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20 best things to do in Atlanta: Our ultimate bucket list

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Guests are coming to town, and they want to be acquainted with all that is Atlanta. What is the quintessential cuisine, the absolute attraction, and the paramount place that you must visit? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!

1. Chow down at The Varsity . Hailing as a staple of Atlanta’s dining scene since 1928, The Varsity serves gluttonous and greasy eats like no one else. Order your onion rings and chili cheese dog inside to experience the retro vibe and All-American atmosphere, or motor through the world’s largest drive-in for a bite of quintessential Atlanta.

2. Indulge your dark side at Clermont Lounge . What began as a supper club in the basement of a local hotel transformed into Atlanta’s most beloved dive bar. Lounge with oxford-clad attorneys, high-heeled drag queens, the occasional celebrity and everyone in between. And if the clientele isn’t eclectic enough to hold your gaze, the entertainment will capture you: live music and strippers older than this 1965 institution.

3. Pencil in your order at Mary Mac’s Tea Room . Mary Mac’s is the last of Atlanta’s tearooms from the 1940s and declared “Atlanta’s Dining Room” by the Georgia House of Representatives. Savor a meat and two sides for lunch or dinner, and don’t forget the cinnamon rolls. Although Mary Mac’s uses computers like just about all businesses these days, diners still get to fill out their orders on little cards with little pencils. This should be easy for golfers, the rest of us will just have to fake it.

4. Rock out at The Tabernacle . Luckie Street’s music venue was renovated ahead of the 1996 Olympics from the building of an old church. It has changed hands many times since then, but great acoustics, an intimate space and exceptional headliners continue.

5. Improvise a trip to Dad’s Garage Theatre . The team at Dad’s Garage performs hilarious productions, both scripted and improvised. Scripted shows often bring in big talent like Tim Meadows or Scott Adsit, but the local improv artists will knock your socks off. On the downside, your face muscles will probably hurt the next morning.

6. Discover the fabulous Fox Theatre . Open today only because of the labor of love put forth by the community, the Fox Theatre is one of only a handful of not-for-profit theaters in the country. Each year, the award-winning theater hosts more than 250 shows and half a million visitors. See a show, or take a tour, but don’t miss a visit to this Georgia landmark.

7. Devour a treat from King of Pops . Fruity treats from King of Pops are what dreams are made of. They are like popsicles, only better. Chocolate sea salt finds favor among the crowds, but other sinful flavors abound like fresh peach and tangerine basil. Try one from their signature carts at a local festival, food truck park or farmers market, or head over to their shop in Inman Park just off the Atlanta Beltline for a peek at how the magic is made.

8. Savor the view at a rotating restaurant. Enjoy delicious eats and hand-crafted cocktails, with spectacular views of the city. Visit  The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View  atop Westin Peachtree Plaza for the best view, or try  Polaris , spinning above Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The iconic blue dome was a city staple in the 60s and 70s and reopened in 2014 after a long absence with spectacular cocktails and a comfortable, classy atmosphere.

9. Dress up for Dragon Con. In early fall the city morphs into a mecca of science fiction, gaming, and comic mania. What started in 1987 with a few hundred people quickly evolved into a  nationally recognized event  drawing over 50,000 attendees. Not available for the 4-day conference? Don your cape for the parade through downtown Atlanta on Labor Day weekend.

10. Party at Piedmont Park. Picnic on the lawn, throw a Frisbee with friends or just kick back and take in the city’s skyline. Welcome spring with the  Atlanta Dogwood Festival , and usher in fall with  Music Midtown , both classic Atlanta festivals that call Piedmont Park home.

11. Take a hike at Stone Mountain . 3,200 acres sit northeast of the city, with championship golf courses, campgrounds and much more. The ultimate must-do here: hiking up the monstrous granite outcropping for a view from atop the mountain. Pick a clear day for the best views and bring your camera.

12. Run the AJC Peachtree Road Race. Spend your Fourth of July with 60,000 of your closest friends in the  world’s largest 10K . With such a large crowd, entrance is by lottery. You can guarantee a space, though, by becoming a member of the Atlanta Track Club.

13. Stroll around Centennial Olympic Park. Explore Georgia’s legacy of the Centennial Olympic Games at the 21-acre park in the heart of downtown. Summer brings the opportunity to splash in the fountains. Don’t leave without taking a spin on the nearby SkyView, a ferris wheel towering 20 stories above the park.

14. People watch at Little Five Points . This junction at Moreland and Euclid Avenues serves as a hodgepodge of eclectic multiculturalism. Chow down on one of the best burgers in America at The Vortex, peruse the wares at Junkman’s Daughter or Criminal Records, or grab a drink at The Porter Beer Bar or Wrecking Bar Brewpub. Whatever you do, don’t miss the signature L5P Halloween Festival and Parade, consistently voted one of the best celebrations in the country.

15. Remember the past at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site . Atlanta served as the epicenter of the civil rights movement, and the MLK Historic Site reminds the south of that key historical role. Visit Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. King preached his message of peace, tour the Reverend’s birth home and reflect at his tomb.

16. Tour Atlanta’s biggest attractions. Play tourist in your own city, visiting Atlanta’s most beloved attractions. Stroll through the glass tunnel at Georgia Aquarium , while whale sharks and other deep sea denizens float by. Taste-test Coke products from around the world at the  World of Coca-Cola  Museum, or watch the playful pandas at  Zoo Atlanta . While on your whirlwind tour, don’t miss Atlanta’s newest attractions, the  College Football Hall of Fame  and the Center for Civil and Human Rights .

17. Explore the Atlanta Beltline. The Beltline , once only a dream in the mind of Ryan Gravel, now transforms the city with public parks, multi-use trails and a growing number of peripheral businesses. It’s often undersold as a walking path or a transportation initiative, but it grows – lives and breathes – as a defining piece of the Atlanta community.

18. Become a fan at an Atlanta ballgame. Go for a spring outing with the  Atlanta Braves . Cheer the  Hawks  on at Philips Arena,  Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or celebrate fall with  Falcons  fever. Whatever the season, whatever the sport, there’s a game to celebrate in Atlanta.

19. See what’s in bloom at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens . The winter holiday celebration at Atlanta Botanical Gardens is unmatched, with over 1 million lights exploding with color. Don’t forget the other seasons, though, from the 330,000 tulip blooms to spring, to the whimsical scarecrows of fall.

20. Walk with ghosts at Oakland Cemetery. Atlanta’s oldest resting place is famous for its notable inhabitants such as Margaret Mitchell (author of Gone With the Wind), Bobby Jones (founder of the Master’s Tournament), and Dr. Joseph Jacobs (owner of the drugstore that first sold Pemberton’s Coca Cola). Explore the magnificent mausoleums, including four catalogued in the Smithsonian Institute’s Inventory of American Sculpture Database.

This story was originally published in 2017 by Lesli Peterson and has since been updated.

Atlanta   Travel Guide

Courtesy of ferrantraite | Getty Images

Why Go To Atlanta

In the heart of the South, Atlanta has a decidedly cosmopolitan and fast-paced ambiance, attracting visitors with its thriving restaurant scene and abundant cultural attractions. People from all over the country have relocated to this commercial hub, contributing to the city's unique feel. The new Atlanta is progressive and eclectic: Museums and performance venues bring in the culture hounds, just as verdant parks attract outdoorsy types. Meanwhile, families flock to the city's larger-than-life aquarium and World of Coca-Cola .

Whatever your preferred vacation, you could easily spend the bulk of a two- or three-day trip in the downtown area, exploring the most popular and best things to do. In the evening, migrate to the trendy Buckhead and Westside neighborhoods for a taste of Atlanta's vibrant restaurant scene and hopping nightlife. If you're short on time, sign up on for one of the best Atlanta tours for a crash course in the city's top sights .

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• # 6 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia
• # 14 in Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• # 24 in Best East Coast Vacation Spots

Best of Atlanta

Best hotels in atlanta.

• # 1 in Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
• # 2 in InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, an IHG Hotel
• # 3 in The St. Regis Atlanta

Best Things to Do in Atlanta

• # 1 in Atlanta History Center
• # 2 in Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
• # 3 in Piedmont Park

Popular Tours

90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta

(1400 reviews)

from $ 36.00

Atlanta's Black History and Civil Rights Tour

(981 reviews)

from $ 69.00

Skip the Ticket Line: World of Coca-Cola Admission in Atlanta

(836 reviews)

from $ 22.87

Atlanta Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Atlanta is from March to May, when you can take advantage of mild weather while enjoying the city's concerts and outdoor activities. Though you'll also have access to various events between June and August, Atlanta summers are notoriously hot and humid, and room rates are at their highest. To save a few bucks, try planning a trip in winter when hotel prices dive and cooler temperatures drive visitors away. Foodies will especially love late winter's events. You may also find a good deal in September, October or November when one of Atlanta's large music festivals isn't taking place, but like summer, autumn falls during the Atlantic hurricane season, so you may encounter weather issues if a storm passes through.

Weather in Atlanta

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Hot, hot, hot The Hotlanta nickname is well earned (if much maligned). Atlanta's summers can be sweltering, so dress accordingly and drink lots of water.

The suits reign Atlanta hosts hundreds of conventions each year, so hotels tend to fill up early. You'll need to book your room at least three weeks in advance.

Residents are "too busy to hate" Atlantans pride themselves on accepting people from all walks of life, and they're generally pretty polite.

How to Save Money in Atlanta

Invest in an Atlanta CityPASS  If you plan on visiting popular sights like the Georgia Aquarium , Zoo Atlanta  or World of Coca-Cola , the CityPASS will save you big bucks on your total cost of admission.

Visit in the winter Hotel prices are at their lowest in winter, so you'll have a bit of extra cash to spend on experiences.

Buy in bulk MARTA 's $2.50 flat-rate fare is pretty reasonable, but if you'll be hopping on and off public transport, buy day passes instead. Day passes start at just $9, with weekly passes costing around $24.

Culture & Customs

Although Atlanta is situated in the Deep South, it lacks the typical Southern charm that you find in cities like Savannah or Charleston . Rather, Atlanta is big, bustling and mostly occupied by professionals who have moved into the city for business. As part of the effort to become one of the most progressive cities in the South, these new residents chose to build up a modern skyline. Atlanta now has one of the tallest buildings in the U.S. (the Bank of America Plaza) and hosts major companies like Coca-Cola, UPS and Home Depot. 

Atlanta also a stronghold in show business, as the headquarters of Turner Broadcasting, CNN and several hip-hop record companies like BME Recordings, So So Def Recordings and Grand Hustle Records. What's more, many artists have called Atlanta home, including Usher, Ludacris, T.I. and Lil Jon. Several popular movies and television shows (think: "The Vampire Diaries," "The Blind Side" and "Zombieland") have been filmed in the area as well.

But the city's culture is still tied to its roots, particularly in the country's civil rights movement. Atlanta was the birth city of Martin Luther King Jr., and it holds a large contingent of influential groups like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Once a city with its fair share of racial tensions and protests, Atlanta is now the "city too busy to hate," a label a growing mix of residents proudly stand by. The city also has an active gay community and hosts one of the largest gay pride parades in the country every October.

What to Eat

Atlanta may be quickly climbing the country's culinary ranks, but that doesn't mean it's left its traditional Southern roots behind. The Big Peach is known for hearty comfort foods like fried okra, fried chicken and sweet tea, but a growing immigrant population is broadening the playing field. For everything from Korean to Peruvian, head to Buckhead, where most of Atlanta's top dining spots are located. Also save time for one of Atlanta's up-and-coming foodie neighborhoods: West Midtown. There, you'll find everything from dimly lit date night restaurants like Marcel to bustling brunch spots like West Egg Cafe .

If you're looking for a more upscale meal, travelers recommend steakhouses like Bones and The Capital Grille  and contemporary American establishments, such as Canoe  and The Optimist . But if want to grab a more casual (and affordable) bite to eat, Fat Matt's Rib Shack , the Atlanta Breakfast Club  and  Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q  are favorites, as are international options like Aviva by Kameel ,   El Viñedo Local and Desta Ethiopian Kitchen . Meanwhile, visitors suggest quenching your thirst at the Prohibition-style speak-easy Red Phone Booth . For more guidance in navigating the local dining scene, sign up for one of the best Atlanta tours .

As in any large U.S. city, violent crime is an issue in Atlanta. Recent years have seen sharp increases in homicides and shootings. The Downtown and Midtown areas have been most affected. (Indeed, the problem has intensified the efforts of some residents of the affluent Buckhead neighborhood to break away from Atlanta and form a separate city of their own.) At the same time, other types of crime, including robbery, have decreased. All the same, be aware of your surroundings and take the appropriate safety precautions.

Getting Around Atlanta

The best way to get around Atlanta is by MARTA, Atlanta's public transportation system. MARTA operates both bus and rail lines throughout the city and into nearby suburbs. For $2.50 per person, you can take the Red or Gold train from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which sits about 10 miles south of downtown. You can also use the Atlanta Streetcar, but this system only stops by select downtown and Eastside attractions. Driving – though notoriously hectic here – is another option, and you'll find a rental car center in the airport. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available as well, but expect high rates due to time spent sitting in traffic.

If you're flying in or out of Atlanta, chances are you'll find yourself at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; it's the most popular airport in the city and one of the busiest airports in the world. Serving as the main hub for Delta , the airport has a domestic and an international terminal, with the former sitting on the west side and the latter on the east. The Plane Train connects the two terminals and the seven concourses, so visitors can move between areas with ease. Once you're through security, there are all sorts of dining and shopping options, along with Delta Sky Club lounges.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The classic rule about getting to the airport two hours before your flight really applies here. Security lines can get backed up, and the airport is expansive, so aim to be on-site well before your flight boards. - Christina Maggitas, Editor

Atlanta's skyline is packed with modern skyscrapers.

