Exploring Underground Atlanta: What It Is Now, What It Was, and How to Experience It
Underground Atlanta is one of the most talked‑about places in downtown Atlanta—and also one of the most misunderstood. Is it a historic site? A shopping center? A nightlife spot? A redevelopment project? In reality, it’s a bit of all four, and it’s still evolving.
If you live in Atlanta, work downtown, or are planning a visit, understanding what Underground Atlanta is today, where it’s headed, and how to safely enjoy it can help you decide whether it belongs on your itinerary.
Where Underground Atlanta Is and How to Get There
Location:
Underground Atlanta sits in the heart of downtown at and around 50 Upper Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. It’s directly south of the Five Points MARTA station and just a few blocks from major landmarks like the Georgia State Capitol, Peachtree Center, and the Georgia State University campus.
Getting There
By MARTA:
- Take Red, Gold, Blue, or Green line to Five Points Station.
- Follow station signs toward Alabama Street / Underground Atlanta exits.
- You’ll come out right at or across the street from the complex.
By Car:
- Use a GPS destination of “Underground Atlanta” or the Upper Alabama Street address.
- Expect downtown traffic, especially on weekdays and during events.
- Parking is typically available in nearby garages and surface lots; rates can vary by event and time of day.
By Bike or Scooter:
- Downtown has bike and scooter access, but streets can be busy.
- Look for designated scooter parking zones and bike racks along Alabama St, Pryor St, and Peachtree St.
What Underground Atlanta Actually Is
Underground Atlanta is a multi‑level historic district and mixed‑use complex built around what used to be “underground” streets and storefronts. Over time it has been:
- A 19th‑century railroad commercial district
- A mid‑20th‑century nightlife and entertainment hub
- A 1980s–2000s shopping and tourist attraction
- And now, an evolving arts, culture, entertainment, and event space
Today, most locals think of Underground Atlanta as:
- A historic setting with old brick viaducts and storefronts
- A venue and creative space for events, markets, music, and art
- A redevelopment project that is still in transition, with some active businesses and some areas under renovation
If you visited years ago for the malls or big retail chains, what you’ll find now is very different and much more arts‑ and event‑focused.
A Quick Snapshot: What You’ll Find at Underground Atlanta
| Aspect | What It Was Known For | What You’ll See More of Now |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping | National chain stores, souvenir shops | Small businesses, pop‑ups, niche retail (varies) |
| Nightlife & Bars | Tourist bars and clubs | Events, themed nights, occasional bar/club spaces |
| Dining | Food court, fast food, casual chains | Limited but growing mix of local food concepts |
| Culture & Art | Historic setting more than active arts | Murals, creative studios, arts events, festivals |
| General Atmosphere | Structured mall‑like destination | More open‑ended, experimental, event‑driven |
Because of ongoing redevelopment, lineups change frequently. It’s worth checking current programming and hours before planning a long visit.
A Short History of Underground Atlanta (And Why It’s “Underground”)
Understanding the backstory helps make sense of what you’re seeing when you walk through.
Railroads, Viaducts, and Hidden Streets
- In the late 1800s, downtown Atlanta grew around the railroad tracks near what’s now Five Points.
- To separate street traffic from the trains below, the city built viaducts (raised streets) over the tracks.
- That effectively left the original street level underneath, with storefronts and passageways that started to feel like an “underground city.”
Those brick arches, iron columns, and old storefront facades you see today are remnants of this older street level.
Rise, Fall, and Reimagining
Over the decades, the area cycled through phases:
- Mid‑20th century: A nightlife destination with jazz clubs, bars, and restaurants.
- Late 20th century: Fully redeveloped as a tourist shopping and entertainment district with chain stores and a festival marketplace feel.
- Early 21st century: Interest decreased, many national retailers left, and foot traffic declined.
- Recent years: New ownership and a shift toward arts, culture, music, and creative uses, plus long‑term redevelopment plans.
For locals, this means Underground Atlanta can feel nostalgic, unfinished, and up‑and‑coming all at once.
What to Do at Underground Atlanta Today
Programming and tenants can shift, but there are several recurring ways Atlantans use the space.
1. Attend Events, Festivals, and Markets
Underground often hosts:
- Music performances (local artists, DJs, themed nights)
- Art shows and gallery events
- Holiday or seasonal festivals
- Vendor markets, including small business and maker pop‑ups
- Community and cultural events, sometimes tied to Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods and scenes
If you live in Atlanta, this can be a good spot to discover local creatives, shop small, or catch a more experimental event you might not see in a traditional venue.
💡 Tip: Events can happen at odd hours (late nights, weekends, or single‑day pop‑ups). It’s smart to confirm dates and times before heading downtown specifically for an event.
