15 Best Things To Do In Atlanta, Georgia

Welcome to the best things to do in Atlanta!

This city is a blend of historical significance and cutting-edge influence, where every day offers a new gem to uncover. Atlanta, affectionately known as the Big Peach, is bursting with Southern hospitality and a charm that extends far beyond its city limits.

Whether you’re a first-timer, a seasoned visitor, or a local in search of new thrills, Georgia’s capital has something just for you. From its world-class museums and vibrant sports scene to its culinary masterpieces, there’s no shortage of must-experience attractions here. Sounds like a blast, right?

Don’t stress over making plans—I’ve got you covered with the ultimate to-do list for your trip to the Hollywood of the South. Are you ready to dive into Atlanta with me? Let’s go!

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Atlanta Essentials

Top Experiences & Tours In Atlanta

Where To Stay In Atlanta

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How To Get Around Atlanta

Navigating Atlanta is a bit of a double-edged sword. Public transportation makes getting to various parts of the city easy and is locally known as MARTA.

If you’re just in town for one day, you can get a one-day MARTA card for roughly $11. However, if you will be staying a while (which you should), buy a regular MARTA card instead of paying for individual trips each time.

That being said, there are only a few rail lines across the city, meaning most trips require a few transfers between bus and train. Here’s where things get not so great, as these transfers mean trip times of about 45 to 60 minutes.

Your alternatives include services like Uber and Lyft, and you can always rent a car when you’re in town. Renting a car makes heading out and exploring around the city a breeze, and if you’re booking, do it in advance with RentalCars.com.

1. Walk The Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is easily ranked as the number one fun thing to do in Atlanta, and if you love the outdoors, you’re in for a treat.

What was once a 22-mile railway loop that rings around the city’s heart has become a revitalized, vibrant, multi-use path lined with art, native plants, and attractions. Any fans of walking, jogging, cycling, or skateboarding should not pass the opportunity by.

The BeltLine also acts as an easy way to get to various other must-dos in Atlanta, such as Ponce City Market, Piedmont Park, and more.

While there are plenty of ways to roam the BeltLine, I suggest heading on this 3-hour BeltLine Tour.

Pro tip: Here’s a nifty BeltLine map to help you.

2. Krog Street Market

If you’re out on the town one afternoon and looking for a fun place to go in Atlanta, the Krog Street Market is a standout choice.

Sitting along the BeltLine, this is where you want to head if the sound of mouthwatering Southern cuisine is (pun intended) appetizing. But there’s also a cascade of international options for the more adventurous palette.

There’s, quite literally, something for everyone, from cheeseburgers at Fred’s Meat and Bread to delicious ice cream at Jeni’s and craft beer at Hop City Store and Bar.

3. Georgia Aquarium

With many fun things to do in Atlanta, GA, a captivating visit to the Georgia Aquarium sure does the trick of being among the city’s best.

The largest indoor aquarium in the Western hemisphere isn’t all it seems to be, it also doubles as a teaching hospital housing more than 100,000 aquatic critters. Of course, as one of the biggest of its kind, you can expect a few big-name water-loving residents.

The aquarium boasts the likes of beluga whales, dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and their main attraction – the colossal whale shark.

Although you can get your admission ticket at the aquarium, why not grab the Atlanta CityPass? It fast-tracks your entry to this and many other attractions.

4. Martin Luther King National Historic Park

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park is a standout Atlanta activity, and its 35 acres contain everything you need for a fun-filled day.

While the park has many highlights, its most significant features include the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was a pastor. Apart from this, the protected site is also where you’ll find MLK’s childhood home.

Walking in the footsteps of a man who had such an impact on US history is thrilling but also educational. Touring the complex is an easy way to gain insight into the Civil Rights Movement and is worth your time.

Note: MLK’s home is not open to the public until 2025, but you can still experience much of the historic park on this Atlanta Black History tour.

5. World of Coca-Cola

Even though the invention of Coca-Cola might have been by accident, any time spent at the World of Coca-Cola is not, and it’s a highly-rated activity in Atlanta.

Chronicling the history of the entire soda industry, focusing on the iconic soft drink and its epic impact on the world. Dating back to the invention of the drink in 1886 and its worldwide domination today, the attraction is overwhelmingly fun, vibrant, and hyper-commercialized.

On offer are dozens of replica soda fountains, an entire pop-culture museum, multiple 4-D theatres, and even DIY beverage fountains.

Unsurprisingly, this is a popular Atlanta attraction in Atlanta that draws thousands. That’s why I recommend snatching a World of Coca-Cola admission ticket beforehand.

6. Atlanta Botanical Garden

The ATL Botanical Garden is far more than just a bunch of pretty flowers, although they are absolutely gorgeous. An afternoon here is one of my top picks for fun things to do in Atlanta.

A 30-acre green space bordering the city’s northeast side, the botanical garden brims with endless excursions. As fun as a mere sightseeing stroll is, head up to the Canopy Walk footbridge, allowing you to roam through oak, hickory, and other treetops 600 feet above the ground.

Another must-see is the Japanese garden, which dates back to the 1960s, complete with a 300-year-old lantern and bubbling waterfalls.