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17 Best Things to Do in Atlanta

By Jennifer Bradley Franklin and Lia Picard

Atlanta is a city that’s simultaneously known for its rich history and influence on the future. A city of transformation, it's the birthplace of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and remains a political hotbed in today's national discourse. And while its designation as a Hollywood of the South has allowed the city to develop quickly and in exciting ways, it's also wrapped in forest, with natural beauty woven into the urban landscape. Recent years have brought chic hotel openings , exquisite retail options, and beautifully designed green spaces. Atlanta’s dining scene has long been focused on locally grown food, and continues to shine with options ranging from no-frills to sophisticated. There’s a lot to explore; before you get lost in everything the Big Peach has to offer, start with our list of the best things to do in Atlanta.

Read our complete Atlanta travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Atlanta BeltLine Arrow

What started as an idea for a Georgia Tech graduate thesis has become one of Atlanta’s best-loved outdoor attractions. Atlanta was once called “Terminus” because of the railroads that converged in the city before the Civil War, and this project repurposes the historic 22-mile railway loop around the downtown area into a multi-use paved path lined with native plants and art installations. While only the Northside Trail, Westside Trail, Eastside Trail, and West End Trail are fully complete, the other sections are hike-able. When it’s finished (estimates say 2030) it will connect 45 in-town neighborhoods, include 33 miles of multi-use trails and 2,000 acres of parks, and become one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States. If you've got limited time, pick an entry point and a destination and make your own shorter loop. For instance, park at Ponce City Market and walk north to Piedmont Park before heading back, a trip that should take less than an hour at an easy pace.

The Center for Civil and Human Rights Arrow

This downtown attraction, opened in 2014, celebrates the American Civil Rights Movement and the global Human Rights Movement. The airy, modern building was designed to inspire positive action with lofty architectural elements like a clear glass front and two bold, curved walls. Conceived by design firms HOK and Perkins+Will, the architects in charge said they were inspired by Washington, D.C.’s National Mall , Cairo’s Tahrir Square, and Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Inside, the museum includes three levels of galleries and event halls: A walk through the exhibit on American Civil Rights starts in the 1950s, illustrating the impact of Jim Crow laws and legalized racism on America. It explores communities' fights for equality, and raises questions about the systems Americans have yet to challenge.

Buford Highway Arrow

If “Atlanta is the cultural capital of the New South," as Marian Liou, founder of We Love BuHi, is fond of saying, then "Buford Highway is its multicultural heart.” Along this bustling street, you’ll find every manner of international cuisine, including Vietnamese, Peruvian, Chinese, Malaysian, Korean, Cuban, and Mexican. Use Lee’s Bakery—one of the few places where you can find equally fantastic pho and banh mi in a combo—as your jumping off point for exploration. It's emblematic of many of the gems along the road: Not fancy, but darn good. We say, go for the combo while you're there (that's half banh mi, half small pho for the uninitiated)—you just can't go wrong with the crunchy French bread baked daily and fragrant broth. And if you find yourself craving something else from an equally far-flung part of the world, just take a drive; Bangladeshi at Panahar, some of Atlanta's best sushi at Sushi Hayakawa , and Korean at Sokongdong Tofu House are all within striking distance.

Ponce City Market Arrow

Clocking in at a whopping 2.1 million square feet, this is the Southeast’s largest brick structure, and is home to big retailers, local boutiques, gyms, and more than 20 varied restaurants and food stalls (including multiple James Beard Award-winning chefs). Ponce City Market is somewhere you come for a good time, whether it's shopping at a small boutique, gallery, or larger store, or for a meal or drink in the central food hall (featuring three James Beard Award winners). Management does a great job of hosting fun events like cooking classes, art and candle making workshops, wine tastings, and more. You also can pay a small fee to take a freight elevator to the rooftop and play vintage carnival games and get some of the city's best skyline views.

María Casbas

Jessica Chapel

Madison Flager

Atlanta Botanical Garden Arrow

Adjacent to Atlanta’s verdant Piedmont Park , it’s easy to see why this 30-acre oasis in the heart of Midtown welcomes more than half a million visitors each year. In 2010 it nearly doubled its size when it opened the Canopy Walk, a 600-foot walkway suspended in the trees. Guests can visit the steamy orchid house, walk through the edible garden of native plants (though they are edible, resist the temptation!), and stop for an upscale meal at Longleaf, one of the few restaurants in the world to be housed in a botanical garden. In addition to being a serene place for a stroll, ABG leads a number of nationally recognized conservation efforts, including the Orchid Conservation Institute, the Conservation Greenhouse for endangered plants, and a program to save rare frogs, so there’s an educational element here too.

Little Five Points Arrow

There are a few places in Atlanta where freak flags fly, and proudly so—but chief among them is Little Five Points. The quirky neighborhood around the five-corner intersection of Euclid, Moreland, and McLendon Avenues on Atlanta's east side is home to Variety Playhouse (their solid roster of indie concerts is the stuff of legends), alternative clothing boutiques, vintage record shops, and plenty of off-color restaurants, but for a microcosm of what makes L5P unique, head to the Junkman’s Daughter, an emporium of novelties. There, shoppers will find gifts, clothing, and art for folks of all persuasions, from goth to hippie to punk.

Zoo Atlanta Arrow

Founded in 1889, Zoo Atlanta is one of the city’s oldest cultural destinations and one of the great zoos in the country under continuous operation. The 40 acres it occupies in the Grand Park neighborhood are home to more than 1,000 animal residents representing over 200 species, so there’s a draw whether you’re into being outdoors or seeing a particular kind of animal, whether passing through on a solo trip or here with your family. While you’ll find unique habitats and the typical zoo inhabitants (elephants, lions, giraffes, bears, alpacas, tortoises, and flamingos), it’s known for being one of only three U.S. zoos to have giant pandas and for having one of the largest populations of great apes in North America.

Atlanta History Center Arrow

One of Atlanta's best museums , the Atlanta History Center was originally founded in 1926 by a group of Atlantans dedicated to, well, preserving their city's history. The Center, as we know it today, came to fruition in the 1990s as a way of highlighting the political and cultural history of Atlanta and the surrounding region. Unsurprisingly, there's an impressive collection of Civil War art and artifacts here (including Cyclorama: The Big Picture , a painting that measures 49-feet tall by 371-feet long), along with written commentary on the Native American history of Georgia and lighter, more pop-culture-adjacent topics like Folk Art. The 33-acre campus of historic homes, exhibitions, and archives is unto itself a treat, especially the epic Swan House, former home to one of the wealthiest families in Georgia.

Westside Park Arrow

You might recognize this park from television show "The Walking Dead." The former Bellwood Quarry has been converted into this 280-acre park with beautiful skyline views. Westside Park is a thing of beauty for nature lovers and photographers alike. A sculptural gateway that resembles dinosaur ribs, designed by Portman Architects, leads you into the spacious park with two and a half miles of paved trails that loop around a reservoir. There's a playground for kids and plenty of green space for those who want to have a picnic or just sprawl out. Bring your sneakers, as it's hilly.

The Interlock Arrow

Something of a one-stop-shop for pleasure seekers that you can make a day out of, this mixed-use development in the heart of West Midtown is anchored by the 161-room Bellyard Hotel. At Drawbar, an industrial-glam vibe and an inviting lobby restaurant, sit on the terrace overlooking the skyline for maximum enjoyment of happy hour, which is held Monday through Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (with snack specials on top of drink discounts). The Interlock happens to have an open container license, so you can visit the other venues such as indoor mini-golf experience Puttshack, and open-air coffee and cocktail spot Holiday Bar. Head to St. Germain, the French bakery on the ground floor of the Interlock, and indulge in a couple of pastries that look too pretty to eat—almost. A rooftop bar and pool are also forthcoming. 

Mercedes-Benz Stadium Arrow

When Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened its doors in 2017 it became an eye-catching star in Atlanta's skyline. The unique roof's design hearkens to a falcon wing (appropriate given the football home team) and the retractable roof transforms in just a few minutes. The venue is impressive thanks to its stunning windows that give an amazing view of the city as you descend and ascend the escalators. You can visit for a football game or live music performance, but the thrill of an Atlanta United soccer game (typically occurring February through October) is unbeatable.

King Historic District Tour – Atlanta History Tours Arrow

Prepare to be inspired on the King Historic District Tour, which is meticulously researched by company founder and historian Akila McConnell. On the two-and-a-half-hour walking tour—at about 1.5 miles, the pace is leisurely—you’ll get an up-close look at some of the city’s most important Civil Rights locations and learn little-known stories in the neighborhood. With a maximum of 14 guests—there's no minimum, so it’s possible you could have the guide’s undivided attention—the experience feels intimate, even when it's at capacity.

High Museum of Art Arrow

The High is one of the biggest and best museums in the Southeast, the kind of place Yayoi Kusama might bring her Infinity Mirrors , alongside a permanent collection of some 17,000 works. The campus stands out in Midtown, Atlanta's arts district, with buildings by bold-faced names like Renzo Piano and Richard Meier. Inside, you'll find a bit of everything: photography; decorative arts; classic European and American works; photographs by Dawoud Bey. It's a day well spent. You won’t want to miss the newest collection, given to the museum in 2019. The Doris and Shouky Shaheen Collection, displayed in a gallery named in the couple’s honor, includes works from legendary artists such as Eugène Boudin, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Amedeo Modigliani, and Henri Matisse. If you only have time for one gallery, this is a heavy-hitter.

Oakland Cemetery Arrow

Oakland Cemetery, a 48-acre public park, is the final resting place for more than 70,000 souls and one of the city’s oldest public parks. Established in 1850 with just six acres near downtown Atlanta, it’s grown over the years and now includes miles of walking trails spread among the headstones, decorative sculptures, and mausoleums. Some of the most popular graves here include "Gone With the Wind" author Margaret Mitchell ( her house is another Atlanta landmark ), golfer Bobby Jones (co-founder of the Masters Tournament and the first golfer to win golf’s Grand Slam), and Maynard Jackson (Atlanta’s first first African-American mayor, and namesake of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ). It's also free to visit.

Lee + White Arrow

Lee + White is an adaptive reuse development in the West End neighborhood that consists of former warehouse spaces transformed into destinations like Best End Brewing and ASW Distillery, with a food hall addition on the way. The specialty here is anything quaffable: Beer lovers should hit up Monday Night Garage, where Monday Night Brewing dreams up sours and barrel-aged brews in a spacious, funky tasting room. Even those who don't drink can enjoy a trip to the development with a stop at Honeysuckle Gelato, or Cultured South for a glass of kombucha. If you're hungry, try Boxcar, an American cuisine restaurant with splashy art and an extensive beer list (it's owned by the team behind Hop City, one of Atlanta's most iconic craft beer shops).

Virginia-Highland District

A visit to the Virginia-Highland neighborhood (named for the intersection of Virginia and North Highland Avenues) is like a mini city break, within the city limits. Just 10 minutes from downtown Atlanta, historic craftsman homes and cottages line the streets of the picturesque neighborhood that's a lovely spot for a morning or afternoon stroll. There’s also a booming retail district that includes Atlanta institutions like George’s, a bar established in 1961, and brunch go-to Murphy’s. Exciting newcomers are Kinship Butcher & Sundry and Academy Coffee; the latter is known for its cocktail-like coffee drinks (think lattes with bitters and fanciful syrups). Other must-visit spots include Doughnut Dollies and Virginia Highland Books, an independent bookstore with a cushy seating area to sit and read over a coffee.

Decatur Square Arrow

The word ‘charming’ comes to mind when you picture Decatur Square. Decatur is a city known as an "in-town" suburb thanks to its close proximity to downtown Atlanta. The town's square itself is a nice space to hang out (you may recognize it from the television show "Watchmen") with a rich scoop of local ice cream from Butter & Cream. There are plenty of things to do here, and it's a food-enthusiast's wonderland: Several of the city's top restaurants are Leon's Full Service (seasonally-driven fare in a former gas station) and the Iberian Pig, a tapas institution. Decatur is a city driven by a love for all things local, so you won't see many chains here when it comes to food or retail; instead hit beloved businesses like Squash Blossom Boutique, Wild Oats & Billy Goats art gallery, B-Side bagels, and Little Shop of Stories bookstore.

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Atlanta Travel Guide

While it's been years since Atlanta became one of the trendiest cities in the U.S., it certainly hasn't left the spotlight. There are countless reasons to plan a visit to what is widely considered the gateway to the southeast, but put simply: the Big Peach is just plain fun . From bustling markets and award-winning restaurants to ample green spaces, shopping centers, fascinating museums, pivotal historical sites, and a lively bar scene, Atlanta is undeniably full of charisma with something for every traveler.

Those interested in sampling local cuisine will be delighted at the impressive number of restaurants worth visiting in the city, from down-home barbeque joints to iconic restaurants and an ever-growing selection of new spots featuring global cuisines. Families will find no shortage of things to do with the kids, from biking through parks to visiting dolphins, sharks, and beluga whales at the famed Georgia Aquarium.

And of course, the great outdoors are just as much of a draw as the urban experiences in ATL. The city boasts lush parks like the BeltLine and Piedmont Park, ideal for long walks and bike rides. Keep in mind that Atlanta is only 90 miles from the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, so those with time to spare should consider a quick trip north for hiking or backpacking.

Eastern Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time observed seasonally.

Best Time to Go

The shoulder seasons offer the mildest (and least humid) weather. Visit Atlanta in the spring, when the azaleas and dogwoods are in full bloom and parks are lush, or in the fall, when the temperature cools and the trees turn, providing a smoldering backdrop for outdoor concerts and festivals.

Things to Know

Currency: United States Dollar ($)

Language: English

Electric: Type A two-prong plug or Type B three-prong plug

Atlanta has more than 65 streets with the name Peachtree.

Atlanta's airport, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport.

Atlanta's nickname is "City in a Forest" because it features rolling hills and dense tree coverage.

Centennial Park was built for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.