2. Explore the Historic Architecture and Layout
Even without a specific event, some visitors come mainly to see:
- The old brick underpasses and railroad‑era structures
- The two-level street system (upper viaduct level and lower “underground” areas)
- Remnants of past retail signage and spaces that give a sense of Atlanta’s changing downtown
If you’re into architecture, urban history, or photography, the unique structure can be an interesting short walk.
3. Check Out Art, Murals, and Creative Spaces
Parts of Underground Atlanta have become a canvas for local artists:
- Indoor and outdoor murals
- Occasional artist studios or creative workspaces
- Installations tied to events or arts programming
This isn’t a polished, museum‑style experience—more of a lived‑in arts district feel that can range from polished to very raw, depending on the block.
4. Food, Drinks, and Nightlife
Food and nightlife offerings change over time and may include:
- Casual spots for a quick bite before or after a downtown event
- Bars or clubs hosting themed nights, DJs, or live performances
- Vendor‑based food options during festivals and markets
If you’re planning dinner and drinks, it’s wise to check what’s currently open and consider nearby downtown choices (like around Peachtree Center, Edgewood Ave, or Castleberry Hill) as backups.
Is Underground Atlanta Safe?
Safety is a common question for any downtown Atlanta spot, and Underground is no exception.
What Locals Typically Consider
- Underground Atlanta is in a busy urban area near Five Points, some government buildings, transit, and campuses.
- Like many downtown spaces, experiences can vary by time of day, day of the week, and what events are happening.
- You’ll often see a mix of commuters, students, event‑goers, tourists, and unhoused individuals in the surrounding streets.
Most Atlanta residents treat Underground Atlanta much like other central downtown areas: use normal big‑city awareness, especially at night.
Practical Safety Tips
- Stick to well‑lit, populated areas, especially after dark.
- Travel with a friend or group when attending late‑night events.
- Use MARTA, rideshare, or secure parking near your destination.
- Keep valuables close and avoid displaying expensive items unnecessarily.
- Know where you’re headed—decide your entrance and exit routes in advance.
For non‑emergency concerns in the area, Atlantans commonly contact:
- Atlanta Police Department – Zone 5 (Downtown)
200 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Non‑emergency line: (404) 658‑6666
Emergency: 911
Who Underground Atlanta Is Best For
Underground Atlanta is most appealing if you:
- Live in or near Atlanta and enjoy discovering developing arts and nightlife areas
- Like urban history, old architecture, and adaptive reuse projects
- Want to support local creators at pop‑ups, markets, and events
- Don’t mind a space that’s in transition, with some empty storefronts and ongoing work
It may be less ideal if you’re expecting:
- A traditional mall or fully built‑out shopping center with many national brands
- A polished, resort‑style tourist district
- A quiet, green space (for that, Atlantans often head instead to Piedmont Park, Atlanta BeltLine, or neighborhood parks)
Tips for Planning Your Visit
To make the most of a trip to Underground Atlanta:
Anchor your visit to a specific event.
Many locals find Underground most enjoyable when they go for a concert, market, festival, or art event, then explore a bit around it.Pair it with other downtown stops.
You can combine Underground with:- Georgia State Capitol / Liberty Plaza
- Centennial Olympic Park, the aquarium, or CNN Center area
- A walk up Peachtree Street or through Woodruff Park
Check current hours and programming.
Because redevelopment is ongoing, hours and tenants can change. What was there a year ago may not be there now.Consider daytime vs nighttime.
- Daytime: Better for architecture, casual wandering, or daytime events.
- Evening: Focus on specific concerts, nightlife, or festivals; plan transportation and parking thoughtfully.
Use MARTA if possible.
Since Five Points Station is directly adjacent, many Atlantans avoid downtown parking headaches by taking rail instead.
If You’re New to Atlanta or Hosting Visitors
For newcomers or out‑of‑town guests, Underground Atlanta can be:
- An interesting snapshot of Atlanta’s layers of history—from railroads to malls to creative district.
- A place to experience local subcultures—underground music, art, and nightlife scenes that don’t always appear on standard tourist lists.
- A conversation starter about how Atlanta’s downtown is changing.
Just be clear with visitors about what to expect: this is not a Disney‑style attraction, but a real downtown space that’s still finding its next chapter.
Key Takeaways About Underground Atlanta
- Location: Downtown at 50 Upper Alabama St SW, directly by Five Points MARTA.
- What it is now: A historic, multi‑level district in active transition—part arts hub, part event space, part redevelopment project.
- Best uses: Events, markets, music and arts experiences, urban exploring, and local culture.
- Safety: Similar to other central downtown areas—use standard city awareness, especially at night.
- Expectations: Don’t go expecting a classic mall. Go expecting an evolving, somewhat gritty, creative urban space with a unique history.
If you live in Atlanta, Underground Atlanta is worth checking out at least once, especially tied to a specific event. If you’re visiting, it’s best approached as one stop in a broader downtown Atlanta day, rather than the sole focus of your trip.
