The Best Things To Do in Atlanta’s Midtown: A Local-Friendly Guide

Midtown Atlanta is one of the city’s most walkable, vibrant neighborhoods—full of culture, green space, great food, and nightlife. Whether you live in Atlanta, are here for the weekend, or just trying to understand what Midtown is all about, this guide walks you through the top things to do in Atlanta Midtown and how to make the most of your time.

Getting Oriented: What Counts as “Midtown” in Atlanta?

Midtown generally stretches from North Avenue up to around 17th Street, between I-75/85 and Piedmont Park and the BeltLine Eastside Trail. It’s easy to navigate on foot, scooter, rideshare, or MARTA.

Key landmarks that help you get your bearings:

• Midtown MARTA Station (Peachtree St NE)
• Arts Center MARTA Station (near Woodruff Arts Center and Atlantic Station access)
• Piedmont Park
• Peachtree Street Corridor (the main north–south spine)

If you’re planning a day or weekend here, it’s realistic to explore most attractions without needing a car.

Top Outdoor Things To Do in Midtown Atlanta

Explore Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is Midtown’s backyard and one of Atlanta’s most popular green spaces.

Address: 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Things to do in and around the park:

• Walk, jog, or bike the paved paths and trails
• Relax at the Meadow or Oak Hill with skyline views
• Play on tennis courts, basketball courts, and sports fields
• Visit the dog parks (there are separate large and small dog areas)
• Enjoy family time at playgrounds and open fields

📝 Tip: On weekends and during festivals, parking can be tight. Consider MARTA to Midtown Station, then walk or scooter over.

Visit the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine runs right along the eastern edge of Midtown and connects to Piedmont Park.

Popular ways to enjoy it:

• Rent a bike or scooter and ride between Midtown, Ponce City Market (just south of Midtown), and Inman Park
• Stop at BeltLine-adjacent restaurants, bars, and coffee shops
• Check out murals and public art installations along the trail

For many Atlanta residents, the BeltLine is a go-to for casual exercise and people-watching, especially in the evenings and on weekends.

Check Out the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Located within Piedmont Park’s northern section, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of Midtown’s signature attractions.

Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Highlights:

• Seasonal flower and light displays
• The Canopy Walk above the forest floor
• The Children’s Garden for kid-friendly fun
• Themed gardens like the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden

📝 Local note: Special evening events and holiday light displays often require advance tickets and can sell out, especially in December.

Arts, Culture, and Museums in Midtown

Midtown is often referred to as Atlanta’s arts district, and with good reason.

Immerse Yourself in the Woodruff Arts Center

The Woodruff Arts Center is a major cultural hub in Midtown.

Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

On one campus, you’ll find:

• High Museum of Art – rotating exhibits plus a strong permanent collection
• Alliance Theatre – professional theater productions
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – classical and contemporary performances

This area is easily accessible from Arts Center MARTA Station, which is directly across the street.

Tour the High Museum of Art

While part of Woodruff, the High Museum of Art is worth its own mention if you’re listing things to do in Midtown Atlanta.

Inside, you can explore:

• Modern and contemporary art
• Classic European and American works
• Special traveling exhibitions
• Family-friendly programs on select days

📝 Tip for locals and repeat visitors: Check for free or reduced admission days or community programs that make it more affordable for city residents.

Visit the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) is one of the few design-focused museums in the region.

Address: 1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

You’ll typically find:

• Exhibits on architecture, graphic design, industrial design, and social impact design
• Talks, workshops, and community events geared toward creativity and innovation

It’s located right across from the High Museum, so you can easily pair both in one visit.

Explore Local Galleries and Public Art

Midtown features a number of galleries, sculpture installations, and murals that reflect Atlanta’s creative scene.

Ways to experience them:

• Walk along Peachtree St NE and nearby side streets to spot public art
• Visit smaller galleries scattered around Midtown and the northern edge of the neighborhood
• Attend art walks, festivals, or seasonal open-studio nights when available

For locals, following neighborhood calendars or Midtown-focused event listings can help you time your visit around art events.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Midtown

Midtown is very doable with kids, especially if you plan a mix of outdoor and indoor stops.

Kid-Friendly Highlights

• Piedmont Park Playgrounds – Several playgrounds with different equipment and plenty of open fields.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Children’s Garden – Interactive play areas and water features in warmer months.
• High Museum of Art Family Programs – Hands-on activities and family tours on select days.
• BeltLine Walks or Bike Rides – Easy way to keep kids active while seeing the city.

