Krog Street Tunnel: Atlanta’s Ever-Changing Street Art Landmark

Krog Street Tunnel is one of Atlanta’s most iconic pieces of public art—part passageway, part open-air gallery, and part neighborhood landmark. If you’re exploring things to do in Atlanta and love murals, graffiti, or photography, this tunnel is a must-see.

Located between Cabbagetown and Inman Park, Krog Street Tunnel isn’t a museum in the traditional sense, but it functions like a constantly changing, community-curated art space.

Where Is Krog Street Tunnel and How Do You Get There?

Address:
Krog Street Tunnel
Underpass between Wylie St SE & Lake Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30316

The tunnel connects Wylie Street SE (Cabbagetown side) with Lake Avenue NE / Krog Street (Inman Park side), running underneath the rail line.

Getting There by Car

• From Downtown Atlanta:

  • Take I-20 east to Exit 59A (Boulevard/Zoo Atlanta).
  • Head north on Boulevard SE.
  • Turn right onto Memorial Dr SE.
  • Turn left onto Pearl St SE, then right onto Wylie St SE and follow it until you reach the tunnel.

• From Midtown:

  • Take Boulevard or Moreland Ave south and cut over toward Edgewood/Inman Park.
  • Use Lake Ave NE or Edgewood Ave NE to reach the Inman Park side.

Parking is street parking only in the surrounding neighborhoods. It can be tight during peak times, especially evenings and weekends. Many visitors park along:

• Wylie St SE (Cabbagetown side)
• Krog St NE / Lake Ave NE (Inman Park side)

Always check local signs for parking restrictions and be respectful of residential driveways and private lots.

Getting There by MARTA, Bike, or On Foot

• MARTA:
  • Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station (Blue/Green Line) is the closest.
  • From the station, it’s roughly a 10–15 minute walk, mostly through neighborhood streets.
• By bike/scooter:
  • Krog Street connects easily to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.
  • Many people combine a BeltLine ride or walk with a quick detour through the tunnel.
• On foot:
  • If you’re staying near Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Cabbagetown, or Reynoldstown, the tunnel is a walkable destination and a good photography stop along a longer neighborhood stroll.

What Makes Krog Street Tunnel Special?

Krog Street Tunnel stands out in Atlanta for a few reasons:

• It’s free and open 24/7.
• The art is constantly changing—you may never see the same configuration twice.
• It’s a hub for local street artists, both established and up-and-coming.
• It sits at the crossroads of two historic neighborhoods, making it a cultural connector as well as a literal one.

Think of it as an ever-evolving public art museum, where the “exhibits” are layers of spray paint, paste-ups, stencils, and hand-painted messages.

A Living Canvas, Not a Static Mural

Unlike a traditional museum, nothing in Krog Street Tunnel is permanent. Artists regularly paint over older work. Visitors see:

• Large-scale murals
• Tags and graffiti lettering
• Stencils and illustrations
• Political and social messages
• Event and festival promotions

This makes it a place that reflects what’s happening in Atlanta right now—from sports wins and concerts to protests and community milestones.

Is Krog Street Tunnel Safe to Visit?

Most locals experience Krog Street Tunnel as busy and generally safe, especially:

• In daylight hours
• On weekends
• When combined with time on the BeltLine, Krog Street Market, or neighborhood restaurants

That said, it is an underpass:

• Expect it to feel gritty and urban, with noise from passing cars and trains.
• The floor can be damp or slick after rain.
• As with any city spot, staying aware of your surroundings is wise, particularly at night or when crowds are thin.

📌 Practical safety tips:

• Visit during daytime or early evening if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
• Keep valuables secure; avoid flashing expensive gear when it’s quiet.
• If you’re bringing kids, hold hands and stay against the sides—cars and bikes pass through.

What to Expect When You Walk Through

Atmosphere

Inside the tunnel, you’ll find:

• Walls and ceiling completely covered in paint from end to end
• Layers of color, posters, stickers, and paste-ups
• Echoes from traffic and people
• A mix of locals, tourists, photographers, and artists

The transition from one side to the other is noticeable—each neighborhood has its own feel, with more murals and tags spreading outward onto adjoining walls and fences.

