Best Tourist Places in Atlanta: Where to Go, What to See, and How to Plan Your Visit

Atlanta blends Southern history, modern skylines, and vibrant neighborhoods into one of the most interesting cities to explore in the Southeast. Whether you live here, are planning a weekend trip, or just want to understand what makes the city special, this guide walks through the top tourist places in Atlanta, plus how to connect them into an easy, enjoyable visit.

Quick Snapshot: Top Tourist Places in Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta: Classic Tourist Core

Most first-time visitors start in Downtown Atlanta, where several of the city’s best-known attractions sit within walking distance of one another.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist places in Atlanta, known for its massive tanks and variety of marine life.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why go:
  • Huge gallery of ocean life, including whale sharks and manta rays.
  • Kid‑friendly touch pools and interactive exhibits.
• Tips:
  • 🕒 Go early in the morning or later in the day to avoid peak crowds.
  • Consider pairing your visit with the World of Coca‑Cola next door.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next to the aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola explores the history of one of Atlanta’s most famous brands.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights:
  • Exhibits on the brand’s history and advertising.
  • Tasting room featuring Coca‑Cola products from different regions.
• Good to know: This is a popular stop for families and groups; expect a lively atmosphere.

Centennial Olympic Park

Created for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park now serves as Downtown’s central green space.

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why it’s worth a stop:
  • Fountain of Rings water feature (especially fun for kids in warm weather).
  • Views of the Downtown skyline and nearby attractions.
• Practical tip: Use the park as a “hub” between the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and CNN Center area.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This museum connects the story of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement with global human rights issues.

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Focus:
  • Exhibits on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other key civil rights leaders.
  • Interactive displays exploring ongoing human rights challenges.
• Best for: Visitors who want deeper context on Atlanta’s role in civil rights history.

Midtown Atlanta: Arts, Culture, and Green Spaces

Head a few miles north and you’ll be in Midtown, one of Atlanta’s cultural and visual arts hubs.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is one of the city’s leading arts institutions.

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Why visit:
  • Collections ranging from classic to contemporary art.
  • Rotating exhibitions that draw regional and national attention.
• Nearby: The Woodruff Arts Center complex also includes performance venues and other arts programs.

Piedmont Park

Sometimes called Atlanta’s “Central Park,”Piedmont Park is a large urban green space popular with both locals and visitors.

• Main entrances:
  • 10th St & Charles Allen Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Piedmont Ave NE & 12th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• What to do:
  • Walk or jog around the lake and paved paths.
  • Relax on the lawns with skyline views of Midtown.
  • Connect to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail at the park’s eastern edge for longer walks or bike rides.
• Tip: Weekends can be busy; early mornings are quieter if you prefer a more relaxed experience.

Fox Theatre

The historic Fox Theatre is a landmark for concerts, Broadway-style shows, and special events.

• Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Why it stands out:
  • Ornate, atmospheric interior with a “starry sky” ceiling.
  • Strong lineup of performances year-round.
• Traveler note: Even if you don’t catch a show, the exterior and marquee are worth a quick stop if you’re nearby.

Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District

Atlanta played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement, and Sweet Auburn and the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District remain some of the city’s most meaningful tourist areas.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This site brings together several important locations from Dr. King’s life.

• Visitor center: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Key places within or near the park:
  • Dr. King’s birth home (guided tours often available, typically by timed entry).
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church (Historic Sanctuary at 407 Auburn Ave NE).
  • The King Center and reflecting pool, where Dr. and Mrs. King are laid to rest.
• Why go:
  • Provides a deeper understanding of Atlanta’s role in civil rights history.
  • Many elements are walkable within a few blocks.

Tip: If you’re planning to tour the birth home, it’s wise to check for ticketing details and timing in advance, since capacity is limited.

Atlanta BeltLine & Ponce City Market: Walk, Eat, Explore

One of the most popular modern attractions in Atlanta is the Atlanta BeltLine, a series of multi-use trails built along historic rail corridors.

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Eastside Trail is especially popular with visitors because it connects several lively neighborhoods.

• Good starting access points:
  • Near Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
  • Near Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward areas
• What you’ll find along the trail:
  • Public art and murals.
  • Outdoor seating, cafes, and restaurants just off the path.
  • Views of converted historic buildings and modern apartments.

Ponce City Market

A former Sears building transformed into a major retail and dining hub, Ponce City Market is a destination on its own.

• Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Why visitors love it:
  • Large food hall with a mix of local and regional options.
  • Boutique shopping and seasonal events.
  • Rooftop area (with separate admission) often featuring games and skyline views.
• Tip: Combine a visit to Ponce City Market with a walk or bike ride along the BeltLine for a half-day outing.

Buckhead: Shopping, Dining, and Upscale Vibes

North of Midtown, Buckhead is known for its shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.

Shopping District

The main Buckhead commercial area centers around Peachtree Road NE.

• Well-known shopping zones:
  • High-end fashion and luxury brands.
  • Large, multi-level shopping environments plus nearby street‑level boutiques.
• Best for:
  • Travelers looking to combine dining and shopping in one area.
  • Locals planning a “day out” with friends or family.

Buckhead’s Restaurant & Nightlife Scene

Many visitors come to Buckhead in the evenings for dinner and drinks.

