The Essential Guide to Atlanta’s Must-See Sights

Atlanta blends Southern history, modern skyline, and a thriving arts and food scene into one very walkable (and drivable) metro. Whether you live here, just moved in, or are planning a visit, understanding the top sights in Atlanta helps you make the most of your time in the city.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to major attractions, neighborhoods, and lesser-known spots—organized so you can actually plan days around them.

Quick-Glance: Core Atlanta Sights

Downtown Atlanta: Big Attractions in Walking Distance

Downtown is where many of Atlanta’s marquee sights sit within a compact area. If you’re short on time, you can see a lot here in a single day.

Georgia Aquarium

One of Atlanta’s most well-known attractions, the Georgia Aquarium draws visitors from across the Southeast.

• Located near Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown
• Known for massive viewing windows and large marine animals
• Frequently visited by families, school groups, and tourists

If you’re local, consider visiting on weekday afternoons when it’s often less crowded. For visitors, pairing the aquarium with nearby attractions makes logistics easier.

World of Coca-Cola

Right beside the aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola highlights the history of the Atlanta-based brand.

• Exhibits about marketing, history, and memorabilia
• Tasting areas featuring beverages from different regions
• Popular with both kids and adults

Locals often bring out-of-town guests here since it’s very Atlanta-specific.

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park serves as a central green space.

• Open lawns, fountains, and paved paths
• Frequent site for festivals, concerts, and public events
• Close to attractions like the College Football Hall of Fame and State Farm Arena

It’s a convenient meeting spot if you’re attending Downtown events or exploring multiple sights in one day.

College Football Hall of Fame

For sports fans, the College Football Hall of Fame near Centennial Olympic Park is a major draw.

• Interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and multimedia displays
• Especially busy on major game weekends

Atlanta hosts numerous college football events, including championship games and bowl games, so this area can be lively during football season.

Civil Rights & History: Atlanta’s Legacy on Display

Atlanta played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement, and several sights help you understand that history in a local, grounded way.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Located in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, this site preserves key places from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life.

The area typically includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home (tours are often limited and can require advance sign-up)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached
• The King Center, with exhibits on nonviolence and civil rights
• Memorial site where Dr. King and Coretta Scott King are laid to rest

The neighborhood around the park gives a sense of Atlanta’s historic Black business district and is worth walking through if you have time.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s civil rights history with global human rights issues.

• Exhibits on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement
• Documents and materials related to Dr. King
• Rotating and permanent displays on human rights around the world

If you want to understand Atlanta beyond surface-level tourism, this is one of the most important sights in the city.

Midtown: Arts, Culture, and Green Space

Midtown is dense with museums, theaters, and parks, all relatively close together and accessible by MARTA rail and buses.

Piedmont Park

Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park is one of the city’s main green spaces.

• Large lawns, dog parks, walking/jogging paths
• Connected to the Eastside BeltLine
• Hosts major festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor events

Residents use it for exercise, picnics, and gatherings. Visitors often plan a half-day here, especially in spring and fall when the weather is milder.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Bordering Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden features curated gardens and seasonal installations.

• Elevated canopy walk, tropical house, and specialty gardens
• Seasonal light shows and special events

If you’re pairing Piedmont Park with a nearby attraction, this garden is the natural choice.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is one of the Southeast’s major art museums.

• Permanent collection of American, European, African, and contemporary art
• Rotating special exhibitions
• Family programs and evening events on selected days

For locals, museum memberships are a common option because of recurring events and shows.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre, on Peachtree Street in Midtown, is an iconic venue for Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.

• Historic movie palace with lavish interior design
• Hosts musicals, comedians, and live performances year-round

If you’re planning a show, consider nearby dining in Midtown before or after your event.

The Atlanta BeltLine & Surrounding Neighborhoods

The Atlanta BeltLine is a former rail corridor being converted into multi-use trails and transit. It’s now one of the city’s most popular ways to experience local neighborhoods on foot or by bike.

Eastside Trail Highlights

The Eastside Trail is the most visited section and connects several neighborhoods.

Key stops include:

• Ponce City Market (in a restored Sears building):

  • Food hall, boutiques, rooftop amusement-style attractions
  • Very popular on weekends and evenings

• Historic Fourth Ward Park:

  • Lakes, playgrounds, and green space
  • Good for families and casual walks

• Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward:

  • Historic homes, tree-lined streets
  • Independent restaurants, bars, and cafes

Street art is common along this stretch, making it feel like an open-air gallery.

Westside Trail and West End

On the Westside Trail, you’ll find a different but equally local perspective on Atlanta.

• West End and Adair Park: growing arts and community-centered areas
• Breweries, adaptive reuse complexes, and neighborhood eateries

This side feels less tourist-heavy and more like everyday Atlanta life.