How to Get Around

Trains: MARTA , Atlanta Streetcar

Buses: MARTA

Taxis: Available 24/7

Car service: Uber, Lyft

Best Hotels

St. regis atlanta.

Address: 88 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30305 Phone: (404) 563-7900 Book Now

This striking resort-style hotel offers timeless luxury in the form of peerless accommodations, butler service, fine dining, afternoon tea, bespoke spa treatments, and proximity to high-end shopping. Situated in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood, the St. Regis Atlanta has some of the city's finest accommodations—think floor-to-ceiling windows, handcrafted chandeliers, and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs. The star of the show, though, is the glimmering Pool Piazza, a 40,000-square-foot swimming pool with chic cabanas and poolside drink service.

The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead

Address: 3376 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 Phone: (404) 995-7500 Book Now

For those interested in proximity to terrific shopping and on-site wellness features, The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is the place to stay. Located near Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square, and The Shops at Buckhead, these elegant accommodations are close to the neighborhood's buzzing fashion district. Additionally, the property touts a luxurious spa, a yoga studio, a sauna and steam room, and personal concierges for guests.

The Whitley Hotel Atlanta Buckhead

Address: 3434 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 Phone: (404) 237-2700 Book Now

One of Buckhead's most charming properties, The Whitley blends traditional southern grandeur with cosmopolitan style. The hotel features elegant guest rooms and spacious suites, many with sweeping skyline views and all with sophisticated details like marble bathroom counters, high ceilings, and 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens by Frette. Guests can enjoy signature relaxation treatments from the award-winning Whitley Spa, and discover the innovative southern-style menu at Trade Root Restaurant & Lounge.

Aloft Atlanta Downtown

Address: 300 Ted Turner Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30308 Phone: (678) 515-0300 Book Now

Details like the pet-friendly policy, on-site pool, and live acoustic shows at the property's bar make the affordable Aloft Atlanta Downtown accommodations especially appealing. Located near the beautiful Centennial Olympic Park, these vibrant, loft-style rooms and suites have everything you need for a comfortable stay in the bustling heart of the city. Tech-forward rooms and event spaces are especially convenient for those traveling for business.

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Address: 54 Peachtree Street SW, Atlanta, GA 303031 Phone: (678) 702-8600 Book Now

The major draw at Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta is that this is an all-suite property in the heart of downtown. Housed in a preserved historic building, guests can expect modern, comfortable multi-room accommodations, complimentary breakfast daily, and high-speed WiFi. The suites are conveniently located near must-see attractions like the Georgia World Congress Center, the Georgia Aquarium, the Coca-Cola Museum and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection

Address: 110 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 521-2250

Tasteful boutique rooms and suites at the center of Downtown Atlanta are the main draw at Glenn Hotel. Just around the corner are attractions like the CNN Center, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes Benz Stadium, and a quick walk through Centennial Olympic Park will bring guests to the steps of the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. The on-site restaurant, Glenn's Kitchen, serves up Southern comfort cuisine, and SkyLounge at the Glenn has been awarded one of the best rooftop bars in the world.

The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta

Address: 181 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 659-0400 Book Now

The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta honors timeless Southern luxury with a contemporary twist, located minutes from MARTA mass transit, Georgia Aquarium, and Centennial Olympic Park. Guests can enjoy newly-renovated rooms and suites, delicious southern-inspired dishes at the property's steakhouse, and signature cocktails at Lumen Bar. The fitness center is fully-equipped for high-powered workouts thanks to Peloton bikes and classes from Fitness On Demand.

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

Address: 75 14th Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 Phone: (404) 881-9898 Book Now

Located in Midtown, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta weds an idyllic location with luxurious accommodations. Just around the corner from Piedmont Park and the High Museum of Art, this hotel puts guests at the center of the city, while offering elegant rooms and suites with striking views and a light, airy palette. Drinks at Bar Margot are a must, as is a decadent treatment at the property's on-site spa.

The Georgian Terrace Hotel

Address: 659 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 Phone: (404) 897-1991 Book Now

This glamorous Beaux-Arts property in the bustling heart of Midtown is one of the most iconic hotels in Atlanta. The historic accommodations, which opened in 1911, sit just across from the Fox Theater and feature sleek furnishings in standard rooms, luxury rooms, suites, and penthouse suites. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool and fitness center along with multiple restaurants and a speakeasy serving up cocktails.

Loews Atlanta Hotel

Address: 1065 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309 Phone: (844) 983-0899 Book Now

Loews Atlanta Hotel is set against the backdrop of energetic Midtown, so there is always somewhere nearby to explore. Guests can easily walk to the likes of Piedmont Park, the Beltline, Fox Theatre, and High Museum, and then return to spacious, modern rooms or suites. The award-winning Exhale Spa offers signature treatments and the property's restaurant, Saltwood, specializes in small plates and elegantly curated charcuterie boards.

Best Restaurants

Apt 4b (caribbean).

Address: 2293 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30309 Phone: (404) 709-2906 Website

Home to the largest vinyl collection in the city, Apt 4B is an eclectic and hip Caribbean-style restaurant with an inventive menu and a lively bar. Open for both brunch and dinner, reservations can be made online or via phone.

Atlas (Farm-to-table)

Address: 88 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 Phone: (404) 600-6471 Website

Come for the chef-driven cuisine and stay for the Lewis Collection, one of the largest private 20th-century modern art collections in the world, housed in the restaurant's elegant dining room. Located within the St. Regis Atlanta, Atlas prides itself on farm-fresh produce and innovative chef tasting menus, with offerings that change daily. Both the dining room and the tavern have dress codes, which can be found on the website.

Bacchanalia (Contemporary)

Address: 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: (404) 365-0410 ext. 2 Website

Opened in 1993, Bacchanalia has maintained its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Atlanta, offering a prix fixe menu focused on seasonal, organic ingredients, often sourced from the owners' farm. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or via phone up to three months in advance.

Baffi Atlanta (Italian)

Address: 976 Brady Avenue, NW Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: (404) 724-9700 Website

This casual restaurant in west Midtown is known for Italian-inspired seasonal dishes served in a spacious dining room or on a striking patio for an al fresco experience (fire pit included). Baffi makes an effort to use local ingredients and farms from Atlanta-based purveyors. Reservations are not required but can be made online or over the phone.

Bones (Southern)

Address: 3130 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 Phone: (404) 237-2663 Website

Open since 1979, Bones is a Buckhead institution serving up Southern heritage cuisine like legendary steak, seafood, and locally-inspired dishes. Reservations are recommended but not required, and can be made online or via phone. The restaurant's extensive wine list and intimate setting makes it ideal for a dinner date.

Community Q (Bbq)

Address: 1361 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033 Phone: (404) 633-2080 Website

Community Q serves delicious barbecue in a classic southern, low-key environment (think checkered tablecloths and stools at long wooden tables). Guests can dine in (no reservations available) or call ahead for pick-up orders and catering.

Fox Bros Bar-B-Q (Bbq)

Address: 1238 Dekalb Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 Phone: (404) 577-4030 Website

Baked beans, smoked brisket, pulled pork, and Brunswick stew are just a few of the classic Texas-style items on the menu at Fox Bros, a classic Atlanta barbecue joint that began with two Texans throwing gatherings in their backyard. Fox Bros menu items are available at the Terrapin Taproom at Fox Bros. Que-Osk.

Girl Diver Atlanta (Viet-Cajun)

Address: 955 Memorial Drive SE, Suite 510, Atlanta, GA 30316 Phone: (404) 525-2424 Website

Rooted in Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisine, Girl Diver fuses pan-Asian flavors with cajun classics. Guests can pair wine, beer, and craft cocktails with the innovative seafood-driven menu. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and reservations are not required but can be made online or by phone.

Majestic Diner (Casual)

Address: 1031 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306 Phone: (404) 875-0276 Website

Every city needs a good down-home diner, and this Poncey-Highland joint has been serving up "food that pleases" since 1929. Considered an Atlanta landmark, Majestic Diner in the perfect spot for a classic and casual diner-style breakfast or lunch. Reservations are not required, and food can be ordered ahead online or by phone for pickup.

Manuel's Tavern (Casual)

Address: 602 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 Phone: (404) 525-3447 Website

Considered a quintessential neighborhood bar of Poncey-Highland, this old-school tavern is where journalists, politicians, and "just about anyone else you can imagine" gather for drinks and pub-style eats. Reservations are not required at this timeless decades-old hub.

Miller Union (Farm-to-table)

Address: 999 Brady Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: (678) 733-8550 Website

Housed in a spacious refurbished warehouse, Miller Union offers a seasonal, farmstead-inspired menu in a rustic yet modern setting with porch seating available. A dynamic wine list complements the chef's simple, refined approach to cooking, with an emphasis on southern history. Reservations can be made online or via phone, and guests can order food online for pickup.

Ok Yaki (Japanese)

Address: 714 Moreland Avenue SE, Suite D, Atlanta, GA 30316 Phone: (404) 999-YAKI Website

With a newly opened brick and mortar location in East Atlanta, Ok Yaki serves up delicious Okonomiyaki and other regional dishes inspired by Osaka street food. The restaurant is currently BYOB and offers seating on a full-service heated patio. Those interested in takeout can order online.

Staplehouse Market (Contemporary)

Address: 541 Edgewood Avenue. SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 Phone: (404) 524-5005 Website

Staplehouse Market, formerly a full-service dining experience, now offers convenient counter service and cozy spaces for guests to enjoy their food on a covered, heated patio, or in the garden next to a fire. The menu features southern-inspired dishes, charcuterie, sweets, meal kits, pantry items, coffee, cocktails, and more. This lively neighborhood market does not take reservations, but guests can order ahead online.

Woodward & Park (Fusion)

Address: 519 Memorial Drive SE, Unit B2, Atlanta, GA 30312 Phone: (404) 748-1091 Website

Open for dinner and weekend brunch, Woodward & Park offers fusion dishes in an elegant bistro setting with custom wood-top tables and glazed concrete floors. Alongside hand-selected wines, the menu melds cuisines like Japanese, French, and Korean to yield a delicious yet dynamic experience. Reservations are not required but can be made via phone.

Things to Do

Atlanta beltline.

Phone: (404) 477-3003 Website

This incredible urban renewal program takes the shape of a sustainable project that will connect 45 intown neighborhoods via a 22-mile loop of multi-use trails, modern streetcar routes, and lush parks. The entire BeltLine is made from former railroad corridors that used to encircle the city. Here, locals and visitors can enjoy parks, outdoor activity, art exhibits, tours, and more.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Address: 1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309 Phone: (404) 876-5859 Website

Atlanta may be a bustling urban metropolis, but it's also home to a stunning horticultural sanctuary. At the center of the city since 1976, the Atlanta Botanical Garden features stunning plant collections across 30 acres of outdoor gardens, an award-winning Children's Garden, a striking Skyline Garden, and more.

Atlanta History Center

Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 Phone: (404) 814-4000 Website

Across 33 acres of stunning Goizueta Gardens and four historic houses, the Atlanta History Center is full of both permanent and rotating exhibits devoted to Atlanta's storied past. History buffs will delight at Kenan Research Center's extensive collection of primary resources, and over 10 exhibits delve deep into everything from the Civil War to Native communities to the experience of Black citizenship in the age of Jim Crow.

Georgia Aquarium

Address: 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA Phone: (404) 581-4000 Website

Touted as the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere, the Georgia Aquarium is home to a multitude of aquatic animals—everything from alligators to beluga whales and, most recently, several species of sharks. From various educational programs (both on-site and online), live events and shows, and impressive research and conservation efforts, this aquarium is a must-see for any Atlanta itinerary.

High Museum of Art

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

Address: 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 Phone: (404) 733-4400 Website

This striking white building at the center of Midtown is widely considered the leading art museum of the southeast. The museum boasts a permanent collection of over 18,000 pieces—both classic and contemporary—from European, African, and American artists.

Krog Street Market

Address: 99 Krog Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 Phone: (770) 434-2400 Website

Krog Street Market, which occupies a restored 1920s warehouse, is a favorite gathering place among locals—and an excellent place to grab a bite, sit for a drink, or shop for artisanal ingredients. In fact, T+L named it one of the world's best food halls in 2015. Home to dozens of food stalls and several restaurants, the market features such cuisines as down-home southern classics, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, and much more.

Piedmont Park

Jackson Vance/Travel + Leisure

Address: 1320 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 Phone: (404) 875-7275 Website

Miles of trails span the verdant 211 acres of Piedmont Park, a beloved greenspace roughly one mile northeast of downtown Atlanta. The park hosts annual celebrations like the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and Atlanta Pride, and is a popular spot for runners, bikers, walkers, and athletes. Dogs are welcome, too, in the off-leash dog park.

Ponce City Market

Address: 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 Phone: (404) 900-7900 Website

Linked directly to the Atlanta BeltLine, Ponce City Market occupies the historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, an Atlanta landmark that's been entirely restored to house flats, offices, shops, and the Central Food Hall. Locals and visitors gather to eat, shop, work, and live in this vibrant historic restoration project.

The Center for Civil and Human Rights

Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30313 Website

Opened in 2014, this museum and human rights organization preserves the crucial historical events of the Civil Rights Movement through iconic exhibitions, artifacts, stories, and educational programs—both virtual and on-site. Highlights include the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection and rotating temporary exhibits at the Georgia Pacific Gallery Plaza.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change

Address: 449 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GE 30312 Phone: (404) 526-8968 Website

Atlanta visitors can take self-guided tours through this beautiful memorial that pays homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is here that Dr. King lays to rest alongside his wife in an elegant Georgia-marble crypt, honoring the couple's southern roots. The Center also includes Dr. King's birth home, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall.

Best Shopping

Atlantic station.

