Things to Do in Atlanta
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Atlanta

50 curated spots from Atlanta itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

High Museum of Art
Do
afternoon

High Museum of Art

Wander European masters and modern exhibits in architecturally stunning space; indoor photography highlight on sculpture terrace (no tripods).

2h · $23.50
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Do
morning

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, MLK birth home, and civil rights exhibits.

2h · Free
Piedmont Park
Do
afternoon

Piedmont Park

Expansive green space with lake views, paths, and skyline photo ops.

1h 30m · Free
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
Do
morning

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Hike 2-3 miles along tree-lined path with street art, Krog Street Tunnel murals; photography highlight at golden hour with urban-nature contrasts.

2h · Free
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Do
morning

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Explore orchid center and canopy walk; photography: Fuqua Conservatory and Japanese garden at dawn.

2h · $26
Centennial Olympic Park
Do
afternoon

Centennial Olympic Park

Interactive Fountain of Rings, gardens, and skyline views for photos and play.

1h · Free
Ponce City Market
Do
afternoon

Ponce City Market

**Shopping**, rooftop views, and eclectic stalls.

2h · Free entry
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Do
morning

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

River trails, shallow wading; nature immersion.

2h · Free
SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel
Do
evening

SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel

20-min VIP ride for 360° views; golden hour photography from enclosed gondola.

1h · $22
Zoo Atlanta
Do
morning

Zoo Atlanta

Focus on giant pandas and safari exhibits; early 8:30 AM entry for quiet wildlife photos (no flash indoors).

2h 30m · $35
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail Walk
Do
late_morning

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail Walk

Start near Ponce City Market and walk the flat, paved trail for murals, skyline views, and street performers; pause on benches or in small parks.

2h 30m · Free
Georgia Aquarium
Do
morning

Georgia Aquarium

Explore massive tanks, whale sharks, and interactive shows; great for family photos.

2h · $40/adult, $32/child
Krog Street Market
Do
evening

Krog Street Market

Browse stalls, samples; vibrant hall.

1h 30m · Free
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Do
afternoon

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
Do
late_morning

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)
Do
afternoon

Atlanta Botanical Garden (Free Days)

Plant sculptures, kids' garden; check free admission Tuesdays.

2h · Free (select days)
Atlanta Botanical Garden Canopy Walk
Do
afternoon

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
Do
morning

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
Do
early_evening

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
Do
afternoon

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
Do
late_afternoon

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
Do
afternoon

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
Do
morning

Dekalb Farmers Market

Global **street market** with produce, spices, ready foods.

1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Fernbank Forest Trails
Do
morning

Fernbank Forest Trails

75-acre woods hike; birdwatching family fun.

2h · Free
Free Time in Grant Park
Do
afternoon

Free Time in Grant Park

Stroll historic streets, local shops, photos.

1h 30m · Free
Georgia Aquarium Exterior & Plaza
Do
afternoon

Georgia Aquarium Exterior & Plaza

Fountain views, street art; free outdoor.

1h 30m · Free
High Museum of Art (Free Hours)
Do
evening

High Museum of Art (Free Hours)

Modern exhibits, family tours; free first Sat monthly.

1h 30m · Free (select times)
Inman Park Neighborhood Walk & Photography
Do
afternoon/evening

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
Do
afternoon

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
Do
afternoon

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
Eat
afternoon

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

Historic market stalls with fried chicken, BBQ, and local Southern specialties.

1h · $15-25 per person
The Breakfast Club
Eat
morning

The Breakfast Club

Hearty Southern plates like chicken & waffles or shrimp & grits.

1h · $15-25 per person
Home Grown GA
Eat
morning

Home Grown GA

Farm-to-table Southern brunch.

1h · $15-25 per person
Ponce City Market Food Hall
Eat
afternoon

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
Eat
morning

The Optimist

Farm-to-table breakfast featuring fresh pastries, housemade granola, and excellent coffee in a light-filled, elegant setting

45m · $18–28 per person
Atlanta Breakfast Club
Eat
morning

Atlanta Breakfast Club

Casual, lively Southern breakfast spot a short walk from Centennial Olympic Park; try the chicken and waffles or peach cobbler French toast with plenty of coffee.

1h · $15-25 per person
Marcel
Eat
evening

Marcel

French brasserie; escargot and steak frites in art deco space.

1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Mary Mac's Tea Room
Eat
evening

Mary Mac's Tea Room

Iconic Southern comfort like fried chicken and collards.

1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Murphy's
Eat
evening

Murphy's

Comfort fare like meatloaf and key lime pie.

1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Paschal's Restaurant
Eat
afternoon

Paschal's Restaurant

Soul food fried chicken and collards in historic spot near park.

1h · $15-20 per person
The Colonnade
Eat
morning

The Colonnade

Classic Southern spot; order biscuits and gravy or peach pancakes.

1h · $15-25 per person
The Halal Guys
Eat
afternoon

The Halal Guys

Get chicken-and-rice or combo platters, falafel, and halal sauces for a quick, reliable lunch near Midtown activities.

45m · $15-25 per person
Waffle House
Eat
morning

Waffle House

Classic waffles, hashbrowns—all-day icon.

45m · $10-18 per person
Alon's Bakery
Eat
afternoon

Alon's Bakery

Sandwiches and salads in park vicinity.

45m · $15-25 per person
Ann's Snack Bar
Eat
evening

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
Eat
morning

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)
Eat
afternoon

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
Eat
evening

Brick Store Pub

Pub fare with local beers (soda options).

1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Busy Bee Cafe
Eat
afternoon

Busy Bee Cafe

Classic soul food institution dating back to the 1940s; order fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread for a quintessential Atlanta local meal.

1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Cabbagetown Pizza Co.
Eat
afternoon

Cabbagetown Pizza Co.

Slices $4; family share.

1h · $6-10 per person

More on Atlanta

BUILD YOUR ATLANTA PLAN

Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.

Start Planning