Buckhead: Shopping, Dining, and City Views

Buckhead is Atlanta’s upscale commercial and residential district, commonly associated with high-end shopping and dining.

Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza

These two major malls in Buckhead are well-known shopping destinations.

• Lenox Square: large mall with a wide range of stores and eateries
• Phipps Plaza: features more luxury retailers and a smaller, calmer feel

Locals often come here for shopping, movie theaters, and dining, especially on weekends and around holidays.

Buckhead Village & Surrounding Areas

Buckhead has walkable pockets with restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife.

• Rooftop bars and restaurants offering skyline views
• Concentration of hotels frequently used by business travelers

If you’re staying in Buckhead, MARTA’s Red Line connects it to Midtown and Downtown, making sightseeing across the city more convenient.

Sports & Entertainment: Where Atlanta Comes to Cheer

Atlanta is a major sports city, and many of its sights are tied to stadiums and arenas that double as entertainment hubs.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS), Mercedes-Benz Stadium is just west of Downtown.

• Hosts pro football, soccer, concerts, and major events
• Tours are sometimes available, offering behind-the-scenes views

On game days, the surrounding area becomes a major gathering spot with tailgating and fan activities. Planning transportation in advance is crucial; MARTA rail is often the quickest option.

State Farm Arena

Next to CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and a busy concert schedule.

• Basketball games, concerts, and special events
• Directly next to MARTA rail stations and central parking decks

Locals frequently pair an event here with dining in Downtown or nearby Castleberry Hill.

Family-Friendly Sights Around the City

If you’re exploring Atlanta with kids, there are several sights beyond the “big three” of the Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Zoo.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta features a variety of animals and educational programs.

• Walkable layout, family-friendly
• Often paired with time in surrounding Grant Park and its historic homes

Grant Park itself is one of Atlanta’s oldest parks and offers playgrounds, trails, and open space.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta focuses on hands-on learning activities for younger children.

• Indoor exhibits designed for play and exploration
• Often a half-day activity, especially convenient if you’re staying Downtown

Neighborhoods with Character: Beyond the Big Attractions

Some of Atlanta’s best “sights” are actually its neighborhoods, each with its own style, food scene, and architecture.

Virginia-Highland

Often called “Va-Hi,” this neighborhood mixes bungalow homes with a lively commercial strip.

• Walkable clusters of boutiques, bars, and restaurants
• Easy to combine with a trip to nearby Piedmont Park or the BeltLine

Inman Park

Atlanta’s first planned suburb, now full of restored Victorian homes and tree-lined streets.

• Residential charm plus a cluster of dining and coffee spots
• Close to the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail and Krog Street Market

West Midtown (Westside)

Former industrial area turned hub for design, dining, and nightlife.

• Adaptive reuse complexes with restaurants and shops
• Popular for evening outings and weekend brunches

Exploring these neighborhoods gives you a feel for everyday Atlanta life beyond tourist-heavy areas.

Practical Tips for Seeing Atlanta’s Sights

A bit of planning goes a long way in Atlanta, especially when it comes to traffic, weather, and distances.

Getting Around

• MARTA Rail & Bus:

  • Serves the airport, Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead directly
  • Useful for avoiding traffic and parking costs in central areas

• Rideshare & Taxis:

  • Commonly used for BeltLine access, neighborhood hopping, and night outings

• Driving & Parking:

  • Many sights have paid parking lots or decks
  • Downtown and Midtown can fill up during large events; arriving earlier is often easier

When to Visit

• Weekdays: often less crowded at major attractions like the Aquarium or museums
• Spring and Fall: many consider these the most comfortable seasons for outdoor sights
• Summer: heat and humidity are significant; plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings when possible
• Event Days: sports games, conventions, and festivals can dramatically affect traffic and parking around key sights

Choosing What to See in Atlanta Based on Your Interests

If you’re short on time, focus on sights that match what you enjoy most.

• History & Civil Rights:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Sweet Auburn neighborhood

• Outdoor & Scenic:

  • Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Historic Fourth Ward Park and Grant Park

• Family-Friendly:

  • Georgia Aquarium
  • Zoo Atlanta
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Children’s Museum of Atlanta

• Arts & Culture:

  • High Museum of Art
  • Fox Theatre
  • Street art along the BeltLine and in Krog Street Tunnel

• Shopping & Dining:

  • Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market
  • Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza in Buckhead
  • Neighborhood strips in Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, West Midtown

Atlanta’s sights range from major, ticketed attractions to simple neighborhood walks that show you how the city really lives. With this local-oriented overview, you can match your interests, time, and transportation options to the parts of Atlanta that will be most rewarding for you.