One of the trendiest cities in the United States, Atlanta has a stunning horizon filled with iconic architectural gems. The city has a lot of character, with something for everyone, from bustling markets, award-winning restaurants, and a thriving bar scene to vast green areas, shopping malls, museums, and significant historical sites.
Dubbed the unofficial capital of the South, the city is home to a wide range of Fortune 500 companies as well as renowned businesses, including Coca Cola, Delta Airlines and CNN. If you’re planning to visit for family fun, urban adventure, romantic getaway, or even one-of-a-kind activities and events, everything you need is here. It’s a big metropolis with a small-town vibe, and you can easily fall in love with its charm.
One of the best ways to get to know Atlanta is to explore its vast neighborhoods and beautiful parks. Even though COVID has badly hit the city, it is now possible to visit thanks to the more lax vaccine travel rules. If you aren’t fully vaccinated, please follow the CDC’s domestic travel advice.
Are you thinking of visiting Georgia? Our mini Atlanta travel guide features everything you need to know. We hope our Atlanta travel guide helps you plan your next holiday in Georgia!
Things to Do & Places To Visit
Centennial Park in Downtown Atlanta Georgia GA.
Sights
There’s never a shortage of exciting things to do in Atlanta, but there are a few must-see attractions. Whether it’s touring Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, the city’s most significant landmark, visiting one of the largest aquariums in the world, Georgia Aquarium, or exploring the World of Coca Cola to discover the history of the beverage brand, there’s so much to see in the city.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, located in Centennial Olympic Park, is a must-see for anybody interested in the civil rights movement and current human rights fight for the LGBT community, women, and immigrants.
Another fantastic spot to visit and explore is the Atlanta History Center, where you can explore through the region’s vast collection of Civil War artifacts as well as exhibits from the 1996 Summer Olympics. The High Museum of Art and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum are must-sees for history buffs. You may visit Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s largest green space, featuring walking trails, Lake Clara Meer, and a swimming pool.
Activities & Events
Activities abound in Atlanta throughout the year; there’s something for everyone. There is something going on almost every day of the year, from major festivals and live concerts to food and beverage festivities and sporting events. A not-to-miss event is the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival which brings chefs from around the south to Atlanta for a weekend of food and wine tastings and a wide range of activities.
Another event you should probably attend while in Atlanta is the long-standing celebration in the African American community, Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery with live music and a procession.
If you love racing, you shouldn’t miss the country’s largest 10K race, Peachtree Road Race, which takes place on July 4 every year. For music lovers, Music Midtown is a 3-day celebration, which brings big-name musicians to Piedmont Park. If you’re in Atlanta on Labor Day Weekend, you should attend the Dragon Con event for a wide range of exciting activities, including a cosplay parade.
Every fall in Atlanta, the LGBTQ community comes together for the Atlanta Pride Parade. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, which features film screenings and conversations on films pertinent to the community, is another fantastic event you should not miss.
Food & Drinks
Atlanta is an excellent destination for foodies. If you love soul food, you can dine at Fox Bros Bar-B-Q or try their various delicious seafood at Optimist. Visit Paschal’s Restaurant for a taste of their tasty fried chicken.
Don’t forget to check out Mary Mac’s Tea Room, dubbed Atlanta’s Dining Room, for delicious soul food staples like Brunswick stew, fried green tomatoes, and fried chicken. For an authentic Italian-style pizza, check out Antico Pizza Napoletana for some delicious pies.
Check out Bacchanalia Atlanta, one of the best restaurants in Atlanta with a prix fixe menu focused on organic and fresh products straight from the farm. Try their Foie Gras Torchon, Lamb Loin; you will love it!
Enjoy a delicious brunch at Rosie’s Coffee Cafe or Italia D’Oro Coffee House. Tap into Atlanta’s booming beer scene at Hippin’ Hops Brewery & Oyster Bar, Urban Tree Cidery, or even ASW Distillery, which is renowned as Atlanta’s Hometown Whiskey Distillery.
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Travel Guide: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Atlanta Travel Guide: Where to Stay
When visiting Atlanta, one of the most important things to consider is where you want to stay. The city offers various accommodation options, including boutique beds & breakfasts, luxurious hotels, and modern self-catering apartments.
If you’re visiting Atlanta for business or pleasure, you can stay in a beautiful apartment equipped with various modern amenities in some of the city’s most convenient locations, including Atlanta Downtown, Midtown, and East Atlanta.
- Downtown Atlanta is home to the city’s booming business area, which includes the Coca-Cola headquarters. The neighborhood is known for its lively nightclubs, diverse dining options, CNN’s headquarters, and the World of Coca-Cola.
- Midtown Atlanta is a laid-back neighborhood located just a short walk north of Downtown. The neighborhood is filled with a variety of restaurants, clubs, and retail outlets. The Midtown Miles, the city’s primary commercial district, and several of the city’s important cultural institutions are located in the area.
- East Atlanta is the city’s bohemian heartland, with a diverse range of activities, including the Krog Street Tunnel, where you can view some of Atlanta’s most well-known graffiti artists at work. Little Five Points has several bars, and Ponce City Market features food and clothing stores if you want to go shopping.
- Garden Hills is a thriving urban neighborhood with winding streets lined with old trees, a mix of early 20th century homes, open spaces and playgrounds, and a recreation center. There are several Viagem apartments with a wide range of modern amenities and within walking distance of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the neighborhood.
Do you need a place to stay during your stay in Atlanta? You can stay in one of the new Viagem apartments for a comfortable and memorable holiday.
Getting Around Atlanta
Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia
Even if you don’t have a car, it’s easy to get around Atlanta as a visitor. The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about 11 miles of downtown. From the airport, you can take the MATRA train to the city center.
You can travel by train from New York, Philadelphia or Washington D.C. to Atlanta’s Amtrak station through the Crescent route. From the station, you can take bus 110 to the city center. By road, you can travel from the east coast through I-20 or I-85. The I-75 links Atlanta to Florida, Chicago and Detroit. If you’re coming from Texas, you can take I-20 to Atlanta.
The city is also well served by Uber, Lift, and several cab companies.
The Best Time To Visit Atlanta
Depending on your preferences, you may visit Atlanta at any time of year. You can visit during summer and have the opportunity to indulge in a range of activities and events in July or August. However, if you like the warm weather, you should probably travel between April and June or September and November. There is a lot to do around this time. Winters in Atlanta are mild over the holidays, so you may still enjoy some festive sightseeing.
Are you thinking of visiting Atlanta sooner or later? You can start planning your trip of a lifetime with our Atlanta travel guide, with a wide range of amazing things to see and do.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Atlanta, you can browse through our collection of Viagem apartments for an unforgettable vacation in Georgia.
