Cheap and Fun Things To Do in Atlanta on a Budget

Atlanta has a reputation for big attractions and busy nightlife, but you don’t need a big budget to enjoy the city. Whether you live here or are just visiting, there are plenty of cheap things to do in Atlanta that still feel special.

Below are practical, locally focused ideas across neighborhoods and price ranges, with many activities under $10–$15 per person and several that are completely free.

Classic Cheap Atlanta Attractions

Atlanta BeltLine: Walk, Bike, and Explore Murals

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the city without spending much.

Why it’s great:

• Free to access
• Lined with public art, murals, and sculptures
• Connects Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, and Midtown
• Great for walking, jogging, or biking

You can access the Eastside Trail near:

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

💡 Budget tip: Bring your own bike or scooter to avoid rental costs, and pack water and snacks instead of buying them along the trail.

Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown Sights

Centennial Olympic Park is the central green space in downtown Atlanta and one of the most budget-friendly places to start if you’re near major attractions.

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Cost: Free to walk around

What you can do cheaply:

• Watch the Fountain of Rings water show
• Walk over to see landmarks like the CNN Center exterior or take photos with downtown skyline views
• Bring a picnic and enjoy the lawns

From here, you can also see (without paying to enter) the outsides of:

• Georgia Aquarium – 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• World of Coca-Cola – 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

If you’re on a strict budget, enjoy the grounds and public art, and save the paid attractions for another day.

Free and Low-Cost Outdoor Activities

Piedmont Park: Atlanta’s Backyard

Piedmont Park is one of the cheapest and most flexible ways to enjoy Atlanta.

• Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Cost: Park access is free

What you can do:

• Walk or jog the trails and paths
• Enjoy lake views and city skyline photos
• Use free tennis, basketball, or open fields (bring your own gear)
• Visit the dog parks if you’re bringing a pet
• Check for free or low-cost festivals and events on weekends

Right next door is the Atlanta Botanical Garden (1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309). While the Garden itself charges admission, you can enjoy the views of the surrounding greenery from Piedmont Park and take in the Midtown skyline without paying for entry.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This is one of Atlanta’s most meaningful attractions, and it’s free.

• Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Cost: General access is free (some programs may require reservations)

Highlights often include:

• Visitor Center exhibits about the Civil Rights Movement
• Ebenezer Baptist Church (original sanctuary)
• Outdoor spaces, including the King Center grounds and reflecting pool

💡 Budget tip: Combine this visit with a self-guided walking tour of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood to see historic buildings and local murals.

Oakland Cemetery: History and Skyline Views

Oakland Cemetery is a historic garden cemetery that doubles as an outdoor museum.

• Location: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Cost: Grounds are free to wander (guided tours may have a fee)

What to expect:

• Quiet walking paths with city skyline views
• Gravesites of notable Atlantans, including politicians, writers, and civic leaders
• Beautiful landscaping and historic markers

This is a good option if you like history, photography, or peaceful walks.

Local Neighborhood Greenways & Trails

If you want to stick close to a specific area, consider:

• Southside BeltLine Trail – Expanding access to neighborhoods south of downtown, generally free and less crowded than the Eastside.
• Westside BeltLine Connector – Offers views of old industrial sites being redeveloped into parks and green spaces.

These trails are all free to use and easy to pair with cheap food stops at local markets or small restaurants.

Cheap and Free Arts & Culture in Atlanta

High Museum of Art: Discount Days

The High Museum of Art is one of Atlanta’s best-known museums.

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Ways to save:

• Keep an eye out for discount days or community programs that reduce or waive admission fees.
• Certain local residents, students, or library card holders may sometimes access passes or discounts through local institutions.

Even if you don’t go inside, the midtown Arts District area around the museum is lively and walkable, with sculptures and architecture you can appreciate for free.

Street Art & Murals: Free Outdoor Galleries

Atlanta has a strong mural and street art scene, and it doesn’t cost anything to enjoy it.

Good areas for a self-guided mural walk:

• Krog Street Tunnel & Krog Street Market area – Around 1 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Cabbagetown – Colorful homes and alley murals
• Old Fourth Ward – Murals visible from the BeltLine and side streets

💡 Tip: Visit during the day for clear views and better photos, and stay aware of traffic and private property as you explore.

Public Libraries: Free Programs and Local Resources

Atlanta-area public libraries often host free events such as lectures, book clubs, film showings, children’s activities, and computer classes.

Key systems include:

• Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System – Central Library at 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303
• DeKalb County Public Library – Various branches just outside Atlanta city limits

You can:

• Use free Wi‑Fi and quiet workspace
• Borrow books, movies, and sometimes museum pass programs (availability can vary)
• Attend scheduled workshops and community events

Affordable Historic & Educational Sites

Atlanta History Center (Buckhead Area)

The Atlanta History Center offers extensive exhibits and historic homes.

• Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Look for:

• Discounted admission opportunities on certain days
• Seasonal or community programs that lower costs

Even if you don’t pay to go inside, the nearby Buckhead area has sidewalks, window-shopping opportunities, and views of historic homes and gardens visible from public streets.

