounded experience of what there is to do in Atlanta, Georgia.