Address: 1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30363 Phone: (404) 410-4010 Website

With over 30 stores and more than 20 restaurants, Atlantic Station is the perfect place to shop, dine, and catch a film or go bowling in the heart of Atlanta. A free MARTA shuttle and ample parking options (including free two-hour parking on the deck) make the expansive shopping center especially convenient.

Buckhead Village District

Address: 3035 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 Phone: (404) 939-9270 Website

This design-forward community district blends high-end shopping with dynamic culinary experiences, art installations, gathering spaces, events, and more.

Holeman and Finch Bottle Shop

Address: Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, 2357 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305 Phone: (404) 841-4070 Website

At Holeman and Finch Bottle Shop, customers will find an array of classic and artisanal spirits, beers, and wine, in addition to a selection of glassware and bar tools for outfitting a home bar. The store is known for its "6 for 60" deal (six bottles of wine for $60) as well as Eugene and Elizabeth's signature drink enhancements (think margarita mix and lemon cordial).

Lenox Square

Address: 3393 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 Phone: (404) 233-6767 Website

The oldest shopping mall in the southeast, Lenox Square is easily recognized by its striking two-story glass facade in the heart of Buckhead. Shoppers in search of luxury stores—both world-renowned designers and local boutiques—will delight at the impressive array of options Lenox offers, in addition to a wide variety of restaurants.

Labels Resale Boutique

Address: 3208 Paces Ferry Place NW, Atlanta, Ga 30305 Phone: (404) 549-7562 Website

Those who are both fashion-conscious and wallet-conscious will have fun perusing the curated designer consignment collection at Labels, one of the south's leading fashion resale boutiques. Voted best consignment store in the city for five years in a row, Labels has both men and women's essentials, and extensive information about the consignment process on the brand's website.

Little Five Points

Address: East Atlanta Website

While Little Five Points is more of a bohemian-chic neighborhood than a shopping center, it's home to dozens of eclectic stores that are some of the coolest, quirkiest shops in the entire city. Can't-miss stops include The Clothing Warehouse, Psycho Sisters, Junkman's Daughter.

Phipps Plaza

Address: 3500 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 Phone: (404) 262-0992 Website

At the intersection of Peachtree and Lenox roads, this upscale plaza is one of Atlanta's premier shopping destinations. The center boasts over 100 iconic luxury brands, plenty of varying dining options, a 14-screen AMC movie theatre, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Address: 3145 Peachtree Road, Suite 185, Atlanta GA 30305 Phone: (404) 816-3550 Website

Those in search of chic clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry will want to spend time browsing the racks at Tulipano. With an emphasis on elegant, seasonal pieces, Tulipano is fittingly located in the heart of Buckhead.

Address: 3232 Roswell Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 Phone: (404) 565-1644 Website

The founder of W. Port hails from Westport, CT (hence the shop's name) and stocks her boutique with both laidback and timeless pieces. The well-appointed Roswell Road space is airy and loft-like, with ample options for those shopping for anything from cute, casual outfits to elegant cocktail attire.

Neighborhoods to Know

Midtown : A mix of busy commercial action and a vibrant arts scene, home to dozens of attractions and many hotels and restaurants.

Downtown : Atlanta's central business district and home to Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, Downtown Atlanta has a lot going on for all types of travelers.

Buckhead : Luxury shopping, sophisticated dining, and walkability make this one of Atlanta's chicest—and spendiest—neighborhoods.

East Atlanta Village : Music is the biggest draw at EAV. Catch live shows at both well-known music venues and hip bars, or check out the farmers market on Thursdays and windowshop at the eclectic local stores.

Old Fourth Ward : From the historic Old Fourth Ward, visitors can easily access the Atlanta BeltLine, explore Ponce City Market, and enjoy a meal at any of the neighborhood's trendy restaurants.

Little Five Points : Come for the fun people watching, stay for the wide variety of bohemian, funky shops and energetic vibes.

Atlanta can be very humid in the summertime, with July, the city's hottest month and January with the coldest weather. Atlanta can see up to 47 inches of precipitation in a year and 0.59 inches of snow. Like most southern coastal parts of the country, the city's hurricane season lasts from June through November.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January 33 - 54 February 35 - 58 March 42 - 66 April 49 - 74 May 58 - 81 June 67 - 87 July 70 - 90 August 69 - 89 September 63 - 83 October 50 - 74 November 41 - 64 December 35 - 55

Apps to Download

MARTA On the Go : Atlanta bus, train, and streetcar schedules. iOs | Android

Discover Atlanta : Atlanta Tourism's official app for learning about events, things to do, dining, and more. iOs | Android

Georgia Aquarium : Gallery content, animal guide, audio tours, membership information, mobile tickets, and more. iOs | Android

Uber iOs | Android

Waze iOs | Android

© MoMo Productions/Getty Images

The South's so-called capital isn't nicknamed Hotlanta for nothing, y'all. Charismatic and lush, Atlanta is a feverish, easy-on-the-eyes cavalcade of culture, cuisine and Southern hospitality.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, your next trip starts here.

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site

The Civil Rights movement owes a great debt to the actions of various martyrs, communities and political actions throughout the American South, but almost…

High Museum of Art

Atlanta's modern High Museum was the first to exhibit art from Paris' Louvre and is a destination as much for its architecture as its world-class exhibits…

Center for Civil and Human Rights

The striking Center for Civil and Human Rights was a 2014 addition to Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park. It is a sobering $68-million memorial to the…

Martin Luther King Jr Birthplace

The home where Martin Luther King was born and spent the first twelve years of his life is now part of the National Historic Site. Free first-come, first…

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank is a supremely kid-friendly museum that explores a bunch of subjects (dinosaurs, geology, shells, IMAX-style theater), all attached to a 65-acre…

Piedmont Park

A glorious, rambling urban park and the setting of many cultural and music festivals. The park has fantastic bike paths and a Saturday Green Market (from…

Ebenezer Baptist Church (New)

The new Ebenezer Baptist Church is the home of the congregation once led by Dr Martin Luther King Jr. As befits one of the most influential church…

Center for Puppetry Arts

A wonderland for visitors of all ages and hands down one of Atlanta's most unique attractions, the museum – expanded in 2015 – houses a treasury of…

Top picks from our travel experts

Top 15 things to do in atlanta.

SunTrust Park

Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves moved into this new, 41,149-capacity stadium 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta in Cobb County beginning with…

Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve

Smack in the middle of the city (well, OK – out in Decatur, but you get the idea), you'll find this 28-acre nature preserve, home of beavers, foxes, box…

College Football Hall of Fame

It is impossible to overstate the importance of college football to American culture. This museum, relocated from Indiana in 2014 and revamped into this…

Apache Café

An eclectic performance-art venue for hip-hop, spoken-word poetry and soul artists on the rise. It's a must-stop for those looking to dive into Atlanta's…

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Atlanta's state-of-the-art, $1.6-billion multipurpose eight-petal retractable-roof stadium is home to the NFL's Atlanta Falcons (football) and the MLS'…

Social Goat B&B

Skirting Grant Park, this wonderfully restored 1900 Queen Anne Victorian mansion has six rooms decorated in country-French-style and is loaded with period…

New Realm Brewing Co

Traditionally Atlanta has lagged behind more brew-friendly Southern cities like Asheville, Nashville or Memphis due to legislation that prevented on-site…

Ponce City Market

A mixed-use complex housed inside the historic former Sears, Roebuck and Co headquarters in Atlanta, the largest brick structure in the Southeast. Over 20…

Centennial Olympic Park

Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park is the city's focal point for visitors. The park itself features a dancing Fountain of Rings water fountain, a Quilt of…

Sugar Magnolia B&B

This lovely four-room inn occupies an impeccable 1892 Queen Anne Victorian mansion in Inman Park. Five original working fireplaces, a supremely relaxing…

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta's showstopper. It's crowded, but the appeal of this aquarium, the second largest in the US, is hard to deny: whale sharks, playful sea lions at…

World of Coca-Cola

This self-congratulatory museum might prove entertaining to fans of fizzy beverages and rampant commercialization. The climactic moment comes when guests…

Atlanta Botanical Garden

In the northwest corner of Piedmont Park, this stunning 30-acre botanical garden has a Japanese garden, winding paths and the amazing Fuqua Orchid Center.

How to see the best of Atlanta for free

Georgia State Capitol

The gold-domed capitol is Atlanta's political hub. Free self-guided tours give visitors a glance at state-level American politics.

First Ebenezer Baptist Church

Martin Luther King Jr, his father and grandfather were all pastors here, and King Jr's mother was the choir director. Sadly she was murdered here by a…

Variety Playhouse

A historic, smartly booked and well-run concert venue built in 1940 and fully renovated in 2015. It hosts a variety of touring artists and is one of the…

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum

Located on a hilltop overlooking Downtown, this center features exhibits highlighting Jimmy Carter's presidency (1977–81), including a replica of the Oval…

Criminal Records

This throwback record store is stacked wall to wall with a library's worth of new pop, soul, jazz and metal, on CD or vinyl. It has a fun music-related…

Oakland Cemetery

In addition to holding the graves of author Margeret Mitchell, golf great Bobby Jones and Atlanta’s first African American mayor, Maynard Jackson, Atlanta…

Historic Fourth Ward Park

Behind Ponce City Market, this below-ground-level 17-acre urban park was one of the BeltLine's first projects. It features a storm-water retention pond…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Neighborhoods

Atlanta’s dynamic neighborhoods beyond the Downtown district have their own distinct atmosphere. Don't miss out on the city's best neighborhoods this winter.

Atlanta is the fun-filled gateway to the myriad delights of the American southeast. Here's a guide to the best day trips from Atlanta.

Transportation

Despite its sprawling layout and debilitating traffic, Atlanta is fairly easy to navigate, both with your own set of wheels or on public transportation.

Free Things to Do

There's a lot to see and do in Atlanta, from world-class museums to historic sites. Enjoy the best of this city without reaching for your wallet.

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Atlanta travel guide

Atlanta tourism | atlanta guide, you're going to love atlanta.

Atlanta is easy to fall in love with. One of the jewels of the American South, Atlanta is large enough to have everything tourists could wish for – great food, theater, festivals, stores, and major sports teams. But the center is compact enough to make it easy to walk or cycle around. Few cities in America have both that kind of big city and small town vibe.

Imagine being there to watch the Braves hit a home run to clinch a home game, sparking the famous Turner Field fireworks into life, and lighting up the Atlanta skyline.

Smell the enticing aroma of pork and beef slow cooking over an Atlanta BBQ, then dine until your heart’s content on beautifully cooked meat. Sample gourmet soul food at Busy Bee, before trying out local brews at the Wrecking Bar Brewpub or cocktails at classy bars like the Pinewood.

You can also be transported back in time. Stand where Margaret Mitchell wrote Gone With the Wind. See where Martin Luther King, the famous leader of the African-American Civil Rights Movement, was born. Relive the 1996 Olympics.

Only Atlanta blends history, food, and sporting experiences in this way. That’s why you’ll soon fall for its charms.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Atlanta

Whether you want to watch the Atlanta Braves compete in Major League Baseball, the Hawks in the NBA, or the Falcons playing in the NFL, Atlanta is a great sporting destination. You can also visit Centennial Park to see the Olympic Games Museum, commemorating the 1996 event hosted by Atlanta.

Atlanta is a fantastic place for food lovers to visit. Dine on soul food and BBQ at Fox Bros, try the seafood at the Optimist, or binge on superb pizzas at Ammazza or Varasano’s.

Atlanta has seen a lot of history since its founding in 1847. Visitors can see the home of Margaret Mitchell, writer of Gone With the Wind, see the birthplace of Martin Luther King, find out about Coca-Cola, the city’s most famous company, or take tours of Civil War battle sites like Kennesaw Mountain.

4. Shopping

Modern Atlanta is a retail center, drawing people from all over the South to its malls, markets, and boulevards. Window shop at the up-market boutiques and craft stores in Buckhead, head to Underground Atlanta in Downtown or visit major local department stores like Dillard’s.

5. Festivals

Atlanta is a city of festivals, with a constant stream of exciting events to enjoy. April sees the Atlanta Film Festival showcase more than 200 movies from around the world. In June, you can head to the Atlanta Street Food Festival, while in August, Kennesaw hosts the Great Southern Food Truck Rally. Whatever your passion, Atlanta has an event for you.

What to do in Atlanta

1. martin luther king jr. national historic site: the dream started here.

The birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. in Downtown Atlanta is one of the great historical monuments in the South. This is the ultimate place to explore the origins of America's 20th-century civil rights leader, now restored for educational purposes. Countless monuments walk visitors through this man's important history - from the childhood home, and the church where he preached to a memorial rose garden, to a Welcome Center with exhibitions that fill in the gaps in a detailed manner.

2. Atlanta History Center: Walk through Time

Once a 19th-century farm, this History Center sits on 33 acres of gorgeous grounds. Surrounded by gardens and restored buildings, the Center itself boasts a variety of permanent exhibitions - from the country's largest collection of Civil War artifacts to a chronicling of the Centennial Olympic Games held in Atlanta in 1996. Smaller museums dot the rest of the property, from the lavish Swan House to the homely Wood Family Cabin.

3. Fox Theatre: The Fabulous Fox

Transformed from a movie palace into a popular performing arts center, the Fox Theater has an Atlanta staple for decades. The 1929 construction is a historic relic, recalling a time in the United States when exotic influences overtook architectural trends. Islamic style adorns the exterior, while the over-the-top interior adopts many themes from Egyptian art. This combination of cultures in such an unlikely place continues to enthrall visitors, along with the epic shows year-round.

4. World of Coca-Cola: Welcome to HQ

The original World of Coca-Cola is the most comprehensive place in which to learn about this all-American soda dynasty. Tours highlight the internationalization of the brand, showing visitors Coca-Cola in all its forms around the world. Find retro soda machines, taste-testing stations, art galleries, and everything you ever wanted to know about this iconic soda on your visit. Nearby, check out the Centennial Olympic Park, which now hosts the Georgia Aquarium and Center for Civil & Human Rights.

