As an Atlanta-based travel writer, I absolutely love showing off my city! The capital of Georgia, Atlanta, is a diverse city with lots of history and plenty of fun things to do. If you haven’t visited Atlanta, be sure to add this fast growing city to your list. Find out the best things to do in Atlanta from this local’s perspective!

1. Walk the Atlanta Beltline

Walking the Beltline tops my list of things to do in Atlanta! The 22 mile paved trail connects several food halls, breweries, intramural fields, and more. Plus, you’ll find a number of art installations and murals all along the Beltline.

Some of the highlights along the Beltline includes:

• Piedmont Park
• Ponce City Market
• Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark
• New Realm Brewery
• Lady Bird Grove and Mess Hall
• Krog Street Market
• Krog Street Tunnel
• Monday Night Garage

Tip: You could also rent bikes from Ponce City Market to explore this multi-use path.

2. Dine and Shop at Ponce City Market

One could easily spend all day at Ponce City Market! Ponce City Market is a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors alike, and there is good reason why! This bustling market is filled with restaurants, retail shops, boutiques, offices, and more. You’ll find coffee shops, bakeries, and an assortment of restaurants of all cuisines in the vibrant food hall. It offers everything from locally-caught seafood, to classic burgers, freshly brewed coffee, home-made pasta, flavorful ramen, and fresh-from-the-oven bread. The Central Food Hall is a culinary lover’s heaven! Come experience the distinct character and taste the flavors of Atlanta.

In terms of shopping, some of the most popular shops include Anthropologie, Citizen Supply, Lululemon, Sephora, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma.

3. Have fun at Skyline Park

While you’re at Ponce City Market, head to the Roof for fine dining, drinks, and games. Skyline Park is a fun place to visit with mini golf, arcade games, and rides! Plus, you’ll get a panoramic view of Atlanta’s skyline. 

5. Explore the many diverse neighborhoods

Atlanta is comprised of many diverse and distinct neighborhoods, and each neighborhood has so much to offer. I have highlighted the must visit neighborhoods in Atlanta:

• Buckhead: Upscale and ritzy neighborhood with plenty of fine dining, trendy restaurants, shopping options, and lively bars and clubs
• Midtown: Busy hotspot for comedy clubs, bars, eating options, and popular attractions such as the High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, and Atlanta Botanical Gardens
• Virginia Highland: Affluent neighborhood with quirky cafes, unique boutiques, and a vibrant bar and restaurant scene
• Cabbagetown: Artsy area with colorful 1800s mill cottages, narrow streets, and cozy eateries serving American fare, brunch and Southern specialties
• Little Five Points: Atlanta’s hippest district with indie stores for vintage clothing, vinyl records, cool gifts, dive bars, burger joints, and Ethiopian and vegan eateries that line the streets
• Old Fourth Ward: Trendy commercial hub that is home to Ponce City Market, Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, and Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark
• Inman Park: Green area known for its food scene with hip brunch spots, cafes, and wine bars

6. Visit the US’ Largest Aquarium

Did you know that the largest aquarium in the United States is in Atlanta? Georgia Aquarium is actually also the second largest in the world! It is home to thousands of animals including whale sharks, penguins, manta rays, and beluga whales across its eight major themed galleries. It’s newest gallery on sharks actually just opened up in October 2020! There are also two different shows occurring at various times throughout the day: one showcasing dolphins and another featuring sea lions. Be sure to reserve your ticket(s) in advance online.

Tip: Visit on a weekday evening and you’ll find the aquarium much less-crowded.

7. Wander through Oakland Cemetery

This historic cemetery is an Atlanta landmark and the final resting place of many of the city’s most noted citizens. It is also one of the most beautiful places in the city. One could easily spend an afternoon wandering through the romantically-draped trees and cobblestone-lined paths of this historic place. It is free to visit, and there is a dedicated parking lot for the cemetery.

8. Admire artwork at the High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection of artwork! It is home to more than 17,000 pieces of American, European, African, decorative and folk art, plus photography and contemporary works. Plus, it welcomes several visiting exhibitions throughout the year. If you visit on the third Friday of the month, you’ll find yourself at the High’s special Friday Night Jazz event, an evening featuring music, drinks and art.

9. Enjoy a picnic in Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is an urban park in the heart of Atlanta, located between the Midtown and Virginia Highland neighborhoods. It is full of walking trails, beautiful nature, and intramural sport fields. There are also special festivals and events at the park throughout the year, and a great place to meet up with friends. I highly recommend grabbing a basket of food and drinks and enjoy a picnic on the vast green spaces.

10. Find dazzling displays at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden, occupying the same grounds as Piedmont Park, features beautiful grounds, fountains, and a conservatory. There are special events and themed exhibitions throughout the year depending on the season. During the holidays, thousands of lights light up the garden. Check their website for the events calendar to plan your visit!

11. See a show at the Fabulous Fox Theater

The Fox Theater is a sight to be seen! The theater is designed beautifully in Moorish architecture. Check out the Fox Theater for Broadway shows, concerts, comedy, ballet, and more! I saw Les Miserables on tour a few year’s ago at the Fox, and it was absolutely dazzling to see a show there.

12. Visit Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park is a park in the center of Downtown Atlanta that stands as a lasting legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Developed as the world’s gathering spot during the Centennial Olympic Games, today the Park anchors Atlanta’s downtown entertainment and hospitality district with attractions such as Skyview Atlanta, CNN Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium , and the College Football Hall of Fame nearby.

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