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If you find yourself planning a trip to Atlanta, whether it’s a family vacation, a business trip, or some solo exploration, you might find yourself a little overwhelmed with where to start.
Time management and some planning are an absolute must when visiting this bustling city. And with so many things to see and do in Atlanta (as well as amazing food to eat!), you’ll want to squeeze a lot into the time you’re there, so it might be worth booking a hire car to make sure you can get to where you want to go easily.
And once you’ve got your transport sorted, it’s time to start thinking about what you should see first!
If You’re Feeling Hungry
Maybe you’ve just got off a long flight and want to stretch your legs while trying some local delicacies. When you’re in the capital of Georgia, it would be rude not to make the most of some Southern hospitality, and the local eateries will certainly make you feel welcome!
Start with a simple dish called Meat and Three (simply meat with three sides), a great, cost-effective dish that gives you real value for money. Choose your favorite meat, and pair it with three authentic Southern sides, such as collard greens, mashed potatoes, corn, or macaroni and cheese. Fried chicken is a real specialty in Atlanta – tender, crispy, and juicy, so it’s the perfect choice for a traditional Meat and Three!
If you’re not too stuffed from your first course, you have to try Atlanta’s favorite dessert – peach cobbler. Best sampled between May and August when it’s peach season in Georgia, and with a scoop of ice cream on the side, there is always room for dessert.
If you simply can’t decide, then head to Krog Street Market, which is full of independent food stalls, serving up the best of Southern cuisine. Be sure to wash it all down with craft beer from a local brewery for a fully authentic meal.
If You’re A History Buff
As you would imagine, Atlanta has a rich history and there are a number of places to visit if you want to explore it.
Martin Luther King Jr was born in Atlanta, and you can visit his birth home (complete with genuine furniture from his childhood) at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. There are a range of exhibitions about Dr King, his wife, Coretta Scott King, and Mahatma Gandhi, which chronicle important aspects of the Civil Rights Movement.
You can also visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached from 1947, and listen to recordings of his powerful sermons. Just a short walk from here, visit Dr King’s Tomb, to pay your respects.
For a broader view of Atlantan history, the Atlanta History Center has an impressive 33 acres of exhibitions, gardens, and historic houses, showcasing the area throughout different eras in history. With regular author talks, public programs, and community engagement events, it’s useful to check out what’s on the calendar for your visit.
Although not quite at the same level as the rest of the area’s history, the World of Coca-Cola celebrates the history of the most popular soft drink in the world and is something the city is very proud of.
The World of Coca-Cola is a fun way to spend a few hours, with interactive exhibits, surprising facts, and the chance to sample different flavors of Coca-Cola from around the world.
If You Want to Enjoy the Great Outdoors
The best time to enjoy the weather in Atlanta is either during the pleasant spring or the warm fall, with summer being notoriously long, hot, and humid. If you do find yourself in the city with nice weather, it would be a shame not to head to the stunning Atlanta Botanical Garden and enjoy the 30 acres of flora and fauna.
The Canopy Walk is the best way to explore this park – from 40 feet in the air, you get a real bird’s-eye view. It’s the largest tree canopy-level walkway in the United States and a unique way to see one of the city’s last urban forests, Storza Woods.
Piedmont Park is another must-visit, particularly for families, thanks to the glorious outdoor pool and Legacy Fountain Splash Pad. Children will also love the two exciting playgrounds, while those who want things a little more tranquil might find solace at the fishing lake.
The weekly Green Market is the perfect place to get fresh food and local goods, and there is an amazing variety of events on the program, from free yoga classes to trivia nights and craft workshops.
If you just want to explore the area, you can’t beat a simple walk or cycle around the Atlanta BeltLine – a 22-mile loop that joins several neighborhoods together. This is a great way to stumble upon street art, as well as local breweries and restaurants.
If You Want to Have a Fun Day Out
Fans of the Netflix show Stranger Things can take a tour of multiple filming sites in the city, or to keep the paranormal vibes going, book a ghost tour for a spooky way to see the area.
If you time your trip right, you could find yourself attending the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Shaky Knees Music Festival, or Atlanta Spring Wine Festival.
Atlanta has so much to offer, whether you’re a film fan, a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or just an avid explorer of new places. It’s hard to know where to start, but with a little planning and forward-thinking, it’s a trip that you won’t forget.