5. Piedmont Park: R&R at its Best

Atlanta's greatest public space invites residents and tourists from all over the city to bask in the glory of the green grass. Whether you prefer picnicking along the waterside of Lake Clara Meer, or jogging past fields dotted by picturesque gazebos and park benches, there is plenty of space for everyone. Don't miss a soothing stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Gardens either, where diverse flora are planted in different international styles.

Activities & attractions in Atlanta

Food, Drinks, & Nightlife

Other activities

Where to Eat in Atlanta

If you are looking for barbecue, soul food, seafood and Asian restaurants, Atlanta is as good as anywhere in the U.S.A. Great soul food joints include K&K or Paschal’s (both slightly outside Downtown), while fresh seafood is served up at the Optimist on Howell Mill Road. For a traditional Georgia slow roast barbecue meal, try Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. Food from around the world is also represented, with superb Japanese options like Nakato, fiery curries from Tabla and Thai specialities at Nan Thai.

Most popular restaurants in Atlanta

When to visit atlanta.

The best time of year to visit Atlanta depends on whether you can deal with hot, sticky summer weather. If you visit in the heat of summer, you can enjoy the city at its most beautiful and visit events like the Atlanta Barbecue Festival, held in August. But for most people, the shoulder seasons are more inviting. Between April and June and September and November, Atlanta is warm but not too warm, and there’s plenty to do. Even the winters are mild, so a festive sight-seeing break isn’t out of the question.

How to Get to Atlanta

The easiest way to get to Atlanta is by flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is around 8 miles south of the Downtown district. To reach the center of town you can catch the MARTA rail system, which costs just $2.50. If you need to take a taxi, expect it to cost around $30 to reach central hotels.

Atlanta’s Amtrak station is served by the Crescent route, which links the city to New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia to the north-east, and New Orleans to the southwest. The station is located at 1688 Peachtree St. N.W, a short distance out of town. To get into the city center, take bus number 110 (at a cost of $2.50).

Atlanta has excellent road connections to the rest of the country. If you are coming from the eastern seaboard, take either I-85 or I-20. From Florida, you can follow I-75 straight to Atlanta, while it also links the city to Detroit and Chicago to the north. If you are coming from Texas, take I-20.

Greyhound is the major bus operator in Atlanta and runs services from many major U.S. cities into their terminal at 232 Forsyth Street. That stop is on the MARTA train system, so it’s easy to get into town after your bus arrives. Megabus also serves Atlanta, with regular connections to cities like Birmingham, Miami, Cleveland and New Orleans.

Airports near Atlanta

Airlines serving atlanta, where to stay in atlanta.

Atlanta has hotels and guest houses to fit almost everyone’s budget and needs. The most convenient and safest places to stay are in the Five Points and Midtown area, where you’ll find popular hotels like the Georgian Terrace Hotel and the Hotel Palomar. If you need to be Downtown, the Hilton Garden Inn is an efficient, comfortable mid-range option near most of the attractions. Options near the Atlanta Braves Stadium in South Atlanta include the stylish Wyndham Atlanta Galleria and the Courtyard, which is a short distance from the airport.

Popular Neighborhoods in Atlanta

Downtown – Downtown is where you’ll find Atlanta’s thriving business core, including the head offices of Coca-Cola. You can hit the city’s liveliest nightclubs at Underground Atlanta, take a tour of CNN’s world HQ or see the iconic advertisements at World of Coca-Cola. It’s also an area with plenty of eating options, including local favorites like Rosa's Pizza.

Midtown – Located a short walk north of Downtown, Midtown is a relaxed area full of stores, restaurants, and bars. It contains Atlanta’s main shopping drag, the Midtown Mile as well as the city’s main cultural institutions, including the Museum of Design and the home of Gone With the Wind authoress Margaret Mitchell.

East Atlanta – For a more alternative experience, look for lodging in East Atlanta, the city’s indie hub. Check out the bars in Little Five Points, shop for food and clothes at Ponce City Market, and see Atlanta’s most renowned graffiti artists in action at the Krog Street Tunnel.

Where to stay in popular areas of Atlanta

Most booked hotels in atlanta, how to get around atlanta, public transportation.

MARTA runs a comprehensive bus and rail network that should get you wherever you need to go. It’s also affordable, with single fares only $2.50. Before you ride, you’ll need to get hold of a rechargeable Breeze Card at the cost of $1 which you can buy from vending machines at the airport and rail stations. Day passes cost $9.

Taxis in central Atlanta have flat fares of $2.50 for the first eighth of a mile, then $0.25 for every subsequent eighth of a mile ($2 per mile), as well as a waiting charge of $21 per hour and a $2 surcharge for every extra passenger. Uber can work out much cheaper, with a basic fare of $1, then $0.75 per mile after that.

Outside rush hour (which ends at 9:30 a.m. and then runs from around 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.) driving around Atlanta shouldn’t be a problem. However, parking garages in Midtown and Downtown can be expensive ($6 for two hours), so consider parking at a MARTA station further out if you are looking to save money.

Best car rental deals in Atlanta

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

The Cost of Living in Atlanta

Shopping streets.

Atlanta has a huge retail scene and there are several districts for shoppers to check out. For upscale boutiques, head to Buckhead neighborhoods like Phipps Plaza, where you’ll find designer stores like Bally, Hugo Boss, and Omega. The Midtown Mile is fast becoming the premier shopping district in the city, with new stores appearing all the time. In the Downtown District, the six blocks of Underground Atlanta offer craft markets, street food, and specialist stores like Art of Makeup, Jeweler’s Choice, and Urban Outlet.

Groceries and Other

Finding supermarkets in Atlanta is never hard. There’s a wealth of places to buy groceries, including major names like Whole Foods, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. You can also pick up specialist foods at delis like Reuben’s and the Morningside Farmers Market. Food tends to be cheaper than most cities, with 12 eggs costing around $2.40 and a bottle of wine about $13.

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Atlanta, GA Visitor Guide

Atlanta is one of the most visited cities in the United States, attracting tens of millions of travelers per year. Atlanta’s position as one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the South makes it a popular vacation and short break destination for people across the southeast and from further afield.

There are so many things to do in Atlanta that you will never be short on activities. There are some of the best museums and cultural attractions in the South; concerts, nightlife and performing arts; a burgeoning food scene; hundreds of festivals and outdoor events; historic cemeteries and parks; and a variety of state parks and nature reserves within an easy drive.

Atlanta might not itself have the moss-draped live oaks or the oldest architecture of Georgia’s most historic cities, but if that is what you want, it is within easy reach of the city, with places such as Madison or Athens within day trip distance. Further away, but still accessible, are the natural charms of the North Georgia mountains and beaches and barrier islands of the coast.

Attractions & Events

Atlanta’s huge range of things to see and do is what brings so many people to the city. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or vacation or have a few hours to spare whilst in the city on business, you should be able to find something that fits your interests.

Atlanta’s key sights are its new Center For Civil and Human Rights, the Martin Luther King, Jr National Historical Park, the Atlanta History Center and the World of Coca-Cola museum, and the High Museum of Art. The city is also home to Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium.

Atlanta also has many smaller museums exploring topics as varied as the history of paper, the work of the Center for Disease Control, puppetry arts, the history of Delta Air Lines, and more. You can also see the workings of the Federal Reserve Bank. Several of these attractions are free to visit.

Historic houses include the former homes of Gone With The Wind author Margaret Mitchell, and of Joel Chandler Harris, who wrote the Brer Rabbit stories; a recreation of an antebellum farm at the Atlanta History Center; and the historic mansion built by one of Atlanta’s wealthiest African-American families, the Herndons.

Outdoor attractions in Atlanta include Midtown’s Piedmont Park and its neighbor the Atlanta Botanical Garden, along with several modern additions to the city’s parkspace: Centennial Olympic Park, in the heart of downtown; Historic Fourth Ward Park; and the encircling BeltLine, which connects dozens of Atlanta’s most interesting neighborhoods.

Oakland Cemetery is another must-see outdoor sight in Atlanta, and architecture fans will also enjoy a trip out to Westview Cemetery, with its Medieval European style abbey.

Atlanta hosts many of the largest events in the country, including one of the biggest film festivals, one of the biggest free jazz festivals and one of the best attended Pride festivals. It also has dozens of smaller, more local events, year-round, and a full calendar of music festivals.

→ See Atlanta’s events by month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Atlanta’s excellent nightlife is another draw, with local music venues hosting everything from international names to emerging performers; a vibrant bar and club scene; and dozens of theaters showing plays and the other performing arts.

Atlanta also enjoys one of the best food and restaurant scenes in the southeast, with places to eat ranging from decades-old establishments to up-and-coming chefs, contemporary southern and international cuisine, and a growing selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants.

Food halls in Atlanta include the big new Ponce City Market and Inman Park’s Krog Street Market. The city also offers several very popular farmers markets, and dozens of annual food and beer festivals from big to small.

History & Heritage

In 175 often-turbulent years, Atlanta has grown from a tiny 1840s outpost to the regional center of the Southeast that it is today.

Famously burned to the ground by Sherman’s army, Atlanta expanded out of its ruins into a vibrant commercial city. By the early 20th century, the economic course it would follow had been set. Atlanta had grown into a true metropolis, but it had a profound inequality at its core.

Decades of active discrimination and segregation prompted Atlanta’s African-American citizens to develop a distinct and successful society of their own. Through their efforts, Atlanta would become the location of one of the nation’s foremost Black business districts, Auburn Avenue, and a center of Black education, religion, and the Civil Rights movement.

Present-day Atlanta has a wealth of Black heritage sites, including the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr, an African-American built and owned mansion, galleries, art museums, and several heritage districts.

Gateway To The Southeast

Atlanta’s excellent transportation links – by air, road, bus and train – make it both easy to get to and a good starting point for a wider tour of the southeast. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is one of the busiest in the world, making Atlanta easily accessible by air from many domestic and international destinations.

Within easy reach of Atlanta are dozens of scenic state parks and conservation areas for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The mountains of north Georgia and North Carolina are 3-4 hours or less northeast of Atlanta. Georgia also has one of the best-preserved coasts in the United States, with beautiful salt marshes and barrier islands around 4-5 hours or so away.

For a contrast to Atlanta’s busy pace and modern landscape, go to Savannah or Charleston. The most-visited of the southeast’s many historic cities, both are within 300 miles of Atlanta and less than 5 hours away by road, or around 1 hour by air. Alternatively, within day-trip distance of Atlanta are the smaller cities of Macon, Madison, Milledgeville and Athens.

→ More about visiting Georgia

© Melanie K Jones 2024

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• City Guides

An Eater’s Guide to Dining and Drinking Around Atlanta

A highly opinionated guide on Atlanta’s best restaurant and dining options

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Table of contents, - welcome to atl - where to start on eater atlanta's best of maps - neighborhoods to know - glossary of food terms - reservations to make in advance - follow the news - get in touch.

Despite having the largest metropolitan area in the Southeast at just over 6 million people, and the world’s busiest airport ( Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International ), Atlanta is mostly overlooked by outsiders obsessed with Southern food and culture. Charleston has Lowcountry cooking and scads of storied historic buildings along its streets. Nashville has hot chicken and its famed music row. And New Orleans gave birth to the American cocktail movement.

Atlanta doesn’t feature the same culinary buzz associated with those aforementioned destinations, but residents of the city and its sprawling metropolitan area know the secret behind the dining scene lies within the sheer diversity of restaurants and the fostering of ATL’s fierce entrepreneurial spirit. There’s more to Atlanta food than Southern fare. And now Michelin is even taking note, with the debut of the first ever Atlanta dining guide in October 2023.

Welcome to ATL

As Delta Air Lines in Atlanta blossomed in the 1960s, and more businesses set up shop in ATL, the populations of the city and its burgeoning metropolitan region have boomed. This flood of people from elsewhere led to the unfair reputation of Atlanta being a “transplant city” without any culinary culture of its own. It’s true that there isn’t one ancient, unique dish locals point to as a mascot of sorts. Instead, Atlanta offers myriad examples of foodways and fusion foods. The global pantry influences many restaurants in Atlanta, as people from all over the world move here to take advantage of job opportunities in the tech and creative fields and north Georgia’s temperate climate. The latter also means Atlanta offers a robust outdoor dining scene and a patio season that often begins in March and stretches into early December.

As for food, expect to find restaurants around Atlanta serving everything from Filipino, Indian , food from countries throughout the African continent , and Sichuan to soul , Southern , and Colombian dishes and plenty of great barbecue and wings . With that, welcome to ATL or the A. Just please don’t call it “Hotlanta”.

Where to Start on Eater Atlanta's Best of Maps

Hot Restaurant s : These are the hottest restaurants right now around Atlanta. Restaurant and entertainment venue Damsel is definitely the Atlanta restaurant of the moment, though Mediterranean restaurant Ela and upscale Mexican from Pata Negra Mezcaleria also have buzz.

Essential Restaurant s : Updated quarterly, the Eater 38 is chock-full of excellent dining recommendations. The list includes longtime Atlanta staples, restaurants with loyal followings, and cult favorites locals love. The Eater 38 reflects Atlanta’s impressive diversity. This includes restaurants like Gullah- and Lowcountry fare from Virgil’s ; traditional French and Alsatian cuisine from Cafe Alsace ; the epic tasting menu from fine dining stalwart Bacchanalia ; Mexican favorite Oaxaca ; Atlanta-proud Southern Belle , and James Beard award winning restaurants the Deer and the Dove and Miller Union .

Barbecue : Barbecue is a very big deal in Atlanta and, deservedly, requires its very own essentials list . While there are smokehouses all over the metro area, Atlanta’s best-of barbecue lists have been dominated by two names: Fox Bros. , featuring Texas-style brisket at beef ribs, and Heirloom Market , which mixes Southern-American and Korean flavors. But this list is filled with tons of really great barbecue joints.

