Things to Do in Atlanta
50 curated spots from Atlanta itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
High Museum of Art
Explore Atlanta’s premier art museum with collections spanning American, European, African, and contemporary works, housed in striking modern architecture by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano.[3][7]
2h · $18-20
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, MLK birth home, and civil rights exhibits.
2h · Free
Piedmont Park
**Nature** meadows, lake, dog park, and skyline **photography spots**.
2h · Free
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
**Nature** walk with street art, parks, and **photography spots**.
2h · Free
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Explore Fuqua Orchid Center and Canopy Walk; best photography at Fuqua Conservatory angles (photography allowed outdoors).
2h · $30
Centennial Olympic Park
Fountain of Rings splash pad, gardens; kid-friendly play.
1h 30m · Free
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Kayak 4-6 miles downstream (rentals on-site); photography: river bends and forested bluffs at sunrise.
3h · $40/person
SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel
20-story ride for panoramic skyline views; romantic at sunset.
1h · $12
Zoo Atlanta
Major wildlife facility featuring gorillas, orangutans, pandas, and diverse global species with viewing areas optimized for photography; plan 3-4 hours for unhurried exploration
3h 30m · $32–38 per person (advance online booking recommended)
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail Walk
Walk the converted rail corridor from Ponce City Market south toward Inman Park, passing murals, repurposed warehouses, and skyline viewpoints; stop for photos and people-watching along the way.[1][3]
1h 30m · Free
Georgia Aquarium
Explore massive tanks, whale sharks, and interactive shows; great for family photos.
2h · $40/adult, $32/child
Krog Street Market
Browse stalls, samples; vibrant hall.
1h 30m · Free
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Powerful museum near Centennial Olympic Park that links the US Civil Rights Movement to global human rights struggles through immersive exhibits and multimedia displays.[3]
2h · $20-25
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail & Historic Fourth Ward Park
Walk the converted rail corridor past industrial warehouses, murals, and lofts, stopping at Historic Fourth Ward Park for greenery, water features, and city views; continue south toward Inman Park and Krog Street Tunnel for street art photos.[2][3][4][5]
2h · Free
Atlanta Botanical Garden (Free Days)
Plant sculptures, kids' garden; check free admission Tuesdays.
2h · Free (select days)
Atlanta Botanical Garden Canopy Walk
600-ft suspension bridge through treetops; adjacent to park, weather-dependent (backup: park picnic).
1h 30m · $20
Atlanta History Center
Explore exhibits on Atlanta and Georgia history, including the Civil War and Southern life, plus historic homes and gardens on the grounds.[3]
2h · $25-30
Auburn Avenue Historic District Stroll
Walk along Auburn Ave to see historic churches, murals, and the exterior of MLK Jr.-related sites; explore the street art and small local shops nearby.
1h 30m · Free
Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown Landmarks Walk
Stroll the park, check out the Olympic rings and fountain, then wander by the CNN Center exterior and World of Coca-Cola plaza for photos.
2h · Free
Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown Skyline Views
Stroll through the park built for the 1996 Olympics, with fountains, sculptures, and clear views of the surrounding skyline plus nearby icons like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola (you can photograph them from outside or visit if time allows).[1][2][4][5]
1h · Free (park only; nearby attractions extra)
Centennial Olympic Park & SkyView Atlanta
Walk through the park built for the 1996 Olympics, then ride the SkyView Ferris wheel for skyline views and photos of Downtown’s towers and stadiums.[1][3]
1h 30m · $0 for park, ~$18-20 for SkyView
Dekalb Farmers Market
Global **street market** with produce, spices, ready foods.
1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Fernbank Forest Trails
75-acre woods hike; birdwatching family fun.
2h · Free
Free Explore: Sweet Auburn
From about 12:30–2:30 PM, browse the market, read the historic markers, photograph murals and storefronts, and pause in a shaded public space without setting a rigid checklist.
2h · Free
Free Time in Grant Park
Stroll historic streets, local shops, photos.
1h 30m · Free
Georgia Aquarium Exterior & Plaza
Fountain views, street art; free outdoor.
1h 30m · Free
High Museum of Art (Free Hours)
Modern exhibits, family tours; free first Sat monthly.
1h 30m · Free (select times)
Inman Park Neighborhood Walk & Photography
Historic Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, local galleries, and boutique shops; quintessential Atlanta neighborhood with authentic character perfect for leisurely exploration and photography
2h · Free
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
Exhibits on presidency, peace efforts, and gardens for photos.
1h 30m · $10/adult, free under 16
Krog Street Market & Nearby Street Art
Walk the BeltLine or DeKalb Ave sidewalk to Krog Street Market, then wander the market and nearby Krog Street Tunnel to see colorful graffiti.
2h · Free (food extra)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Sweet Auburn Curb Market
Choose an affordable Southern or soul-food plate, sandwich, or snack from the market vendors; arrive with a little flexibility because vendor hours can vary.
1h · $8-15 per person
Ponce City Market
Vibrant street market with local vendors; try Southern tacos or empanadas from stalls like Botiwalla.
1h · $10-18 per person
The Breakfast Club
Waffles and Southern Benedicts; hearty and photogenic.
1h · $12-18 per person
Home Grown GA
Biscuits and gravy $10; Southern comfort.
1h · $9-13 per person
Ponce City Market Food Hall
Diverse stalls like tacos or BBQ; rooftop access. (10 min walk/Bike from Midtown via BeltLine)
1h 15m · $12-20 per person
The Optimist
Farm-to-table seafood restaurant with soaring ceilings, natural light, and innovative coastal cuisine. Try the grilled fish of the day or raw oysters. Outstanding wine list.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Atlanta Breakfast Club
Casual Southern breakfast-and-lunch spot; try the chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits and split a plate if you’re on a tight budget.
1h · $12-15 per person
Marcel
French-inspired cuisine with elegant plating, thoughtful wine pairings, and sophisticated ambiance; refined dining celebrating local ingredients
2h · $40–55 per person
Mary Mac's Tea Room
Classic Southern plates like fried green tomatoes; cozy couple vibe. (MARTA 10 min from Downtown)
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Murphy's
Southern brunch like biscuits, eggs Benedict, and fresh salads.
1h · $15-25 per person
Paschal's Restaurant
Soul food fried chicken and collards in historic spot near park.
1h · $15-20 per person
The Colonnade
Classic Southern spot; order biscuits and gravy or peach pancakes.
1h · $15-25 per person
The Halal Guys
Midtown outpost of the national chain serving **fully halal** gyro, chicken and falafel platters and sandwiches; order a combo platter with extra white sauce and try the falafel if you prefer vegetarian.[1][2]
1h · $12-18 per person
The Varsity
Order the classic chili dog, onion rings, or a simple burger and drink for an inexpensive Atlanta institution experience.
45m · $8-15 per person
Waffle House
Classic waffles, hashbrowns—all-day icon.
45m · $10-18 per person
Alon's Bakery
Sandwiches and salads in park vicinity.
45m · $15-25 per person
Ann's Snack Bar
Legendary chili dogs and burgers; no-frills local legend. (MARTA 10 min from Midtown)
50m · $10-15 per person
Aviva by Kameel
Order a halal-friendly breakfast or Mediterranean plate such as falafel, hummus, eggs, or a chicken-focused option if available that morning.
1h · $20-30 per person
Aviva by Kameel (Downtown)
Popular Mediterranean counter-service spot whose owner highlights halal-friendly choices; build a plate with falafel, hummus, salads, and verify which meats are halal that day before ordering.
45m · $15-22 per person
Brick Store Pub
Pub fare with local beers (soda options).
1h 30m · $20-35 per person