Visiting Atlanta for the First Time? Here's What To See and Do

Many first timers will want to discover the must-see attractions in Atlanta right off the bat. Fortunately, the majority of them are conveniently located in one area: downtown. The World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the College Football Hall of Fame are all centered around Centennial Olympic Park, for instance.

If you're an Atlanta beginner, you could easily spend an entire day here. Given that, consider the Atlanta CityPASS which allows you to skip the lines at many locations and get discounts on tickets.

Atlanta holds an important place in American history, especially Black American history. To see where an acclaimed Civil Rights leader grew up, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which includes MLK’s church and childhood home—then, head across the street to the King Center where he was buried. A tour of Sweet Auburn is the best way to learn about what makes this neighborhood so important.

But MLK isn’t the only historical figure in town. The city is also home to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, named in honor of the only US president from Georgia. The museum has a model of the Oval Office and artifacts from his life. Both are well worth a visit.

Atlanta is a big urban center, but might not feel like it when exploring one of the parks. Start at Piedmont Park, which is Atlanta’s answer to New York City’s Central Park. In fact, it was based on a design by the Olmsted Brothers, whose father designed Central Park. Come for a picnic or one of the annual festivals.

Visiting the Atlanta Beltline is another top way to get the most out of your first visit, either on foot or by renting a bike. Stop along the way to eat at one of the numerous restaurants on the Eastside Trail. The Chattahoochee River also flows through the area and includes hiking trails on both sides of the water, if you want a more strenuous outdoor adventure in Atlanta.

This Southern city also has a thriving arts scene, which plays host to plenty essential sights in Atlanta for newcomers. The famed High Museum of Art, founded in 1905, includes a large permanent collection of works ranging from the Renaissance to regional folk artists, and hosts touring exhibitions from around the world.

But you don’t need to buy a ticket to see some of the best artwork in Atlanta. A street art tour takes you to neighborhoods such as Cabbagetown and Old Fourth Ward which are covered in murals, including many commissioned by an annual arts conference.

Atlanta is in the middle of a food hall renaissance, with nearly a dozen all over town featuring multiple types of cuisine. Heading to a food hall is easily the best way to try a little bit of everything in a short amount of time.

Start at Ponce City Market, with its chef-driven outposts such as H&F Burger and Minero. Then, at Politan Row in Midtown, grab a bite before tracking down the nearby disco-themed speakeasy. The Municipal Market in Sweet Auburn was the city’s first food hall and remains one of the best, home to both prepared foods and ingredients. Finally, Chattahoochee Food Works on the Westside and the Asian fare at Ph’east at The Battery are also favorites.

Atlanta is a sports lover’s town, whether you’re a fan of the city teams or visiting to cheer on your own. While downtown, you can catch a basketball game at State Farm Arena or football and soccer at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Alternatively, Truist Park, located north of the city, is home to the Atlanta Braves.

Not only should you get tickets for games at these venues, you should head over early for a great pre-match meal. Chow down on Chef Kevin Gillespie’s food at Mercedes Benz’s Gamechanger or Fox Brothers Bar-B-Q at Truist Park.

Many artists have risen through the ranks of Atlanta’s music industry, especially in hip hop, country, and pop genres. Think: Usher, The Indigo Girls, and Alan Jackson. So, why not catch a show by your favorite artists or watch the rise of an up-and-comer?

The Tabernacle is a former downtown church-turned-top venue for both fans and performers. Eddie’s Attic launched several careers and is known for its songwriter open mic nights, while Terminal West and The Eastern welcome indie acts on the Westside and Reynoldstown.

Some of the top things to do in Atlanta include visiting the homes of its famous citizens, as many residences now operate as museums. The aforementioned King Birth Home is managed by the National Park Service, which offers scheduled tours, while the Margaret Mitchell House is a Midtown townhouse that the Gone with the Wind author famously referred to as “The Dump.” Inside, you’ll find period furnishings and copies of her work.

Fellow author Joel Chandler Harris called his home The Wren’s Nest, which is also open for tours. Then there's the Atlanta History Center, which includes access to the Swan House, the former mansion of the Inman family, which has appeared in several movies and television shows.

Atlanta has several places to enjoy locally made drinks, including craft beer, kombucha, and spirits. If you’re looking to visit multiple places in one day, start on the West End, home to Golda Kombucha, American Spirit Works, and Monday Night Garage, all in one complex.

If you don’t want to worry about a designated driver, you can even hop aboard one of the Atlanta beer tours, which typically take you to several establishments in the comfort of a van, telling you about the history of each along the way.

Atlanta travel tips for newcomers need not be confined to the capital. If time allows, get out of the city and explore more of Georgia, as there are many charming towns within a few hours’ drive. Film fans will want to check out Senoia, where several movies and television shows were filmed, most notably The Walking Dead.

Or, in Helen and Dahlonega, enjoy a North Georgia wine country tour through the underrated wine region. Then check out the science, art, automotive, and history museums in Cartersville, which have helped earn it the nickname “Museum City.”