Above Atlanta: Best Rooftop Views, Restaurants, and Sky-High Experiences in the City

If you’re looking for what’s “above Atlanta”—skyline views, rooftop bars, high-rise attractions, and elevated experiences—you’re in the right place. Atlanta has a growing collection of spots that put you up high over the city, from family-friendly observatories to date-night rooftops and office towers with panoramic views.

This guide focuses specifically on Atlanta, Georgia, and will help you find the best places to see the city from above, understand how to access them, and choose the right experience for your visit or everyday life in Atlanta.

Where to See Atlanta From Above: Key Types of Experiences

In Atlanta, “above the city” generally falls into a few categories:

• Observation decks and attractions
• Rooftop restaurants and bars
• Hotels with skyline views
• Parks and outdoor overlooks
• Office towers and city buildings with notable height

Here’s a quick overview:

Classic “Above Atlanta” Attractions

SkyView Atlanta (Downtown)

SkyView Atlanta is the big Ferris wheel across from Centennial Olympic Park, and one of the most visible “above Atlanta” attractions.

• Location: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• What to expect:
  • Enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas
  • Views over Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and downtown
  • Especially popular at night when the city is lit up
• Who it’s best for:
  • Families, visitors, and anyone who wants a short, easy skyline experience in the heart of downtown

Tip: Plan it together with a visit to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or events at State Farm Arena so you can make a full downtown day of it.

Rooftop Restaurants and Bars Above Atlanta

Atlanta has a strong rooftop scene, especially in Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Buckhead. If you’re searching for “above Atlanta” for nightlife or dining, this is what you’re probably after.

Midtown Rooftop Spots

Midtown is one of the best areas for true skyline views, thanks to its cluster of tall buildings and central location.

Common characteristics of Midtown rooftops:

• Sweeping views of both Midtown and Downtown towers
• Walkable to MARTA stations like Midtown and Arts Center
• Often popular after work and on weekends, especially in good weather

Experiences you can usually find in this area include:

• Upscale lounges with city views
• Rooftop pools (often tied to hotels or residences)
• Restaurant rooftops with indoor-outdoor seating

If you want a classic “above Atlanta” city feel—with glass towers, traffic below, and sunsets reflecting off the skyline—Midtown is often the first place locals recommend.

Downtown Rooftop Vibes

Downtown rooftops tend to give you:

• Closer views of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Centennial Olympic Park
• A more “urban core” feel, with historic and modern buildings mixed together
• Easy access from Garnett, Five Points, and Peachtree Center MARTA stations

Downtown rooftop experiences are especially popular:

• Before and after Falcons, United, Hawks, or big concert events
• With convention-goers staying in nearby hotels
• For out-of-towners who want a quick skyline glimpse without leaving the central hotel district

Buckhead and Perimeter Rooftops

If you’re in Buckhead or around the Perimeter Center area, you can still get “above Atlanta” experiences, but the views are a bit different:

• Buckhead: You’ll see a mix of high-end malls, office towers, and tree-filled neighborhoods, with partial views back toward Midtown on clear days.
• Perimeter Center (near Dunwoody/Sandy Springs): Overlooks office parks and suburban skylines, with glimpses of the city in the distance.

These areas are often convenient if:

• You’re staying or working nearby and don’t want to drive into Midtown/Downtown.
• You prefer a slightly less dense, more relaxed atmosphere than the city core.

Hotels With Skyline Views Above Atlanta

If you want to wake up or fall asleep to skyline views, booking the right hotel and room type matters more than many visitors realize.

Common Hotel View Tips

• Ask specifically for a “city view” or “skyline view” room when booking.
• Higher floors generally give better visibility, especially in dense areas.
• Some hotels have corner rooms with wider angles over the city.

Areas With Strong “Above the City” Hotel Views

1. Downtown Atlanta

   • Overlooks: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park, business district
   • Useful if you’re near: Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, downtown offices

2. Midtown Atlanta

   • Overlooks: Midtown towers, Piedmont Park, downtown in the distance
   • Useful if you’re near: Tech Square, arts institutions, Midtown offices

3. Buckhead

   • Overlooks: Buckhead’s commercial core and residential neighborhoods, sometimes partial city views
   • Useful if you’re near: Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Buckhead business district

If a skyline view is a top priority, calling the hotel front desk and asking which side of the building faces the city can help you pick the right room.

Parks and Outdoor Overlooks With Elevated Views

Not all “above Atlanta” experiences involve high-rises. Some of the best vantage points are slightly elevated parks or trails that give you framed skyline views.

Piedmont Park (Midtown)

Piedmont Park isn’t on a mountain, but it offers some of the most iconic Midtown skyline views.

• Look for the Meadow and areas around Lake Clara Meer to see the buildings rising behind the trees.
• Popular for:
  • Sunrise and sunset photos
  • Picnics with a partial skyline backdrop
  • Jogging or biking with a view of the city

Jackson Street Bridge (Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park edge)

The Jackson Street Bridge is one of the most photographed spots “above Atlanta,” with a classic view of Downtown and Midtown lined up along the connector.

