Visit Atlanta: A Practical Guide to Experiencing the City Like a Local

Atlanta is a city that mixes Southern hospitality with big-city energy. Whether you are planning to visit Atlanta, you already live here and want to explore more, or you are just trying to understand how the city works, this guide walks you through what to see, how to get around, and how to make the most of your time.

Getting Oriented: Atlanta’s Neighborhoods and Layout

Atlanta is spread out, and understanding the basic layout makes visiting or navigating much easier.

Core Areas Visitors and Locals Rely On

• Downtown Atlanta
  Home to many of the city’s biggest attractions and major hotels. This is where you’ll find:

  • Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW)
  • World of Coca-Cola (121 Baker St NW)
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

• Midtown
  A dense, walkable area known for arts, nightlife, and parks:

  • Piedmont Park
  • High Museum of Art
  • Fox Theatre (on Peachtree St NE)
  • Plenty of restaurants, bars, and apartment buildings popular with locals

• Buckhead
  Often called Atlanta’s upscale shopping and business district:

  • Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza malls
  • Offices, hotels, and higher-end dining
  • Residential neighborhoods just off Peachtree Road

• Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park
  Trendy, revitalized neighborhoods:

  • Access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Ponce City Market (food hall, shops, rooftop views)
  • Historic homes and tree-lined streets

• West Midtown & Westside
  Industrial-turned-creative area:

  • Breweries, design shops, and restaurants
  • Proximity to Georgia Tech

Understanding these areas helps you decide where to stay, where to eat, and how much time to set aside for getting around.

Top Things to Do When You Visit Atlanta

Iconic Atlanta Attractions

These are the places visitors ask about most and locals often recommend:

• Georgia Aquarium
  One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for whale sharks and interactive exhibits.
  Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• World of Coca-Cola
  Tells the story of the Coca-Cola brand with displays, memorabilia, and tasting rooms.
  Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• Centennial Olympic Park
  A central green space built for the 1996 Olympics, close to major attractions and events.

• Atlanta Botanical Garden
  Located beside Piedmont Park in Midtown, with seasonal plant displays and evening events.
  Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Zoo Atlanta
  Known for giant pandas, gorillas, and family-friendly exhibits.
  Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

History and Civil Rights Landmarks

Atlanta played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement, and many visitors come specifically for this history.

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  Includes Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and The King Center.
  Visitor Center location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  A museum and cultural center linking American civil rights history with global human rights issues.
  Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Visiting these sites gives important context to Atlanta’s identity and its nickname: “the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement.”

Outdoor Spaces Locals Actually Use

Atlanta is green and heavily wooded, and many residents build weekend routines around parks and trails.

• Piedmont Park
  Midtown’s main park with walking trails, dog parks, sports fields, and festivals.

• Atlanta BeltLine
  A growing network of multi-use trails circling parts of the city. Popular sections:

  • Eastside Trail – connects Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market, and Krog Street Market
  • Westside Trail – runs through West End, Adair Park, and nearby neighborhoods

• Stone Mountain Park (east of the city)
  A large park with hiking, a lake, and family activities. Many locals treat it as a day trip.

Where to Stay in Atlanta

Popular Areas for Visitors

When you visit Atlanta, where you stay shapes your experience. Here’s a quick comparison:

Tips when choosing an area:

• If you plan to use MARTA rail, staying near a station (especially in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead) makes life easier.
• If you plan to drive everywhere, consider parking costs at hotels and attractions.
• For a more “local neighborhood” feel, many people look at Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or Grant Park areas.

Getting Around Atlanta

Public Transit: MARTA

Atlanta’s main public transit system is MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority).

• Rail lines run north-south and east-west, connecting:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Downtown
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead
  • Some surrounding communities

• Key stations for visitors:

  • Airport Station – directly inside the airport
  • Five Points – major transfer station in Downtown
  • Peachtree Center – for many Downtown hotels
  • Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue – close to Midtown destinations
  • Buckhead, Lenox, Lindbergh Center – Buckhead shopping and offices

MARTA Customer Information:
Phone: 404-848-5000

MARTA is especially useful if you:

• Don’t want to drive from the airport into the city
• Are staying near a station and mostly visiting central attractions

Driving and Traffic

Locals often say Atlanta is a “driving city.” Many neighborhoods are car-oriented, and traffic is a reality.

• Major interstates:
  • I-75 and I-85 run north-south
  • I-20 runs east-west
  • I-285 is the “Perimeter” looping around the city

Rush hours can be heavy on weekdays, especially:

• Morning: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m.
• Evening: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.

If you visit Atlanta by car:

• Plan extra time when crossing town.
• Be prepared for paid parking in most busy areas (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead).
• Many residential streets near popular spots have parking limits; check signs carefully.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Shuttles

Visitors and residents frequently rely on:

• Rideshare services for short trips and nights out
• Hotel shuttles near the airport
• Taxis mainly at the airport or around major hotels

For late-night outings or when parking is tight, rideshare can be more convenient than driving.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Atlanta’s airport is one of the busiest in the world and a major entry point for visitors.