Classic Restaurants : While Atlanta’s newer restaurants tend to capture most of the spotlight, these classic dining institutions continue to stand the test of time.

Southern: Which foods fall under the “Southern” umbrella varies by region in the South. Check out this list of Southern restaurants throughout Atlanta. There’s also Southern restaurant staples like the meat and three and Atlanta diners .

Soul Food: What’s the difference between soul food and Southern food? The phrase “soul food” was first coined in the 1960s, seemingly meant to describe the honest-to-goodness, comforting foods often prepared at home by African-American Southerners, with many dishes rooted in survival and the African diaspora. Here are a few restaurants to try .

Restaurants Near the Airport : Whether you’re a local looking to grab a bite in the area or a weary traveler heading off the highway or staying in a hotel, great food can be found at restaurants in cities and neighborhoods around Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport .

Pop-Ups: Atlanta’s restaurant pop-up scene is one of the best in the country and serving some of the most creative and innovative dishes found anywhere in the city and metro area. Here’s where to start .

Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants: Despite its reputation for wings and barbecue, Atlanta also features a thriving vegetarian and vegan dining scene. Start with these lists of Atlanta vegetarian and vegan restaurants.

Wings: Atlanta knows wings, and there are plenty of great places around town offering flats, drums, and even that tiny extra part that some people eat as if it actually held meat. These Atlanta restaurants are leading the wing pack .

Navigating Georgia’s Tricky Booze Laws

Over the last decade, Georgia has slowly begun to update its antiquated state alcohol laws, including permitting Sunday retail alcohol sales, allowing the sale of alcohol from  restaurants on Sundays  starting at 11:00 a.m., and  permitting limited direct sales  from the state’s breweries and distilleries. Then, in 2022, Atlanta residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of allowing grocery stores, wine shops, and package stores to begin selling booze on Sundays at 11 a.m. So, beginning in 2023, the beer and wine aisles at Kroger will light up at 11 a.m. rather than 12:30 p.m.

Home delivery in Georgia of beer, wine, and liquor from restaurants, bars, convenience stores, some package stores, and grocery stores became legal in 2020. The new law currently  excludes the state’s breweries and distilleries . This, too, is expected to change as the state continues amending laws surrounding the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol.

Beer : Now that Georgia’s beer laws have been brought into the 21st century , drinkers can actually buy beers directly from breweries, by the glass in taprooms or up to a case to go. Here’s a list of the best breweries to check out right now.

Cocktails : Despite numerous hurdles caused by the pandemic, bars are slowly coming back online in Atlanta. Here are a few of Atlanta’s newest drinking destinations and libation pop-ups .

Hotel Bars : As more Atlanta hotels focus attention on upping the drinks game, greater emphasis is being placed on cocktail and wine lists meant to attract both locals and ATL tourists. Grab drinks at one of these hotel bars around Atlanta.

Breakfast: Atlanta isn’t lacking in restaurants serving up a variety of takes on the morning meal. Eater’s breakfast map is filled with some of metro Atlanta’s best bets for biscuits, pancakes, bacon, eggs, and, most importantly, coffee to kick the day off right.

Brunch : In a city like Atlanta, where folks like to have a variety of dining options on the table, there’s one surefire way to remind people that ATL is indeed a Southern city — all-day brunch restaurants. Check out these restaurants serving brunch all day and Atlanta restaurants with fresh new versions of brunch .

Coffee : This city’s love affair with coffee means there are plenty of quality independent shops to seek out around Atlanta. Check out these essential Atlanta coffee shops .

Fried Chicken : Atlanta isn’t lacking great fried chicken at restaurants, from platters served at southern and soul food restaurants that have been in business for decades, to original takes by relative newcomers on ATL’s fried chicken scene.

LGBTQ Bars: Atlanta is the capital of the queer South, and the city’s got the gay bars to prove it. Here are just a few LGBTQ bars and restaurants to consider around Atlanta.

Patios: Atlanta’s lengthy warm season sees the city enjoying outdoor living and al fresco dining nearly ten months out of the year. That also means Atlanta is full of great patios like these . Consider these rooftop patios with serious views, a covered patio for when Atlanta’s weather is less than pleasant, or these patios offering outdoor fireplaces and fire pits .

Neighborhoods to Know

Blandtown/underwood hills/westside provisions.

This burgeoning area of town includes a slew of great restaurants found at spots like Westside Provisions District, such as West Egg Cafe , Cooks and Soldiers , and Taqueria Del Sol , and emerging complexes like the Interlock and Star Metals on Howell Mill Road. But get beyond this dense dining district in northwest Atlanta to check out other award-winning restaurants like Miller Union , Star Provisions and Bacchanalia , and Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours , and the area’s bustling brewery scene in Blandtown and Underwood Hills. Drop by the new food hall, Chattahoochee Food Works . Maybe consider ending an evening out at the iconic blues bar Northside Tavern .

This neighborhood isn’t as trendy as it once was, but Buckhead is still home to some of the best high-end restaurants in Atlanta. Atlas , located in the St. Regis hotel, is high-priced, but the exquisite menu makes it a refuge for those who miss traditional fine dining. After receiving a fresh coat of paint , Gerry Klaskala’s Aria feels updated while continuing to serve well-executed European cuisine mixed with Southern ingredients. Then there’s the newer additions to the Buckhead dining scene like all-day restaurant and wine bar Le Bon Nosh , Mission & Market , and Little Alley Steak . Consider Storico Fresco for classic pasta dishes and plenty of Italian wine.

Buford Highway

Buford Highway isn’t a single neighborhood or its own municipality. It’s a four-lane highway stretching from the tip of Brookhaven just north of the city of Atlanta to Duluth in the northern suburban county of Gwinnett filled with restaurants and markets representing nearly two dozen countries from around the globe. In other words, Buford Highway is a gourmand’s paradise featuring foods from nations like Vietnam and Korea to Mexico and Colombia. Deciding where and what to eat along Buford Highway can be overwhelming so, Eater compiled this list of essential restaurants to try . It’s just the tip of the culinary iceberg along this road. There are also upward of 20 marisquerias (Mexican seafood restaurants) around metro Atlanta to explore, too. Make sure to explore the restaurants found on streets adjacent to Buford Highway, including the food court at Atlanta Chinatown and Plaza Fiesta .

Located directly east of the Atlanta city limits, this municipality boasts a charming downtown and some of the metro area’s finest bars and restaurants all within a few blocks. An ideal evening starts at Kimball House for some of the best cocktails and the best oyster selection in town, or at Victory Sandwich Bar for light snacks, beers, and Jack and Coke slushies. Grab a seat at James Beard award-winning restaurant the Deer and the Dove for crispy rabbit legs fried in fermented buttermilk and grilled octopus and shrimp terrine. Or dig into Italian food at the White Bull just off of Decatur Square. For Spanish tapas pop over to Iberian Pig on the square. Head to critically acclaimed restaurant Chai Pani for Indian street food or dine on pub grub paired with beer at Brick Store Pub . Maybe consider this food crawl as your introduction to the Decatur food scene.

Downtown Atlanta is home to the city’s biggest tourist attractions like the Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame, and Georgia Aquarium, not to mention the towering transformer that is Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the revamped home of the Atlanta Hawks, State Farm Arena. While the area caters mostly to office dwellers, college students from Georgia State, and tourists, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path dining options like Dua Vietamese, Aamar Indian Cuisine, and Mediterranean dishes from Aviva by Kameel . For those looking for dinner and a view, make a reservation at the iconic SunDial Restaurant or rotating rooftop restaurant Polaris . Trader Vic’s in the Hilton Downtown is a must-visit for those seeking stiff tiki drinks like the Fogcutter or original Mai Tai.

East Point/College Park/Hapeville (Tri-Cities)

Newcomers to Atlanta, as well as those who work in or travel to the city, may have heard of the towns of East Point, College Park, and Hapeville referred to as the “ATL Airport District.” But longtime residents still call it the Tri-Cities. Its namesake high school and assortment of landmarks were made famous on albums by former East Point residents André 3000 and Big Boi, the duo behind Outkast. The Tri-Cities are filled with some of metro Atlanta’s best kept secrets. There’s Hattie Marie’s Texas-style barbecue, Bole Ethiopian , and Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar in College Park. Volare brings Southern-French fancy to Hapeville. Check out this neighborhood guide for more great restaurant options written by longtime East Point resident and Atlanta journalist Mike Jordan.

Atlanta’s first streetcar suburb has been home to some quality dining options for quite some time, but the neighborhood has exploded with development in recent years. Krog Street Market , with its food stalls and craft beer bar, is almost always packed at peak hours. Krog Street Market features a few Atlanta dining scene veterans, including chef Todd Richards and his soul food stall Soul: Food and Culture and the team behind Ticonderoga Club , serving a mix of Asian, Southern, and New England fare paired with creative cocktails. Elsewhere, BoccaLupo turns out Atlanta’s best pasta, and Sotto Sotto is a go-to for multi-course Italian feasts. Diners will forget about Chipotle forever after one bite at Bell Street Burritos , which also has locations in Buckhead and Tucker. And, tucked away on Lake Avenue is a quaint breakfast and lunch spot named Julianna’s serving Hungarian-style crepes made from an old family recipe.

Old Fourth Ward

No Atlanta neighborhood has seen more change due to BeltLine-related growth than the Old Fourth Ward . O4W is home to Ponce City Market , which features restaurants and food stalls from Atlanta chefs such as Anne Quatrano, Linton Hopkins, and Hector Santiago in the market’s Central Food Hall. Further up the road on Ponce, the Hotel Clermont includes fine dining at Tiny Lou’s above where the ladies dance at the Clermont Lounge . Further east, check out the restaurants and bars within the Edgewood Avenue dining district, including a location of Slutty Vegan , Edgewood Pizza , Our Bar ATL , Joystick Gamebar , and Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium . Pop by Staplehouse for a bottle of wine and incredible dishes from chef Ryan Smith and his team. There are also a slew of dining options all along the Eastside Beltline trail from Ponce City Market to Krog Street Market, and beyond. But, be sure to seek out other spots around the area, including Glide Pizza at Studioplex, sandwich shop and market LottaFrutta , and restaurants in neighboring Poncey-Highland like Southern Belle , Fishmonger , and El Ponce .

Other great dining neighborhoods to check out: AUC (Atlanta University Center)

Alpharetta/milton, castleberry hill/vine city, east atlanta, little five points, stone mountain.

A neighborhood founded by former enslaved people just after the Civil War, later becoming home to the majority of the city’s Jewish population in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Summerhill has long been a place for Atlantans to strike out on their own and open successful businesses. That entrepreneurial spirit continues today with the latest generation of restaurant and business owners here in the neighborhood and along its burgeoning Main Street: Georgia Avenue. Head to Summerhill for clever takes on Thai food at Talat Market or chef Jarrett Stieber tapping into his Jewish roots with hints of Sichuan spice at Little Bear , along with a variety of casual restaurants serving pizza , fried chicken sandwiches , hot dogs , and barbecue . There’s beer and bites and even a beer garden from brewery Halfway Crooks , soft serve ice cream at Big Softie , and coffee and fresh pastries form Little Tart Bakeshop . New restaurants open here every year, including Mexican restaurant D Boca N Boca and Southern National from former One Flew South chef Duane Nutter and restaurateur Reginald “Reggie” Washington.

West End/Westview

Surrounding I-20 on Atlanta’s southwest side lie the neighborhoods of West End and Westview, home to Atlanta’s historic Black colleges Clark Atlanta University, Spelman, and Morehouse. The neighborhoods are filled with plenty of great dining options, including many of the city’s best vegan and vegetarian restaurants like Soul Vegetarian as well as casual spots like D Cafe and Slutty Vegan for its line-inducing meatless burgers. Check out bar and restaurant Bogg’s Social and Supply . The Lee + White complex in West End is anchored by several local food and beverage purveyors, such Wild Heaven Beer and El Tesoro , Best End Brewing , Hop City Craft Beer and Wine’s Boxcar gastropub , and locations of ASW Distillery and Monday Night Brewing .

Glossary of Food Terms

Scattered, smothered, covered, etc.:.

Atlanta — well, Norcross — is home to the greatest restaurant chain in the world, Waffle House. Familiar fans will know exactly how they prefer their hash browns. For example, some people prefer a fairly simple order of smothered and covered (for the uninformed, that’s shredded, griddled potatoes mixed with chopped onion and topped with American cheese). First-timers who need guidance in their breakfast-potatoes order will be pleased to find a glossary of hash brown terminology right there on the Waffle House menu .

Double-stack:

A double cheeseburger made from two thin patties that are cooked up nice and crispy on a griddle. Which style of burger is best? The double-stack , first made famous locally by Holeman and Finch and now served at many restaurants around the city, offers tons of flavor thanks to the Maillard reaction that occurs when two thin patties are cooked on a griddle. However, a single, thick, patty has its own merit. The kitchen can cook it to a diner’s requested doneness, and quality examples of this style will be overflowing with juicy beefiness.

Lemon pepper:

In 2017, the first season of  Atlanta ,   the Emmy-nominated show created by actor-rapper-writer and former Stone Mountain resident Donald Glover, brought a new level of awareness to “ lemon pepper wet. ” The scene: Paper Boi and Darius are waiting on a to-go order at a quiet J.R. Crickets restaurant. Their server returns with a Styrofoam box full of chicken wings and informs the two they’ve been hooked up by the kitchen. The wings have lemon pepper seasoning  and  Buffalo sauce, aka lemon pepper wet. American Deli tosses its wings in a spicy lemon pepper sauce using clarified butter rather than Buffalo sauce.

Brunswick stew:

A traditional side found at many barbecue restaurants throughout Georgia. The hearty dish usually includes beans and/or vegetables and it definitely contains smoked meat.