• Location: Jackson St NE bridge over Freedom Pkwy NE, near Old Fourth Ward
• What to know:
  • There’s no large parking lot; many people park legally on nearby streets and walk up.
  • It’s popular around sunset and at night, so it can get busy.
• Best for:
  • Iconic Atlanta skyline photos
  • Visitors who want that recognizable “Atlanta” shot from above the highway

Freedom Parkway & Carter Center Vicinity

Certain points along Freedom Parkway and in the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum area provide slightly elevated vantage points where you can see the city in the distance.

They aren’t formal “viewpoints,” but locals use these areas for:

• Photography (especially with longer lenses)
• Jogging and biking with skyline glimpses

Office Towers and Working Above Atlanta

If you’re moving to Atlanta or changing jobs here, working in a high-rise can put you literally above Atlanta on a daily basis.

Main High-Rise Business Areas

1. Downtown

   • Many government offices, law firms, and corporate locations occupy mid‑ to high‑rise towers.
   • The City of Atlanta and Fulton County offices are concentrated in this area.

2. Midtown

   • Home to numerous tech companies, consulting firms, and shared workspaces.
   • Often favored for a blend of work, dining, and neighborhood life.

3. Buckhead

   • Known for financial services, consulting, and professional firms in tall office buildings.

Public-Facing Offices in Tall Buildings

Most office towers in Atlanta are private workplaces, but some public-facing agencies and services are located in high-rises. For example, downtown has buildings that house:

• Federal and state government offices
• Legal and administrative services
• Professional licensing and regulatory agencies

If you have an appointment “on the 20th floor” somewhere downtown or in Midtown, always:

• Note the building name and address.
• Check whether there’s a security check-in or ID requirement in the lobby.
• Build in time for parking or MARTA and elevator waits, especially at peak hours.

Getting to “Above Atlanta” Spots: Transportation Tips

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, transportation affects how easy it is to enjoy these elevated experiences.

Using MARTA

Many of the best “above Atlanta” locations are near MARTA rail stations:

• Downtown:

  • Five Points, Peachtree Center, and GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center (now State Farm Arena) stations put you near attractions and hotels with views.

• Midtown:

  • Midtown and Arts Center stations are close to Piedmont Park, Midtown rooftops, and many office towers.

• Buckhead Area:

  • Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center stations give access to Buckhead’s high-rises and some hotels with views.

Using MARTA can help you avoid:

• High event parking prices downtown
• Limited street parking near popular rooftop spots or the Jackson Street Bridge

Driving and Parking

If you drive, you’ll typically use:

• Parking decks attached to hotels, office towers, and attractions
• Surface lots or garages near rooftop restaurants and bars

Things to keep in mind:

• Many decks in Midtown and Downtown charge by the hour and may increase rates during big events.
• Some rooftop venues validate parking; check ahead to avoid surprises.
• For places like Jackson Street Bridge, look for legal street parking in nearby neighborhoods and walk to the bridge.

Safety, Weather, and Timing Considerations

Being “above the city” sometimes means being more exposed to weather and crowds. A few practical points:

Weather

• Many Atlanta rooftops and outdoor viewpoints are partly or fully open-air.
• In summer, heat and humidity can be strong in the late afternoon; evenings feel more comfortable.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common in warmer months; some rooftop spaces may temporarily close or restrict access during storms or high winds.

👍 Tip: For the clearest long-distance views of the skyline, drier days—especially after a front has moved through—often give the crispest visibility.

Safety and Comfort

• Popular rooftop bars may check IDs and bags at entry; bring a valid government-issued ID if you plan to drink.
• Some rooftops have age restrictions in the evening, even if they’re family-friendly during the day.
• If you’re visiting photo spots like Jackson Street Bridge at night, go with others when possible and stay aware of your surroundings, as you would in any city.

How Locals Choose Their Favorite “Above Atlanta” Spot

Atlanta residents often pick their preferred “above the city” experience based on:

• Purpose:

  • Family outing → SkyView Atlanta, Piedmont Park views
  • Romantic date → Rooftop restaurant or bar in Midtown or Buckhead
  • Photography → Jackson Street Bridge, Midtown and Downtown rooftops (where access is allowed)
  • Workday scenery → Offices in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead towers

• Location:

  • If you live ITP (inside the Perimeter), Midtown and Downtown rooftops are usually fastest to reach.
  • If you’re OTP (outside the Perimeter), Buckhead or Perimeter Center options may be more convenient.

• Budget:

  • Free or low-cost: parks, public bridges, and some streets with elevated views
  • Paid: observation rides, rooftop dining, and city-view hotel rooms

By focusing on observation decks, rooftop dining, skyline-view hotels, elevated parks, and high-rise workspaces, you can experience Atlanta from above in a way that fits your schedule, budget, and interests—whether you live here, you’re in town for a weekend, or you’re just trying to understand how “above Atlanta” experiences actually work in this city.