Alcove's Atlanta City Guide: Top Things to See and Do in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta City Guide 

As the capital city of Georgia, Atlanta is a busy, yet family-friendly destination worth adding to your bucket list. With its rich history, massive list with tourist attractions and bursting nightlife, Atlanta will warmly welcome you and you will start wondering why have you not visited before! 

Keep reading as we have prepared the ultimate Atlanta city guide, which will help you plan your itinerary when visiting the capital of Georgia. 

Brief History

With history dating all the way back to 1837 when the city emerged as a rail station from West to the East, Atlanta went through various phases through the years. The capital of Georgia also played a significant part during the Civil War and forming the South to become what we know it today. For the history buffs, the Millennium Gate Museum is a great spot to visit if you would like to dive deep into the heritage, culture and traditions of the city. 

Places such as the Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home and the Swan House are also worth paying a visit to. Keep in mind that both of these would require booking a guided tour, so make sure to check the availability in advance. You are not going to be disappointed, though, as you would be able to admire true pieces of architectural design difficult to be found anywhere else. 

Bars and Restaurants 

It would be a shame if you have been to Atlanta without immersing yourself into its vibrant and colorful nightlife. Get your night started at Ponce City Market. What used to be once a Sears store is now a lively complex packed with restaurants, bars and shops. From Indian to Mediterranean, visitors will find countless dining options to choose from.

Do not forget to stop by the Skyline Park roof top, where you can spend some time mini-golfing or just grab a delicious cocktail and admire the Atlanta skyline illuminated by the sunset colors. 

If you are ready to keep the night going, head to Buckhead neighborhood, which will greet you with a wide range of nightclubs and bars. For some exotic salsa dances stop at Havana Club, whereas at The Gold Room you can be jamming to techno and house music by world-famous traveling DJs. 

As a place widely known for its brunch, Atlanta has an interesting selection of restaurants if you are not an early bird.

You will be greeted by the vintage atmosphere at Sun in My Belly, however, it is their fabulous lunch menu which will make you fall in love with this spot. For those looking for a convenient brunch location close to the main tourist attractions, we can strongly recommend Atlanta Breakfast Club. Regardless, if you are craving something sweet or something traditional from the Southern cuisine, this is the place for you!

Outdoor and Recreation 

If you find the Atlanta streets too hectic for you and you're looking for a more peaceful spot to spend time, you should definitely explore Piedmont Park.

Situated at the heart of the city, this urban park covers almost 200 acres. Visitors can choose between biking, going for a picnic or even paying a visit to the Botanical Gardens. 

Another convenient location for a morning run or a long afternoon stroll is the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

It is quite an interesting area to explore with its fusion of laid-back and industrial vibes. Not only this, but along the entire path you can find extraordinary street arts and illustrations. Depending on what time of the year you are visiting, you can also stumble upon a temporary open-air exhibitions with sculptures and contemporary works of art. 

Entertainment and Sports 

From baseball to basketball, Atlanta is home to a large number of professional sports teams. If you are a sports enthusiast you would definitely want to check Atlanta’s events calendar before your trip.

At the Mercedes Benz Stadium, for example, you can watch anything from baseball to soccer. If you are Atlanta Falcons fan, you may want to book a tour and learn more about both the stadium’s unique design and the history of the Falcons Team. 

The iconic Centennial Olympic Park is another spot you should be adding to your Atlanta travel itinerary. You will feel like you are being transported all the way back to the 1996 for the Summer Olympic Games as you are passing by the Fountain of Rings.

If you are visiting as a family, you would also want to add the impressive Georgia Aquarium, the fun Children’s Museum of Atlanta and the diverse Atlanta Zoo to your list of must-visit places. 

Are you ready to pack your bags and head to Atlanta, Georgia. Which of the places that we have mentioned in our Atlanta City Guide would you love to visit first?

Find rooms for rent in Atlanta with Alcove: alcoverooms.com/listings