BeltLine-adjacent:

The Atlanta BeltLine is an ongoing and often controversial project that transforms old railroad tracks into a walking path that loops around the city. The New York Times has called it a “glorified sidewalk,” which isn’t exactly wrong. When the project was announced, there were promises of transit and affordable housing, but so far, the BeltLine has mostly inspired too many bland mixed-use developments crammed with similar restaurant concepts and gentrification.

Giving Kitchen:

A local non-profit that provides emergency grants to restaurant-industry workers in times of need. The org was awarded the 2019 Humanitarian of the Year Award by the James Beard Foundation.

Reservations to Make in Advance

Popular restaurants Aria , Spring , Bacchanalia , Miller Union , Gunshow , Lazy Betty, Lucian Books and Wine , and edomae-style sushi restaurant Mujo all require advanced booking. Consider one of these restaurants when looking to splurge on a night out on the town.

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Sushi, Wine, and Pickleball Come Together at the Painted Pickle

Spiller park coffee’s fourth location brings new shine to a century-old building, ruki’s kitchen is getting a new home in peoplestown’s food hall.

Atlanta Tourism Chief Talks World Cup, $1 Million Deal With Michelin Guide

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 1:46 PM EDT

If the best teams play in Atlanta for the World Cup, it could be the home base for thousands of fans.

Dawit Habtemariam

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World Cup fans are going to need a home base as they follow their favorite teams across North America in 2026. A top contender is Atlanta, said Discover Atlanta CEO and President William Pate, who sits on the city’s hosting committee.

“Fans could end up staying in Atlanta, but traveling to different cities for other games,” said Pate.

Pate spoke with Skift about why Atlanta could be the home base for World Cup fans, the city’s $1 million investment deal with the Michelin Guide, its new 1,000 convention room hotel downtown, and more.

This interview w as edited for clarity and length.

Getting into the Michelin Guide

Skift: Discover Atlanta recently paid to have Michelin rate its restaurants— an expensive endeavor for tourism boards. What has been the return on investment?

William Pate:  We did a three-year deal with them. It’s basically a million-dollar deal in order to be a part of the Michelin Guide. We’re the seventh city in the United States to be selected.

We have a lot of chefs and chef-driven restaurants and 23 different cuisine types, but we really didn’t feel like we were getting credit for that. We thought that associating our culinary theme with the Michelin brand would really be the opportunity that we were looking for to elevate the entire city’s restaurant industry. 

We began discussions with Michelin before Covid. Interestingly enough, they were exploring Atlanta already as a potential Michelin city. As we came out of Covid, those conversations heated up again very quickly.

They’ve announced their first year and our restaurant community did really well. We had 45 total restaurants in the guide. Five got Michelin stars. 

The ancillary benefit that we were looking for, which is to get the community talking about all the great restaurants that we have really had, I’ll be honest, exceeded our expectations, and we had high expectations. 

I usually like to do quantitative numbers, but I can tell you qualitatively, I’ve been told that of the restaurants that were selected this first year, their business is up about 30%. But I can also tell you, talking to restaurants that weren’t selected in the guide, their business is up about 10%. 

The other value that it created not only with visitors but also locally is it re-energized our culinary scene.  The people who were coming out of Covid re-energized this desire to eat out and not have the food delivered to your house, but really get out and have a restaurant experience. 

Atlanta’s Potential as World Cup Home Base for Fans

Atlanta is going to host eight matches, three of which are knockout ones. How is Atlanta preparing for the tournament?

We’re in planning mode right now. It’s an interesting situation with the World Cup in that you don’t know what countries are going to be coming until next year.

We’re expecting very big crowds and we’re very excited. The good news for Atlanta is we’ve got almost 15,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. By the way, it was built with the anticipation that we would perhaps have the opportunity to host the World Cup.

We certainly are going to have fan fest somewhere downtown where it’ll be walking distance [from the stadium]. We haven’t gotten that far in the preparations because frankly, we’re looking to FIFA to outline for us exactly the kinds of things that they’re looking for.

Given the all the flights that pass through its airport, Atlanta could also be a home base for World Cup fans .

We’re in a unique position because of the access that we have. We have nonstop flights to every World Cup city, including in Canada and Mexico.  We’ve got the busiest airport in the world, 70 nonstop international nonstops, and then we have 150 domestic nonstops every day. 

If you were a fan of one of the teams expected to go far, you could choose to make Atlanta your home base for your hotel stay, and then as your team advances, travel to the different cities as you follow them. Fans could end up just staying in Atlanta, but traveling to different cities for other games, which would be an added benefit to our hoteliers. 

And Atlanta is really becoming a soccer hub. We’re going to be hosting Copa America games this year. USA Soccer has just relocated their headquarters to Atlanta, which will spur another set of growth for the city.

Atlanta Adds 1,000 Room Convention Hotel

Hilton opened its Signia brand this year. There seems to be a lot of development going on in downtown Atlanta.

We just opened the Signia Hilton Hotel, which is our second convention hotel, and it’s in between Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Convention center. We were the first Signia built from the ground up.

That’ll be great access for both sporting events as well as conventions. That’s almost a thousand rooms convention product. It’s doing extremely well.

Another big one is in the space, the area that we used to call the Gulch, which is kind of between Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the convention center and State Farm Arena. It’s about 50 acres, and it’s now called Centennial Yards. Their first phase, which they’re already working on, includes a hotel that’s going to be across the street from CNN Center, which now is no longer CNN Center.

The second phase of development there is going to include some residential and some nightlife, a music venue, more restaurants, all within walking distance to the convention center. They’re hoping to have most of the buildings completed by the World Cup and then get everything occupied.

Even during Covid, people missed the fact that we opened eight new hotels. As I tell folks, while everybody was in their basement, we were building as usual.

Speaking of the CNN Center, it used to be the global media company’s headquarters in Atlanta. It was also a major tourist attraction. What’s going to replace it?

They’re trying to figure out exactly what ultimately they’re going to do there. It’s obviously a very attractive location, setup for businesses. And the first floor, there’s obviously great opportunity for more restaurants and things like that. So we’re pretty excited about what the potential could be there, but it hasn’t been announced yet exactly how they’re going to repurpose that building.

Atlanta’s Convention Calendar in 2024

Atlanta’s tourism primarily comes from conventions and large events. How is the conventions calendar looking for 2024? The city got some help from Georgia remaining open during the pandemic.

Our convention business is very strong. In fact, 2024 will probably be the best year in the history of the city. A lot of that’s driven by the fact that we have, not only do we have a lot of conventions, 21 major city-wde, but they’re really big conventions. 

We’re hosting three big industry events. The Global Business Travel Association, Georgia Tourism Conference and Travel South, a huge regional international show, which is the second largest logistics show in the country, is here this year. 

We had an advantage, to be fair, because our governor kept the state open. So even during Covid, folks that still wanted to have meetings could have them. And even though attendance obviously was severely hampered during Covid, we were able to still host some convention activity, which then gave us a headstart as Covid got in the rear-view mirror.

And Atlanta is a very attractive convention city because it’s easy to access. We’re third in the country in terms of Fortune 500 companies, the Center for Disease Control is headquartered here, and we have almost 15,000 hotel rooms within walking distance to the convention center. 

More Targeted Marketing

How has Discover Atlanta’s marketing strategy changed in the last few years? 

We’re trying to cater more of our communication to the specific needs of the different groups that come to Atlanta and make sure that they can find the experiences that they’re going to be interested in.

We developed a Black tourism experience called ATL Unguided , and it’s specifically targeted to the African-American market. We expanded this now and we’ve got it specific for Black travelers.

And so it’s cultural experiences that amplify Black voices, businesses that cater to Black travelers, folks that are interested in not only civil rights, but just other things around that Black travelers are interested in.

We started that about four years ago now. It’s been so successful now we’re doing one for the Hispanic population.

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How a Black conservative activist arranged Donald Trump’s stop at an Atlanta Chick-fil-A

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, center, takes a photo with Michaelah Montgomery, left, a local conservative activist, as he visits a Chick-fil-A eatery, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, hugs Michaelah Montgomery, a local conservative activist, as he visits a Chick-fil-A eatery, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, greets a customer as he visits a Chick-fil-A eatery, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, center, visits a Chick-fil-A eatery, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump visits a Chick-fil-A eatery, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The scenes of Donald Trump being warmly greeted on Wednesday by a Black audience at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta electrified conservative political media at a moment when Republicans hope to make inroads with Democrats’ most committed voting bloc.

Those widely shared moments were days in the making, an alliance between the Trump campaign, local activists, and students at some of the nation’s most iconic historically Black colleges.

Trump and his allies have argued he can win greater Black support due to his messages on the economy and immigration, a notion President Joe Biden’s campaign rejects. Some of his outreach to African Americans has played on racial stereotypes — promoting $399 branded sneakers or suggesting that Black people would empathize with his dozens of felony charges — and has offended longtime critics and some potential allies.

But the campaign considered Wednesday’s photo opportunity at Chick-fil-A, a stop he made on the way to a fundraiser in Atlanta, a win that produced viral videos shared by his allies and widely discussed by supporters and opponents alike.

“People find it so hard to believe that there are young Black people who would have loved the opportunity to meet Trump,” said Michaelah Montgomery, a conservative activist and founder of Conserve the Culture, which recruits and educates college students and young alumni at Atlanta’s historically Black colleges and universities.

Montgomery, a former Georgia Republican Party staffer who regularly coordinates events for HBCU students open to conservative ideas to meet with politicians and activists, said she was notified earlier in the week that Trump would visit Atlanta’s Vine City neighborhood during his trip to host a high-dollar fundraiser in the city. She notified a private group chat of students she uses to coordinate events and job opportunities about the president’s visit. She received immediate interest in appearing alongside him from around a dozen students.

“Everybody got together at around 9:30 in the morning and walked on over to the Chick-fil-A and then we sat there and waited until the president showed up,” said Montgomery, who can be seen embracing the former president in multiple viral videos. “It’s really disheartening to see that the media makes it seem like we just stumbled into a Chick-fil-A and he bought us milkshakes.”

Morehouse and Spelman Colleges are some of the foremost historically Black colleges in the nation, with long legacies of influential Black alumni in politics, business, religion and medicine. Martin Luther King Jr. and Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, who pastors King’s former church, are both Morehouse alumni. Stacey Abrams, the influential Georgia Democrat, attended Spelman. Alongside neighboring Clark Atlanta University and Morris Brown College, the academic collective on Atlanta’s West Side has served as a bastion of African American politics and culture since before the Civil Rights movement.

Trump’s overture to students at the iconic Black institutions both underscored his eagerness to show any potential inroads with Black voters as well as the campaign’s strategy of partnering with local conservative groups to marshal a crowd in communities outside the GOP base, a common political tactic with a slight twist.

“The location was beautifully selected and I think it had an incredible impact,” said Bill White, a businessman and longtime friend of the former president who organized the high-dollar luncheon for the Trump campaign in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood the same day. “I just thought the day was a resounding success for him and for the people in Georgia who loved him and wanted to come out and show their support.”

White added that Donald Trump “is very relatable to anyone, really. Atlantans got a chance to see that and show their love back” and he anticipates Trump will make major inroads with Black voters in Atlanta and across the country due to events like his Wednesday visit.

Jasmine Harris, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, criticized the visit.

“Thinking Black voters relate to Donald Trump because he spent twenty minutes handing out freebies at a fast food restaurant is yet another insult to our intelligence – and perfect example of just how disingenuous Trump’s outreach to Black voters continues to be,” Harris said in a statement.

In March, 55 percent of Black Americans said they approved of Biden’s handling his job as president while 45 percent disapproved, according to a poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Research. But a February poll found only a 25 percent favorability rating for Trump among Black Americans.

The visit was not met with fanfare by some on campus or the local community. Montgomery denounced the criticism some students who appeared in the viral videos alongside Trump have received both on campus and online.

“They are claiming that the students made a mockery of their institutions and saying that they are disrespecting their ancestors. It is really, really bad,” said Montgomery.

Traveling Supporters Guide - Top Places to Visit in Chicago

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Art Institute of Chicago

Standing as one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the top ranked museums in the country. Exhibitions at the institute include Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective and Threaded Visions: Contemporary Weavings from the Collection.

As the weather warms up for spring, the Navy Pier is the perfect place to stop by. The pier is home to various places to eat and drink, as well as several attractions like the Centennial Wheel, carousel, drop tower, and wave swinger. There are also cultural attractions like Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Chicago Children’s Museum.

Lincoln Park Zoo

In the heart of Chicago sits the Lincoln Park Zoo, a place for care, conservation, and community. The zoo includes animals like African lions to Solomon Islands Leaf Frogs. The zoo landscape is also a sight to see. It is home to more than 850 plants species.

Millennium Park

A lakefront campus that includes the iconic Cloud Gate statue, aka “The Bean”. It is also home to interactive fountains, gardens, public art, and plenty of space to walk around. The Lurie Garden is an award-winning botanical landscape in the park. There is also events like the Summer Music Series and the Chicago Jazz Festival.

Leagues Cup

All of the clubs from MLS and Liga MX will compete in a completely reimagined Leagues Cup: an annual, month-long tournament that runs from July 26-August 25, 2024.

Resurgens Kit

Blue is a nod to the renewal of Atlanta. Yellow represents Atlanta’s vibrant history and identity. This is Atlanta United's latest community kit.

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• The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in the United States

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for U.S. hotels in 2024.

