Atlanta is a bustling city that’s full of history and culture. From its key role in the Civil War to being a major hub of the Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta has always been at the heart of change. Today, it’s the most populous city in Georgia and a top destination for travelers.
Whether you’re flying into the massive Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — the world’s busiest — or driving in, the city has plenty to offer. This Atlanta travel guide will cover everything you need to know, from top-notch hotels and must-try restaurants to iconic attractions. Get ready to explore the ATL.
Where to stay
Atlanta does not lack great options. You’ll find a plethora of charming B&Bs, luxury high-rise hotels with grand views, and choice Airbnb listings that put you right in the heart of the neighborhood of your choosing.
Best luxury stay: The Whitley
Set in the upscale district of Buckhead, the Whitley has a timeless elegance, with beautifully furnished rooms, most of which offer spectacular views over the city skyline. The wood-paneled Lobby Lounge draws both out-of-towners and locals who stop in for well-made cocktails after work. It makes a fine prelude to creative Southern-inspired cuisine served up at Trade Root.
The heated indoor pool is spacious enough to swim laps, and its large skylights over the pool give ample natural light. There’s also a spa and a well-equipped gym overlooking the pool. Another big draw is the location, which puts it within a short hop of the Buckhead Village District.
- Nearest airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Time: 35 minutes by car
- Distance: 18 miles
Best budget Airbnb: La Pequena Casa Azul
If you’ve ever been curious about staying in a tiny house, La Pequena Casa Azul in southwest Atlanta makes a great base for living like a minimalist. Inside a striking blue carriage house with red shutters, the well-equipped studio has everything you need (bathroom, kitchen, ample sunlight) in a quaint space that doesn’t feel cramped.
The friendly owners have a wealth of information on exploring Atlanta, and it’s a short walk to the Oakland Marta station, which provides speedy access to downtown. Pets are welcome.
- Nearest airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Time: 12 minutes by car
- Distance: 6.5 miles
Best central hotel: Hotel Indigo
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of all the action, Hotel Indigo Midtown Atlanta is a fantastic choice. Located in the bustling commercial and entertainment district, it offers stylish, affordable rooms with a soulful, music-inspired design that draws inspiration from the iconic Fox Theatre, right across the street.
You can kick back in rooms with views of Peachtree Street and the famous Fox Theatre marquee. Plus, with nearby attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the High Museum of Art, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore the best of Midtown Atlanta.
- Nearest airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Time: 17 minutes by car
- Distance: 11 miles
Where to eat
Atlanta is as famous for its traditional southern recipes as it is for its ethnically diverse dining scene. Sometimes unfairly called “Transplant City,” Atlanta has benefited tremendously in recent years from talented cooks whipping up authentic dishes from Colombia, India, Ethiopia, the Philippines, and myriad other places.
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Best global cuisine: Krog Street Market
Set in a converted 1920s warehouse, Atlanta’s best food market is home to over a dozen eateries whipping up a wide range of temptations, plus produce sellers, chocolatiers, and fashion stores. Indian samosas, Vietnamese noodle soups, and Neapolitan-style pizzas fired up in a wood-burning oven are among the many highlights.
One of the market’s newest ventures is Soul: Food and Culture, where you can sample some of the best fried chicken and catfish sandwiches in town. It was opened by culinary innovator and cookbook author Chef Todd Richards, who runs the renowned Lake & Oak BBQ restaurant in East Lake.
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Best fusion: Poor Calvin’s
Chef Calvin Phan, owner of Poor Calvin’s, is originally from Vietnam but raised and classically trained in Germany. Chef Phan brought his unique perspective to Atlanta in 2012, establishing Poor Calvin’s, an innovative restaurant that blends Eastern flavors and Western techniques.
The menu is described as “Asian fusion with Southern comfort” and features dishes like lobster fried rice, seafood curry, and grilled Australian lamb chops. If you’re in town on a weekend, then make sure to stop by for Sunday brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Best seafood and cocktails: The Optimist
An icon of the Westside district, The Optimist is one of Atlanta’s most memorable dining experiences. The mouthwatering seafood is flown in fresh daily and you can linger over ten different kinds of oysters at the raw bar or focus on satisfying plates of zarzuela (a Spanish-style mixed seafood and chorizo stew) or nicely spiced whole grilled branzino in the elegant dining room.
There’s also mini-golf out front, where you can kick off your shoes and line up your shot while sipping perfectly blended cocktails — like the Pont Neuf made from quince gin and French brandy.
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What to do
There’s much to see and do in this dynamic city, from immersing yourself in the lore of America’s favorite fizzy drink at the expansive World of Coca-Cola to visiting the inspiring Center for Civil and Human Rights in Centennial Park. Atlanta has its share of historic places, including the Margaret Mitchell House & Museum, where the author wrote her epic Gone With the Wind.
Even more famous, the neighborhood of Sweet Auburn was once the heart of African American culture in the city, and it’s today home to the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site, which commemorates the great American visionary.
There are also plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, including running or cycling along the Atlanta Beltline, a 33-mile greenway built on disused rail lines that loops around the city. Further afield, you’ll find charming food-loving towns amid forests and farmlands and picturesque lakes ideal for aquatic adventures.
Lake Lanier
About an hour’s drive northeast of Atlanta, Lake Lanier makes a speedy getaway when you need a heady dose of nature. Here, you can laze on the beach, go fishing for striped bass and bluegill, hire a motorboat for the day or get a workout kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding amid the lovely scenery of the 38,000-acre reservoir. The shoreline offers its own rewards with forested trails that take in the fine views.
Silver Comet Trail
Proof that you don’t have to venture far from the big city to escape into the wilderness, the Silver Comet Trail follows a former rail line between Smyrna, Georgia, all the way out to the Alabama state line. The 62-mile trail traverses trestles over rushing rivers, winds past sun-dappled forests, rolling fields, and an 800-foot-long traverse through a mountain tunnel. If you want to keep going, the trail connects to the 33-mile-long Chief Ladiga Trail in Alabama. A good place to hire bikes is at Comet Trail Cycles in the town of Mableton, some 18 miles northwest of Atlanta.
How to save money on your trip to Atlanta
Experiences
Undoubtedly, Atlanta has always been rich on its own terms—from its rich history that birthed to historic homes and museums all the way to its modern street art that gives life to the city. Of course, we’re not going to forget its chain of delicious brewing places, its iconic sports teams, its amazing locals, and a lot more.
Hotels
There’s nothing better than lazily lying inside your hotel room after a long day of exploring the city. Unfortunately, for the most part, hotels can be pretty expensive in the city. However, Atlanta has a wide range of hotels—from the most luxurious to the cheapest—that you can choose from if you look outside of the downtown area.
Transportation
Navigating Atlanta on a budget is easy with public transportation and walking. The MARTA is your go-to for affordable travel, with buses and trains connecting key areas, including the airport and popular neighborhoods. MARTA trains run through Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, making it simple to explore without a car. For short trips, Atlanta’s walkable neighborhoods, like Midtown and Little Five Points, let you explore restaurants, parks, and attractions by foot.