Georgia State Capitol

The Georgia State Capitol offers an educational experience for little or no cost.

• Location: 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

Inside, you can typically see:

• Historic legislative chambers
• Exhibits on state history and government processes
• Art and memorials related to Georgia’s past

Many visitors combine this with a walk around Underground Atlanta and the surrounding government district for a full downtown experience on a budget.

Budget-Friendly Family Activities

Historic Fourth Ward Park & Splash Pad

Historic Fourth Ward Park is a modern green space near the BeltLine.

• Location: 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Cost: Free

Family-friendly features:

• A splash pad (seasonal) that’s great for kids
• Walking paths and open lawns
• A lake and pedestrian bridges for photos

You can walk from here to Ponce City Market and enjoy the public areas. Browsing shops is free if you skip the rooftop attractions and focus on window-shopping and people-watching.

Free and Cheap Playgrounds Around the City

Atlanta’s neighborhood parks often have well-maintained playgrounds and sports courts. Some popular options:

• Grant Park – 537 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Candler Park – 1500 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Perkerson Park – 770 Deckner Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 (also known for a disc golf course)

Bring your own snacks, water, and simple outdoor toys (ball, frisbee, kite) to keep costs at zero beyond transportation.

Zoo Atlanta: Look for Discount Opportunities

Zoo Atlanta is located in Grant Park.

• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

While standard admission is not “cheap” on its own, you can:

• Watch for special discount days or community promotions
• Sometimes access reduced pricing through local institutions or specific programs

If tickets aren’t in your budget, you can still enjoy Grant Park itself for free—walk around the neighborhood’s historic streets and tree-lined sidewalks.

Cheap Nighttime & Social Activities

Free or Low-Cost Live Music

Atlanta has an active music scene, including many venues with no cover or low-cost entry on certain nights.

Common approaches:

• Look for smaller bars and restaurants in neighborhoods like East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, Edgewood, or West Midtown that host local bands with minimal cover charges.
• Outdoor events, seasonal concerts, and neighborhood festivals sometimes offer free live music.

Spending mainly on one drink or appetizer can keep the night affordable.

BeltLine at Night (With Caution)

The BeltLine, especially the Eastside Trail, remains active in the evening. It can be a pleasant, cheap outing to:

• Take an evening stroll under string lights and public art
• People-watch near the more active restaurant clusters

Stay aware of your surroundings, travel with others when possible, and stick to well-lit, busier stretches.

Markets, Thrifting, and Window-Shopping

Ponce City Market (Budget Version)

Ponce City Market is one of the city’s most visited mixed-use developments.

• Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Even if you don’t spend much, you can:

• Walk the public hallways and central food hall
• Browse shops without buying
• Exit directly to the BeltLine Eastside Trail for a free walk

To keep this cheap, set a small budget for a single snack or drink and avoid impulse purchases.

Krog Street Market & Inman Park

Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307) and the surrounding Inman Park neighborhood offer:

• A walkable cluster of restaurants and stalls
• Easy access to the BeltLine and nearby murals
• Historic homes visible from the street

Browsing is free. You can limit spending by sharing small bites or enjoying a coffee instead of a full meal.

Thrift Stores and Vintage Shops

Neighborhoods like Little Five Points, Poncey-Highland, and parts of East Atlanta are known for:

• Thrift shops with low-cost clothing and housewares
• Vintage and record stores where browsing is half the fun

You can easily spend an afternoon walking store to store, even if you only buy one small item or nothing at all.

Seasonal & Event-Based Cheap Activities

Festivals and Neighborhood Events

Atlanta hosts many free or low-cost festivals, especially in milder weather seasons. Common themes include:

• Art and craft fairs
• Food and cultural festivals
• Neighborhood celebrations and holiday events

Parks that frequently host events include:

• Piedmont Park
• Grant Park
• Woodruff Park – 91 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

To stay on budget, focus on:

• Free admission events
• Setting a small limit for food or souvenirs
• Using public transit when possible to avoid high parking costs

Cheap Sports and Recreation

You don’t need pro game tickets to enjoy sports in Atlanta:

• Public basketball courts at parks across the city
• Pick-up soccer or football in open fields (especially at major parks)
• Disc golf at places like Perkerson Park (bring your own discs)
• Tennis courts at many city parks, generally free or low-cost

These options are good for groups and can easily fill an afternoon without much expense.

Quick Reference: Cheap Atlanta Activities at a Glance

Practical Budget Tips for Atlanta

To keep your cheap things to do in Atlanta genuinely affordable:

• Use MARTA when possible to cut down on parking; rail stations serve the airport, downtown, Midtown, and some key attractions.
• Pack water and snacks, especially when heading to parks or trails.
• Plan around free days for museums and attractions whenever available.
• Explore by neighborhood: pick one area (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Downtown, or Inman Park) and walk as much as possible to avoid multiple transit or parking fees.

With a little planning, you can experience a wide cross-section of Atlanta’s culture, parks, and neighborhoods while spending very little.