Atlanta Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Atlanta

Atlanta mixes major downtown attractions with neighbourhoods best explored on foot or by bike.

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park — Dr King's birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church and his resting place in the Sweet Auburn district.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights — A moving museum linking the American civil rights movement with human rights worldwide.
• Georgia Aquarium — One of the largest aquariums in the world, beside Centennial Olympic Park.
• World of Coca-Cola — A museum dedicated to the famous drink, which was created in Atlanta.
• Atlanta BeltLine — A popular walking and cycling trail on a former railway corridor, lined with murals, restaurants and markets.
• Piedmont Park — The city's green heart, next to the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown.
• High Museum of Art — The South's leading art museum, in a striking building in Midtown.

Best time to visit Atlanta

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate. Spring (March to May) is especially beautiful, with dogwoods and azaleas in bloom and comfortable temperatures, and autumn (September to November) brings mild, sunny days and colourful foliage.

Summers are hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, although many attractions are indoors. Winters are generally mild with occasional cold snaps. The city hosts major sporting and music events throughout the year, so hotels can fill quickly on big weekends.

Getting from the airport

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, is about 16 kilometres south of downtown Atlanta.

MARTA trains run directly from the domestic terminal to downtown, Midtown and Buckhead, avoiding road traffic; international arrivals can reach the station by the airport's free train or shuttle. Taxis, ride-hailing pick-up zones and hotel shuttles are also available, and rental cars are collected from a dedicated centre reached by the airport's SkyTrain. By road, allow extra time at rush hour.

Where to stay

Atlanta is spread out, so staying near a MARTA station or the BeltLine makes exploring much easier.

• Downtown — Close to the aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park and convention venues, good for first visits and events.
• Midtown — Arts, dining and Piedmont Park, with rail links, suited to most travellers.
• Buckhead — Upscale shopping and hotels in the north of the city, popular for business and luxury stays.
• Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward — Leafy, historic areas beside the BeltLine, ideal for food lovers.

Travel tips

• Money: Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere; tipping around 15 to 20 per cent is customary in restaurants.
• Getting around: MARTA rail covers the core, but many areas are car-dependent, so ride-hailing is useful.
• Taxes: Sales tax is added at the till, so displayed prices usually exclude it.
• Weather: In summer, carry water and plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings to avoid heat and storms.
• Safety: As in any big city, stay aware of your surroundings at night and keep valuables out of sight in cars.