Hotels NYC California Washington D.C. MICHELIN Keys

New York City by The MICHELIN Guide

See the New York City guide

On April 24, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new list of One, Two, and Three Key hotels in the United States. In this first ever announcement of MICHELIN Keys in the United States, hotels in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Washington DC were eligible for the distinction. This announcement of the most outstanding hotels in the country comes four years into a comprehensive refresh of our hotel selection. The MICHELIN Guide now includes over 5,000 hotels across the world, and not a single one is simply a room for the night. These are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveler, each vetted and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. Which brings us back to the Keys. The culmination of countless hours of evaluation by our team of experts, the Key hotels below represent the highlights of our broader selection. Like the MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys are our most outstanding hotels. In total, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in the United States includes 11 Three Key hotels, 33 Two Key hotels, and 80 One Key hotels. Want to know more about the MICHELIN Key? Here’s everything you need to know . Or, head below to look at all the Keys.

How To Look Through the List

Jump straight to the list or take a deeper dive into select key hotels..

Take a peek at SingleThread, the five room inn with Three Keys and Three Stars. Explore the one street in Chicago that leads to seven Key hotels. Or find out more the Cliff House suite at our only Three Key hotel in Big Sur, California. Subscribe to our newsletter for more like this.

Highlights of the United States 2024 Key Hotel List

The Three Key Club in New York City

Expect: The highest luxury and impeccable design in Soho, Midtown, and the Financial District. Within the small club of Three Key hotels in the United States, four make their home in New York City. The Aman New York (Midtown) and Casa Cipriani (the Financial District) both make use of glamorous Beaux Arts buildings, the former a gold-crowned skyscraper in Midtown, the latter a glamorously restored ferry terminal at the very southern tip of Manhattan. Each is a refuge: an elegant, painstakingly designed escape from bustling city life. Meanwhile, two Firmdale hotels round out the list of Three Key hotels in New York City. Each is a quintessential example of the style and execution of the group’s co-owner and interior designer, Kit Kemp. Click the links here to explore the whirl of colors and collage of art that define the Crosby Street (Soho) and the Whitby Hotel (Midtown). Also read: Every Three Key Hotel in Paris

Jewels on the Coast: Up and Down California

Its sheer breadth of size and variety means it’s no surprise to announce California as the state with the most Key hotels in America. Here, we’ll point you towards coastal gems like the sublime architectural achievements in Big Sur ( Post Ranch Inn and Ventana ), beachside luxuries in Santa Monica (in particular: the newly opened Georgian ), and wine country favorites like SingleThread and the Madrona . What we love: how each one of these hotels opens the door to the very best of their locations — and gives us a look at each setting through fresh eyes.

Across America: The Golden Age of Celebrity

Our French Keys bask in the tradition of ancient vineyards, stone chateaus, and historic palaces. In the United States, we see a different tradition. In Los Angeles, places like Chateau Marmont , the Paramour Estate , Sunset Tower , and the Charlie date back to guests and residents as illustrious as Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. These are spaces that play ingeniously with their history, even as they forge ahead with cutting-edge amenities and experiences. But it’s not just California. New York’s historic artist hotspot, the Hotel Chelsea , once hosted Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol. Today, it decorates every space with art donated by former residents. Look too to the Chicago Athletic Association , a former member’s club for 20th century business magnates and athletes — now among the city’s most impressive and vibrant hotels. Also read: Hollywood Glamor at the First Key Hotels in Los Angeles

Click below to jump to each distinction: 

The three key hotels.

California (Beverly Hills):  The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection California (Big Sur): Post Ranch Inn California (Healdsburg): SingleThread Inn California (Los Angeles):  Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection California (Rutherford):  Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection California (St. Helena):  Meadowood Napa Valley California (Woodside):  Canyon Ranch Woodside New York (NYC):  Aman New York New York (NYC):  Casa Cipriani New York New York (NYC):  Crosby Street Hotel, Firmdale Hotels New York (NYC):  The Whitby Hotel, Firmdale Hotels

NEW: New York by The MICHELIN Guide – expert insights on where to dine, stay and explore

The two key hotels.

California (Beverly Hills): L'Ermitage Beverly Hills California (Beverly Hills): The Maybourne Beverly Hills California (Beverly Hills): The Peninsula Beverly Hills California (Carmel Valley): Bernardus Lodge & Spa California (Big Sur): Ventana Big Sur California (Guerneville): The Stavrand California (Healdsburg): Montage Healdsburg California (Healdsburg): The Madrona California (Laguna Beach): Montage Laguna Beach California (Montecito): Rosewood Miramar Beach California (Napa):  Milliken Creek Inn & Spa California (San Francisco):  Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero California (San Francisco):  The Battery California (Sausalito):  Cavallo Point Lodge California (West Hollywood): Chateau Marmont California (West Hollywood):  Pendry West Hollywood California (Yountville):  Bardessono California (Yountville):  North Block Washington D.C.:  Rosewood Washington, D.C.   Washington D.C.:  The Jefferson Florida (Miami):  Mayfair House Hotel & Garden Florida (Miami Beach):  Faena Hotel Miami Beach Florida (Miami Beach):  Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Florida (Miami Beach):  The Setai Miami Beach   Illinois (Chicago): Pendry Chicago Illinois (Chicago):  The Langham, Chicago Illinois (Chicago):  The Peninsula Chicago New York (NYC): Hotel Barrière Fouquet's New York New York (NYC):  Nine Orchard  New York (NYC):  Pendry Manhattan West New York (NYC): The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel New York (NYC): The Fifth Avenue Hotel New York (NYC):  The Mark Hotel

The One Key Hotels

Washington D.C.

Hero Image: Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection — Aspen, Colorado

In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in New York City

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the city.

The Most Outrageous Design Hotel In Miami

The Faena Miami Beach is a Two Key hotel with a $15 million gilded woolly mammoth.

A Brief Guide to All the Key Hotels in Washington D.C.

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SingleThread: The 5-Room Inn with Three Keys and Three Stars

Revered for its Three MICHELIN Star restaurant and biodynamic farm, the SingleThread Inn earns Three Keys for its tiny, food-driven hotel.

Inside the Top Suite of 3-Key Aman New York

The Aman Suite — among the most impressive suites in New York — brings the city to you.

The Guilty Pleasures of the Chicago Athletic Association

The 1-Key Chicago Athletic Association has had an illustrious and sometimes sordid history that dates back to 1893, when it wasn’t quite a hotel. A lot has changed since then, but the ghosts of the past are never far away.

Eaton DC Is a Launchpad for Progress

Katherine Lo’s Eaton DC isn’t just one of the best hotels in the United States capital. It’s also a headquarters for activism, community, social justice, and sustainability. And it’s not shy about it.

Key Street: Michigan Ave. Leads to 7 Key Hotels in Chicago

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Test your adventurous side with outdoor fun at one of the city’s many green spaces, dig into ATL’s deep culture through historic sites and museums, feel the soulful vibe of local musicians across the city or stroll through endless neighborhoods filled with unique shops. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a trip of a lifetime.  

We can’t wait to share our remarkable city with you.

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Atlanta Falcons NFL Draft 2024 guide: Picks, predictions and key needs

The Beast , Dane Brugler’s expansive guide to the NFL Draft , is here. 

The Atlanta Falcons have the eighth pick in the NFL Draft when Round 1 begins April 25 in Detroit. The Falcons own eight total picks in the seven-round draft.

Falcons’ draft picks

Full draft order.

Every pick in the seven-round NFL Draft .

NFL Draft 2024 ‘The Beast’ Guide: Dane Brugler’s scouting reports and player rankings

NFL Draft details

• Round 1: April 25, 8 p.m. ET • Rounds 2-3: April 26, 7 p.m. ET • Rounds 4-7: April 27, Noon ET

All rounds will be televised on ESPN/ABC and NFL Network and in Spanish on ESPN Deportes.

— The Beast is coming! Keep your eyes peeled for Dane Brugler’s annual guide to the NFL Draft, publishing Wednesday, April 10.

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About the Falcons

• Head coach: Raheem Morris (first season with team) • Last year’s record: 7-10

The Falcons took a big swing in free agency, adding veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on a four-year deal worth up to $180 million and adding three speedy but unproven wide receivers — Darnell Mooney , Rondale Moore and Ray-Ray McCloud. Atlanta still has glaring defensive needs at edge rusher and cornerback and is expected to address one of those positions in the first round. The Falcons have the No. 8 pick, but that has plenty of trade value with quarterback-needy Minnesota (No. 11), Denver (No. 12) and Las Vegas (No. 13) as potential buyers. If Atlanta can find a couple of defensive starters in the draft, it should emerge as the solid favorite in the NFC South.

Why the Falcons wanted Kirk Cousins and what the QB means for Raheem Morris' team

Falcons’ key position needs 

Edge rusher: The Falcons are moving to a 3-4 base, meaning they may not be interested in bringing back last year’s starters, Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell , both of whom remain free agents. Lorenzo Carter , Arnold Ebiketie , Zach Harrison and DeAngelo Malone are the current candidates on the roster, but a starting-caliber player in the draft would help.

Cornerback: The Falcons hoped a trade for former No. 3 pick Jeff Okudah would fix the position, but they let him leave as a free agent after a one-year tryout. Dee Alford and Clark Phillips III seem more suited for a nickelback role, so there’s an immediate spot for an outside cornerback.

Wide receiver: Yes, the Falcons added three wide receivers during March to team up with Drake London, but there’s room for more, and it will be especially interesting if one of this year’s three top prospects — Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze — is available at No. 8.

Falcons draft analysis

Falcons have plenty of NFL Draft needs but are thankful quarterback is not one

Falcons NFL Draft Big Board: 45 prospects to watch this week

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What should the Falcons do with their first 2 picks? ‘The Beast’ points the way

Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL mock draft mailbag: Fans focused on position of need

Atlanta Falcons depth chart: How will they bolster defense in NFL Draft?

Atlanta Falcons depth chart: Where does the offense still need help?

Falcons NFL Draft big board: 10 players (plus 3 QBs) who could be first-round options

Falcons at the NFL combine: What we heard about Drake Maye, Justin Fields and more

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Falcons mailbag: Where should Atlanta look to find its next quarterback?

The Athletic ’s most recent mock drafts

April 24: NFL beat writer mock draft 3.0 Josh Kendall swings a trade with a division rival and picks Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II at No. 14.

April 22: Falcons 7-round NFL mock draft Kendall trades down from No. 8 and grabs Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in the first round.

April 19: NFL analytics mock draft Austin Mock’s Projection Model has the Falcons trading down and selecting Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse in Round 1.

April 17: Dane Brugler’s 7-round mock draft Brugler predicts the Falcons will take Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner at No. 8 as part of a defense-heavy first two days of the draft.

April 8:   Nick Baumgardner’s mock draft Baumgardner has the Falcons making a bold move up to No. 5 for Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

April 4:   Bruce Feldman’s mock draft Feldman shares coaching intel on each pick, including the Falcons taking Turner at No. 8.

March 25: Falcons mock draft 2.0 Kendall trades down and selects Mitchell at No. 12.

March 25: NFL mock draft Ben Standig has the Falcons taking Turner with the eighth pick.

March 21: Beat writer mock draft 2.0 Kendall trades down, picks up two additional picks and takes a cornerback at No. 12.

March 6: NFL GMs, execs mock draft’s top 10 In a split decision, the choice is Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse.

March 5: Dane Brugler’s post-combine mock draft Before the Kirk Cousins deal, Brugler had the Falcons moving up to No. 3 for Jayden Daniels.

Feb. 22: Beat writer mock draft 1.0 Kendall trades up to No. 3 for a rookie QB, back when Cousins seemed likely to stay in Minnesota.

The Kirk Cousins Index: The top 10 QBs whose contracts have outweighed their play

Falcons’ last five top picks

2023: RB Bijan Robinson , No. 8 — Robinson set the franchise’s rookie record for yards from scrimmage with 1,463 yards last season and scored a team-high eight touchdowns.

2022: WR Drake London, No. 8 — London caught 141 passes in his first two seasons, more than any player in team history, and has led the team in catches and receiving yards each of the last two seasons.

2021: TE Kyle Pitts , No. 4 — After a 1,026-yard rookie season, Pitts only has 1,023 combined in the last two seasons. He suffered a torn meniscus midway through the 2022 season and was slowed throughout 2023.

2020: CB A.J. Terrell , No. 16 — Terrell has started all 61 games he has played in in Atlanta. He will be playing on his fifth-year extension in 2024 unless he signs a second contract with the team this offseason.

2019: OL Chris Lindstrom , No. 14 — The two-time Pro Bowler signed a $105 million extension last year and is expected to remain a fixture in Atlanta.

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Could quarterbacks go 1-2-3-4 atop Round 1?

(Photo of Quinyon Mitchell: Emilee Chinn / Associated Press)

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Josh Kendall , a Georgia native, has been following the Falcons since Jeff Van Note was the richly bearded face of the franchise. For 20 years before joining The Athletic NFL staff, he covered football in the SEC. He also covers golf for The Athletic. Follow Josh on Twitter @ JoshTheAthletic

• Mock Drafts
• Scouting Reports
• 2024 Prospects

Falcons' interest in QB Michael Penix Jr. at pick No. 9 is peak silly season

How did we get to the place where we are talking about Michael Penix Jr. as the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to the Atlanta Falcons?

• Author: Cory Kinnan

No, the Atlanta Falcons are not going to use the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

I do not know how we got here or why we have to definitively state that the Falcons are not going to draft an already soon-to-be 24-year-old quarterback to sit for two seasons behind Kirk Cousins. While this may come into play, the idea of the Falcons using the eighth overall pick on Penix Jr. is just peak silly season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that Penix Jr.'s draft watch starts at pick No. 8, and it has thrown Hotlanta for a tizzy. Rest assured Atlanta, this will not happen.

The Falcons have opened a legitimate window as they are set to play the easiest schedule in the NFL in the easiest division in football. With guaranteed money locked into Cousins for two seasons, why in the world would they use a valuable asset, like a top-10 pick, on a backup quarterback?

This happened two years ago as well when the Falcons' interest in Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder was revealed. It was stated he could be their first round pick that year. He was their third round pick. We could see a similar interest in Penix Jr., who I believe will hear his name called much later than the buzz surrounding him indicates.

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