Are you looking to take a trip to The Peach State? From Savannah to Athens and Marietta to Golden Isles, Georgia has plenty of charming towns and cities to explore. One Georgian city that belongs on everyone’s bucket list is Atlanta. The capital city is filled with a deep history, a bustling arts district, and a revamped downtown, making this city a must-see destination.

In respect to Georgia, Atlanta is an anomaly. While most of the state leans red, Atlanta is a liberal center that’s accepting of all classes and creeds, making this city extremely ethnically diverse. No matter where you go in Atlanta, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and experience southern hospitality in all its glory.

Before you pack your bags and visit Atlanta, it’s best to have a game plan ready. Take a look at our guide to Atlanta to see the best places to stay, eat, drink, and visit.

Where to stay in Atlanta

Atlanta is a city for drivers. Whereas cities like New York and Chicago have expansive public transit networks, Atlanta is more sprawled out, with growing suburbs on the outside of the Perimeter (Interstate 285, which creates a “barrier” between Atlanta proper and the suburbs) and a walkable downtown area with unique neighborhoods. This expansiveness means there are plenty of areas you can stay for the duration of your trip. Here’s our rundown on where to stay in Atlanta:

East Atlanta Village

For those looking to stay in an area with bustling nightlife, East Atlanta Village is your best bet. Located south of Little Five Points, you’ll find popular music venues like the Earl and 529, locally-owned shops, a farmers market every Thursday, and plenty of bars. Another popular music venue is The Basement at the Graveyard, which attracts live performances from local, regional, and national music artists and bands spanning a variety of genres.

Little Five Points

Located north of East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points is an eclectic neighborhood with a Bohemian-chic vibe that attracts artists and musicians alike. From vintage apparel shops to independent bookstores and eateries to plenty of pubs, you’re sure to find something that piques your interests. When it’s time to wind down, sit on the porch of your Airbnb or the roof of your hotel and listen to street performers belt melodic tunes throughout the air. One benefit of visiting Atlanta, is that you can easily get out of the city and check out other great activities that are exclusive to the Southern states, like camping or fishing. 

Downtown Atlanta

If you wish to be near major tourist attractions, Downtown Atlanta is the place to be. Here, you’ll find plenty of hotels to spend your stay, along with walkable streets that lead to popular restaurants, bars, and shops. You’ll also be near tourist spots like the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. And for those looking to test their luck, there are plenty of casinos in the downtown area to play slots, poker, craps, and other popular gambling games.

While these three popular neighborhoods merely scratch the surface of places to stay in Atlanta, they’re a good starting point. Other areas you should keep on your radar include Kirkwood, Midtown, West End, and Sweet Auburn.

Where to eat and drink in Atlanta

The diversity of Atlanta makes this city a major food hub with world-class cuisine, from BBQ to Mexican and vegan to American. With such a happening food scene, it can be hard to check off all of Atlanta’s famous eateries. Along with restaurants, there are plenty of watering holes to quench your thirst after a big meal. Whether you’re into dive bars, pubs, breweries, or distilleries, there are numerous drink spots to imbibe. Here’s a list of popular restaurants and bars to visit in Atlanta.

  • SluttyVegan ATL: A famous vegan food truck, located on Ralph David Abernathy Blvd in the Westview neighborhood, with mouth-watering vegan burgers and other comfort foods.
  • Proof and Provision: Located underneath the luxurious Georgian Terrace, this speakeasy-like bar has a variety of immaculate cocktails.
  • Kimball House: This renovated railroad station is run by French-trained chefs that have a seasonally rotating menu that never fails to please.
  • The Porter: Beer enthusiast—rejoice. The Porter, which is located in Little Five Points, is home to over 800 different brews and an outdoor seating area that’s perfect for those warm Atlanta afternoons.

There are hundreds of restaurants, bars, and eateries to enjoy in Atlanta. If you’re a true foodie, take time to sit down and research all of Atlanta’s most popular places to enjoy a filling meal.

Where to visit in Atlanta

As stated, Atlanta has a deep history that dates back centuries. Today, Atlanta is a bustling cultural center with artists reclaiming historic buildings, top-rated chefs opening up restaurants, and transplants finding a new place to call home. Whether you’re here to visit or to find a place to call home, make sure you check out these popular Atlanta attractions:

  • Jackson Street Bridge: For the perfect Instagram-worthy sunset, head on over to the Jackson Street Bridge to snap a pic of the Atlanta skyline.
  • The Atlanta BeltLine: If you’ve ever visited The High Line in NYC, you’ll be pleased to see Atlanta has a similar version. While the BeltLine is still under construction, this walkable trail has a few open areas with green space, parks, and pathways lined with public art, scenic overlooks, and outdoor events like yoga and parades.
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights: Learn about the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement and gain a deeper understanding of human rights at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights museum.
  • Sweet Auburn: Visit the Sweet Auburn neighborhood to take a walking tour of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Past. Here, you’ll find his childhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, MLK’s and Coretta Scott’s gravesites, and the King Center.
  • Centennial Olympic Park: If you’re in downtown Atlanta, pay a visit to the Centennial Olympic Park, which pays homage to the 1996 Summer Olympics. Here, you’ll find interactive murals, the Fountain of Rings, the SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel, and can take an audio walking tour.

No matter where in Atlanta you are, you’re sure to find a fun and exciting place to visit.

Visiting Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia has much to offer. From unique neighborhoods with intricate art designed by locals and international artists to award-winning restaurants and cuisine you can’t find anywhere else, there’s more reason than one to visit Atlanta. With this guide handy, you’ll tour Atlanta like a local and see what the hype is all about.

Check out our travel tips for more help planning your next getaway!  

Suzanne Pope is the COO for Whiterock Locators, an online apartment location service in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Suzanne has been a real estate professional since 2007 and a licensed real estate agent since 2010.  She has worked for both clients and investors who are buying and/or selling a home.