• Official name: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Navigating the Airport

• Two main terminal areas:
  • Domestic Terminal (North and South)
  • International Terminal (Concourse F)
• Concourses (A–F and T) are connected by an underground Plane Train.

Getting from the Airport into Atlanta

Common options:

• MARTA rail (Airport Station): Located inside the Domestic Terminal. Goes directly to Downtown and Midtown.
• Rideshare pickup: Clearly marked areas near the Domestic and International Terminals.
• Taxis: Flat-rate fares to central Atlanta zones are often posted at the taxi stands.
• Rental cars: Accessible via the Rental Car Center and ATL SkyTrain.

If you are visiting Atlanta for the first time, MARTA can be the most straightforward way to reach central hotels without dealing with traffic.

What to Eat and Drink in Atlanta

Atlanta’s food scene ranges from classic Southern dishes to global cuisine.

Local and Regional Favorites

When you visit Atlanta, many people look for:

• Fried chicken and Southern sides
• Barbecue (ribs, pulled pork, brisket)
• Biscuits and brunch spots
• Soul food (collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread)

Neighborhoods like Grant Park, West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Buckhead all have dense clusters of restaurants, from casual to high-end.

Food Halls and Markets

Food halls are popular with both visitors and locals because you can try multiple vendors in one place:

• Ponce City Market – Eastside BeltLine access, rooftop amusement-style area, wide variety of food and retail.
• Krog Street Market – Smaller but very food-focused, near Inman Park and BeltLine.
• Atlanta Market-style spaces around the city offer rotating vendors and local concepts.

Arts, Culture, and Events

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Beyond the major attractions, Atlanta has a strong arts and culture scene:

• High Museum of Art
  Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Fox Theatre
  A restored historic theater showing touring Broadway productions, concerts, and special events.
  Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• Atlanta History Center
  Covers regional history, including exhibits on the Civil War and local culture.
  Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Annual Events Locals Pay Attention To

Exact dates change each year, but people in Atlanta commonly look forward to:

• Atlanta Jazz Festival (often around Memorial Day)
• Dragon Con (major pop-culture convention in Downtown)
• Peachtree Road Race (July 4th 10K)
• Seasonal festivals in Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and along the BeltLine

If you’re visiting, it’s worth checking what major events or conventions are in town—these can affect hotel prices, traffic, and crowds.

Sports and Entertainment

Atlanta is a major sports city, and many visits revolve around games or concerts.

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), and a venue for concerts and major events.
  Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• State Farm Arena
  Home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and a frequent concert venue.
  Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta
  Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB). The Battery is a mixed-use development with restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
  Location: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Even if you’re not going to a game, The Battery and the areas around Downtown venues often have music, dining, and nightlife.

Practical Tips for Visiting Atlanta

Weather and What to Pack

Atlanta’s climate is generally mild but can be humid in summer.

• Spring and fall: Often comfortable; light layers work well.
• Summer: Can be hot and humid; breathable clothing and water are important if you’ll be outdoors.
• Winter: Usually mild, though occasional cold snaps happen; a medium-weight jacket is typically enough.

Because the city is spread out, comfortable walking shoes are helpful even if you use cars or transit.

Safety and Common-Sense Precautions

Like most large cities, Atlanta has very busy areas and quieter residential neighborhoods.

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Use well-lit, active streets when walking.
• Secure your belongings and avoid leaving items visible in cars.
• If you’re unsure about a specific area, locals often suggest staying on main corridors and near known attractions.

For emergencies, you can reach:

• Atlanta Police Department (non-emergency line): 404-658-6666
• Emergency services (police/fire/medical): 911

Visitor Resources and City Information

If you need official information while you’re in town:

• City of Atlanta – City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main information line (City of Atlanta): 404-330-6000

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors-style information centers are commonly located near Downtown attractions and major hotels. Staff can help with maps, event listings, and neighborhood guidance.

• MARTA (for transit guidance)
  Customer Service: 404-848-5000

These resources are useful if you run into questions about services, special events, or logistics during your stay.

Living in Atlanta vs. Visiting Atlanta

If you already live in Atlanta, many of the same attractions apply, but your focus may shift:

• Using the BeltLine for regular exercise or commuting
• Planning weekend trips to Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier, or North Georgia mountains
• Watching for free events in parks and public spaces
• Learning which back roads help you avoid peak highway traffic

If you’re visiting Atlanta to see whether you might want to move here, spending time in different neighborhoods (Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, Grant Park, and others) gives you a clearer sense of daily life beyond the tourist sites.

Whether you are in Atlanta for a weekend, an extended stay, or you are a long-time resident looking to appreciate the city in new ways, focusing on neighborhoods, transportation, and local culture will help you experience Atlanta in a more relaxed, informed way.