• What to expect:
  • A mix of upscale restaurants, lounges, and more casual spots.
  • Busy weekend evenings, especially along main corridors like Peachtree and around Buckhead Village.

If you’re staying elsewhere in the city, rideshare and MARTA buses and trains commonly connect through Buckhead, making it reasonably accessible without a car.

Sports & Entertainment: Stadiums and Arenas

Atlanta is a major sports city, and its venues also double as tourist landmarks.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Home to professional football and soccer, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium also hosts major concerts and events.

• Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why visit:
  • Striking modern architecture, including the retractable roof.
  • Event days bring a lively atmosphere to the surrounding area.
• Access:
  • Located near Downtown; MARTA’s GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center station and Vine City station are common access points for events.

State Farm Arena

Next door, State Farm Arena is a major venue for basketball and concerts.

• Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Considerations:
  • Often paired with Downtown attractions if you’re planning a full day that ends with a game or show.
  • Public transit and rideshare are commonly used on event nights due to limited nearby parking.

Atlanta’s Museums and Educational Attractions

Beyond the big-name sites, Atlanta has several other museums and centers that can make your visit more rounded and educational.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

• Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Highlights:
  • Dinosaur exhibits and natural history galleries.
  • Immersive science and nature experiences.
• Who it’s for: Families, science enthusiasts, and visitors wanting a quieter, more educational stop away from Downtown crowds.

Atlanta History Center

• Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Buckhead area)
• What you’ll see:
  • Exhibits on Atlanta’s development, regional history, and the Civil War.
  • Historic houses and landscaped grounds.
• Tip: This can be combined with a broader Buckhead day if you’re already in the area for shopping or dining.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

While major attractions draw the most attention, Atlanta’s neighborhoods provide a lot of local character.

Inman Park

• General area: East of Downtown, around Euclid Ave NE and Elizabeth St NE
• Why go:
  • Historic homes, tree-lined streets, and neighborhood restaurants.
  • Easy access to the Atlanta BeltLine.
• Best for: Visitors who like to walk around, grab coffee, and see a more residential side of the city.

Little Five Points

• General area: Intersection of Euclid Ave NE and Moreland Ave NE
• Vibe:
  • Creative, alternative, and artsy.
  • Vintage shops, murals, and independent cafes.
• Works well as a stop if you’re already visiting Inman Park or Fernbank Museum nearby.

Old Fourth Ward

• General area: East of Downtown, around Boulevard NE and the BeltLine
• Notable for:
  • Proximity to the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District.
  • Trendy restaurants, lofts, and bars.
  • Easy access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Family-Friendly Tourist Places in Atlanta

If you’re visiting with kids or planning a family day out, these spots are often at the top of the list:

• Georgia Aquarium – Interactive exhibits and large marine displays.
• World of Coca‑Cola – Tasting room and colorful exhibits.
• Zoo Atlanta –
  • Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (Grant Park)
  • Why go: Wide range of animals, including pandas and popular children’s areas.
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Dinosaurs and science-focused exhibits.
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta –
  • Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Hands-on exhibits for younger kids, especially useful for Downtown-based trips.

Tip: Many families plan a Downtown “cluster day” (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, Children’s Museum) to simplify transportation and walking.

Outdoor & Scenic Spots Around the City

Atlanta is known as a “city in a forest,” and there are several outdoor attractions beyond Piedmont Park:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden

  • Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (adjacent to Piedmont Park)
  • Features: Seasonal plant displays, canopy walk, children’s garden, and special events.

• Stone Mountain Park (just outside Atlanta)

  • Main entrance: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  • About: Large park with hiking trails, lake, and attractions.
  • Note: This is a significant day or half-day trip, and many visitors drive or arrange group transportation.

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (north of Atlanta)

  • Common access: 1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30350 (Island Ford Visitor Center)
  • Activities: Hiking, paddling, and riverside walking accessible from the metro area.

These spots help balance a city-focused trip with time in nature, especially if you have multiple days in Atlanta.

Getting Around: Connecting Tourist Places in Atlanta

When planning how to visit these attractions:

• MARTA rail

  • Runs north–south and east–west through major areas such as Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the airport.
  • Helpful for reaching central tourist places without worrying about parking.

• Streetcar (Downtown)

  • Connects parts of Downtown, including areas near Centennial Olympic Park and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

• Rideshare and taxis

  • Commonly used for shorter hops between neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, and the BeltLine-adjacent areas.

• Walking and biking

  • Very practical within specific zones (Downtown cluster, Midtown around Piedmont Park, BeltLine Eastside Trail), though less common for long distances between neighborhoods due to spacing and traffic patterns.

Planning Your Time in Atlanta

A simple way to organize your visit around the top tourist places in Atlanta:

• 1-day visit

  • Focus on Downtown: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, optionally the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

• 2–3 days

  • Day 1: Downtown attractions.
  • Day 2: Midtown & Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, Atlanta Botanical Garden.
  • Day 3: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and BeltLine Eastside Trail with Ponce City Market.

• Longer stays or local exploring

  • Add Buckhead (shopping and Atlanta History Center), Fernbank Museum, Zoo Atlanta, and an outdoor day at Stone Mountain Park or the Chattahoochee River.

By grouping nearby attractions and using MARTA or rideshare for longer jumps, you can cover a lot of what makes Atlanta unique without feeling rushed.