Family tip: Midtown’s sidewalks are generally stroller-friendly, but be prepared for hills in some areas.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Midtown Atlanta

When the sun goes down, Midtown stays lively, with a wide mix of nightlife options.

Bars, Lounges, and Rooftops

Midtown is known for:

• Cocktail bars and lounges along Peachtree St and cross streets
• Rooftop spots with skyline views
• Casual places for post-work drinks or pre-show meetups

It’s common for Atlanta residents to start the night with dinner on Peachtree and then walk to a nearby bar or performance venue.

Live Music, Theater, and Comedy

Options for live entertainment include:

• Alliance Theatre (at Woodruff Arts Center) – For live theater productions
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – For orchestral and special concerts
• Smaller venues and bars that host live music or comedy nights

For current lineups, many locals check venue-specific schedules or Midtown event roundups.

Shopping and Strolling in Midtown

While Midtown isn’t a traditional mall district, it offers boutique shopping and walkable corridors.

Peachtree Street Corridor

Along Peachtree St NE, you’ll find:

• Boutique stores and small shops
• Cafés and dessert spots
• Professional buildings mixed with residential towers

This is a good area to window shop, grab a drink, and enjoy the city’s high-rise feel.

Midtown Promenades and Nearby Retail Areas

Depending on how broadly you define Midtown, you can also access:

• Colony Square – A mixed-use development on Peachtree St NE with dining, office, and event spaces
• Smaller plazas and street-front shops within a few blocks of MARTA stations

If you live nearby, these areas often host outdoor movie nights, fitness classes, or seasonal markets, especially in milder weather.

Food and Dining: Where to Eat in Midtown Atlanta

One of the best things to do in Midtown Atlanta is simply eat your way through the neighborhood.

Types of Food You’ll Find

Midtown offers:

• Southern and New American restaurants
• International cuisines (Asian, Mediterranean, Latin American, and more)
• Casual cafés and coffee shops
• Dessert spots and bakeries

You can easily design a day where you:

1. Grab coffee and a pastry near Midtown Station
2. Enjoy lunch next to Piedmont Park or off Peachtree
3. Head to a nice dinner before a show at the Woodruff Arts Center

Outdoor and BeltLine Dining

Along the BeltLine near Midtown’s edge, it’s common to find:

• Restaurants with patios facing the trail
• Quick spots to grab a drink or snack during a walk or ride

This is popular with residents looking for a low-key evening without driving.

Festivals, Events, and Seasonal Things To Do

Midtown regularly hosts large-scale events that draw both locals and visitors.

Major Midtown Events and Festivals

Depending on the time of year, you might encounter:

• Music festivals and cultural festivals based in or around Piedmont Park
• Art festivals with local and regional vendors
• Holiday light shows and seasonal markets (especially at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and nearby venues)

During larger events, expect:

• Road closures around Piedmont Park and Peachtree
• Crowded parking and higher demand for rideshares
• Extra police and event staff presence

Many residents plan ahead by checking event calendars so they can either join the fun or reroute around the crowds.

Practical Tips for Getting Around Midtown

Midtown is one of the easier areas of Atlanta to navigate without a car.

Using MARTA

The main stations that serve Midtown are:

• Midtown Station

  • 41 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Good for: Piedmont Park (a short walk), Peachtree St restaurants, many hotels.

• Arts Center Station

  • 1255 W Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Good for: Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum of Art, Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Both are on MARTA’s Red and Gold lines, connecting directly to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Downtown.

Walking, Biking, and Scooters

Midtown has:

• Sidewalks along major streets and many side streets
• Access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Availability of bike and scooter rentals (though availability can vary)

Safety tips residents follow:

• Use crosswalks and signals on busy roads like Peachtree St NE and 10th St NE
• Be extra cautious at BeltLine crossings and driveway entrances
• At night, stay on well-lit streets and in busier, more active areas

Parking Realities

If you drive into Midtown:

• Expect a mix of surface lots, garages, and metered street parking
• Many cultural venues (like the High Museum and Atlanta Botanical Garden) have on-site or partnered parking garages
• For big events in Piedmont Park or around the arts district, garages can fill up quickly—MARTA or rideshare is often easier

Simple Midtown Planning Guide

Use this table as a quick reference when planning your Midtown visit:

Midtown Atlanta offers enough to fill a single afternoon or an entire weekend, from parks and cultural institutions to nightlife and dining. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the city, focusing on Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, the arts district, and the Peachtree corridor will give you a strong Midtown experience without having to travel far.