7. Piedmont Park

Would any list of things to do in Atlanta, GA, be complete without mentioning the city’s answer to Central Park?

Creating an outdoor nirvana, Piedmont Park is a haven for anyone who loves jogging, bocce, and picnics. Grab a spot amongst Piedmont’s lush greenery and rippling waters, and unwind as you gaze at the local wildlife that calls the park home.

Walking through the park is like stepping into a new world, far away from the hustle and bustle, making it a perfect inner-city escape. Be sure to check the festival calendar for any upcoming events.

Shop for your trip. Check out some fantastic outdoor gear to get you all set for some time in Mother Nature.

8. Buford Highway

Many think of Atlanta as the cultural capital of the New South, and if that’s the case, then Buford Highway is its beating heart.

If you’re wondering what to do in Atlanta and have a taste for new cuisines, head for the lively street, where you’ll have endless choices. There is every manner of international delicacies ranging from Vietnamese, Peruvian, Chinese, Malaysian, Korean, Cuban, and more.

Don’t let the laid-back atmosphere fool you, though. The digs might not be fancy, but the cooking is out of this world, and don’t shy away from trying something out of the ordinary.

9. Ponce City Market

If size does matter, then the 2.1 million square foot Ponce City Market deserves its spot as one of the top things to do in Atlanta.

The largest brick structure in the Southeast, Ponce City is the home ground of big-name retailers, intimate local boutiques, various gyms, and more than 20 restaurants.

Make a day of it and browse the many boutiques, admire the exhibits at its numerous art galleries, and then grab a bite from the massive food court. Or pay the small fee to hop on the freight elevator to the rooftop, where vintage carnival games and glorious skyline views abound.

If you don’t have all day, this 2-hour tour of the market will get the job done with enough time left for even more Atlanta goodness.

10. Mercedes Benz Stadium

In 2017, the Mercedes Benz Stadium opened its doors, and the face of local sports in Atlanta has never been the same since.

Beyond just being a cool thing to do in Atlanta, it’s a one-stop shop for all things entertainment, although the showstopper attractions are the annual NFL or MLS games.

There are numerous sports and one-off events, but the Atlanta Falcons regularly bring thousands of spectators from September to January. If, however, you’re around outside of football season, you can catch an Atlanta United FC soccer match from February to October.

11. Center for Civil and Human Rights

Standing in celebration of the hard-won victories of the global civil rights movement, the Center for Civil and Human Rights is one of the best places to go in Atlanta.

Designed to inspire action and change, the center highlights essential figures, events, and American Civil Rights Movement timelines. For any architectural fans, the building itself is a bonafide beauty designed with bold, modern influences.

Inside, there are countless immersive exhibits starting with the 1950s Jim Crow era. Weaving together the history of the broader human rights efforts, there are great tour options and educational programs you can book on their website.

12. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Exploring the history of humans is intriguing, but if you’re after an attraction that shines a fascinating light on the region’s natural past, head for the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

As far as stuff to do in Atlanta goes, there aren’t many attractions that come close. At Fernbank, you can enjoy various interactive exhibits or head for the 5-story tall 4K theater for a spectacular show.

Dino fans simply can’t skip out on the Walk Through Time exhibit, containing more than 12 galleries. Follow this with the Dinosaur Plaza leading into the Great Hall, where a 47-foot-long giganotosaurus waits.

13. Zoo Atlanta

One of the oldest cultural spots in the city, Zoo Atlanta was founded in 1889 and remains one of the few great zoos still operating in the country.

Occupying 40 acres in the Grand Park neighborhood, the zoo is home to more than 1,000 residents, which represent over 200 species. Whether on a solo trip or a family-focused adventure, this should answer your “What to do in Atlanta, Georgia?” questions.

Sure, you’ll find the usual suspects like elephants, lions, giraffes, and bears at Zoo Atlanta, but the giant pandas and great apes steal the show. Access to the zoo is included in an Atlanta CityPASS, so there’s no reason not to visit.

14. Skyview Ferris Wheel

Rising 20 stories above Centennial Park, the SkyView Ferris Wheel gives you a view of the city that defies imagination, making it a must-do in Atlanta.

Consisting of 42 air-conditioned gondolas, sit back and ease yourself into one of the most stunning skylines in the country. Although various rooftop lounges and bars around the city attempt to capture all of its beauty, none come close, which is why this is such a popular attraction.

Make it even better, and take a spin at night for that extra magical Atlanta essence, or visit it as part of a guided tour of the city.

15. High Museum of Art

One of the crown jewels of Midtown Atlanta, The High Museum of Art stands as one of the most impressive museums in the Southeast.

Rounding out my picks for the best things to do in Atlanta, the museum houses a collection of cross-era, international artists. The High itself is an architectural gem of white concrete, glass, and steel art.

Inside, you can expect to see everything from African art to modern and contemporary work and an homage to American photography that spans more than 180 years. Works from legendary artists like Boudin, Monet, and Matisse adorn its walls, creating a visual feast.

I recommend going on this guided Segway tour to visit the museum and other highlights in Downtown Atlanta and Midtown.

Posted By: Arabella · In: georgia, travel, usa