Itineraries for Your Trip to Atlanta
2 Days in Atlanta for First Timers
I’ve visited Atlanta a few times, and I always come away energized. There’s a real sense of contrast here: You can reflect at the Ebenezer Baptist Church or the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in the morning, then search for Stranger Things filming locations by afternoon. The Atlanta BeltLine murals, the sweet tea, the booming film and startup scene—it all feels unmistakably Southern, yet creative, evolving, and full of momentum.
With just two days in Atlanta, you can experience the layers that make Atlanta tick: Civil Rights Movement landmarks, comfort food classics, and pop-culture moments woven right into the heart of the city. This first-time-in-Atlanta itinerary covers the highlights, with built-in room for some surprises along the way.
Atlanta has hot, humid summers and mild winters—pack breathable clothing, wear sunscreen, and carry water if you’re exploring on foot.
If you only have time for one thing, take a guided walking tour of Sweet Auburn to explore Atlanta’s Civil Rights legacy up close.
Start your visit on two wheels with a guided bike tour through Atlanta’s neighborhoods, street art, and historic landmarks. It’s a favorite way to cover more ground while learning the city’s stories from an Atlanta local. For travelers who want to hit the highlights at their own pace, the Atlanta CityPASS provides skip-the-line access to popular sites, such as the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta.
Spend your afternoon at the World of Coca-Cola, where prebooked tickets let you skip the line and head straight to the tasting room, interactive exhibits, and memorabilia displays. Sports fans can opt instead for a behind-the-scenes tour of Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. A nearby MARTA station train or a rideshare makes it easy to connect between downtown attractions and the stadium.
After a day of exploring neighborhoods up close, switch gears and see Atlanta’s skyline sparkle on a guided city lights tour. This relaxed experience shows off the city’s landmarks, such as Ponce City Market and Centennial Olympic Park after dark—a perfect counterpoint to the morning’s bike ride. Sit back, soak up the views, and see how Atlanta lights up at night.
Begin day two in Sweet Auburn, one of Atlanta’s most historic neighborhoods. Start with breakfast at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, where local vendors serve up Southern staples, pastries, and coffee in a family-friendly setting. From there, join a guided walking tour of the King Historic District, visiting landmarks such as Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center—powerful stops that bring Atlanta’s Civil Rights legacy to life.
Spend the afternoon diving into Atlanta’s creative side—now a pop-culture powerhouse thanks to its thriving film scene and on-trend food culture. Join a Stranger Things locations tour to see where the hit show was filmed, or take a food and cocktail tour through Midtown’s top culinary spots. It’s also a great time to stroll through Piedmont Park or explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden—both scenic spots that show off Atlanta’s green side.
Some call Atlanta the most creative city in the country, so why not end your trip with a hands-on experience that taps into its creative streak. Test your skills at an escape room downtown, or join a BYOB spray paint session along the BeltLine and create your own mural. Both activities offer a playful, social way to wrap up your visit—and reflect the city’s knack for blending art, culture, and fun.