Photography and Social Media

Krog Street Tunnel is one of the most photographed spots in Atlanta:

• Great for portraits, engagement photos, music videos, and street photography
• Popular backdrop for Instagram and TikTok content

Many photographers use the natural light from each end and the colorful walls as a high-contrast backdrop. If you’re taking portraits:

• Be prepared to wait a few minutes for the angle you want to clear.
• Be courteous about sharing space with other visitors and artists.

For commercial shoots, some creators choose to coordinate with the surrounding neighborhood or the City of Atlanta if large crews, lights, or street closures are involved. Casual photos for personal use typically happen without formal arrangements.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

You can visit Krog Street Tunnel any time of year, but the experience changes depending on time of day and week.

Time of Day

• Morning to late afternoon:
  • Best for first-time visitors
  • Better visibility for reading messages and details
  • Typically more families, walkers, and tourists
• Evening and night:
  • More dramatic photos with headlights and shadows
  • Can be quieter or, at times, more rowdy depending on events nearby
  • Some visitors prefer to go in groups after dark

Weekdays vs. Weekends

• Weekdays:
  • Often less crowded
  • Easier to photograph wide views without people
• Weekends:
  • Busier, especially when BeltLine traffic is heavy
  • More likely to catch an artist working or see small photoshoots

Nearby Attractions and Things To Do

Krog Street Tunnel is rarely a standalone outing. Most people pair it with food, shopping, or a longer walk in the area.

Krog Street Market and the BeltLine

On the Inman Park side, you’re a short walk from:

• Krog Street Market – a popular food hall with local restaurants, bars, and specialty shops.
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – a paved multi-use trail that connects to Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market, and more murals under other bridges.

Many visitors:

1. Park near Krog Street Market or along the BeltLine.
2. Walk or bike to Krog Street Tunnel.
3. Loop back for food, coffee, or drinks.

Cabbagetown and Wylie Street Murals

On the Cabbagetown side:

• Wylie Street SE is lined with additional murals and street art, making it feel like an open-air gallery stretching out from the tunnel.
• The Cabbagetown neighborhood itself is known for its colorful houses and local character.

Walking a few blocks in either direction turns the visit into a full art walk, not just a tunnel stop.

Family Visits: Is It Kid-Friendly?

Families in Atlanta often bring kids to Krog Street Tunnel as part of a BeltLine or Krog Street Market outing. With kids, consider:

• Noise: Cars, bikes, and echoing voices can be loud for sensitive children.
• Language and imagery: Some art includes adult language or themes. If you’re concerned, plan a quicker walk-through or preview photos online first.
• Traffic: There is active vehicle traffic; stay to the sides and keep a firm grip on younger children.

Many families are comfortable visiting in daylight and treating it like a brief stop on a longer walk.

Basic Visitor Info at a Glance

Respecting the Art and the Neighborhood

Krog Street Tunnel’s character depends on cooperation between artists, residents, and visitors. A few simple habits help keep it welcoming:

• Don’t paint over active work unless you’re an artist intentionally contributing; many locals view the space as informal but still guided by community norms.
• Avoid blocking traffic when taking photos—step to the side when cars, bikes, or pedestrians come through.
• Pack out your trash, including spray cans, bottles, or food packaging.
• Be mindful that you are in a residential area; keep noise reasonable at night.

There is no single “official” schedule for when art changes, so every trip has the chance to feel new.

Combining Krog Street Tunnel With a Day in Atlanta

If you’re planning a full “Things to Do in Atlanta” day that includes Krog Street Tunnel, common pairings include:

• BeltLine stroll → Krog Street Tunnel → Krog Street Market
• Inman Park brunch → Walk through the tunnel → Explore Wylie Street murals in Cabbagetown
• Old Fourth Ward / Ponce City Market → Bike down the BeltLine → Detour through the tunnel

For visitors staying in central Atlanta, the tunnel is an easy, low-cost way to see local creativity up close and get a feel for how different neighborhoods intersect.

Krog Street Tunnel may not be a museum with ticket lines and curators, but in Atlanta, it serves a similar role: a public space where art, community, and city life meet in real time. Whether you’re a local or just in town for a weekend, walking through this tunnel offers a quick, vivid snapshot of Atlanta’s creative energy.