Atlanta might be better known for its tourist sights than its historical landmarks, but the capital of Georgia is home to a diverse range of things to do. From the must-do tours to the more modern nuanced stops, these are the best things to do in Atlanta.
The Beltline is a massive outdoor art project, walking track and bike path that connects Atlanta’s neighborhoods. Beyond its pragmatic and functional use, the Beltline is home to Civil Rights exhibits, street art and other local, artistic projects that visitors can observe for free.
The loop is also a great–and green–way to visit places like Krog Street Market, which houses shops, coffee houses and international fare.
Another stop along the Beltline, Ponce City Market is a larger version of Krog Street Market that offers more shops, food and events. What isn’t apparent at first but is absolutely worth the trip to the food hall: cocktails on the roof.
The rooftop bar offers beautiful 360-views of Atlanta–and even hosts small events like movies on the roof from time to time.
Little Five Points is the eclectic and grunge corner of Atlanta. The small neighborhood is home to legendary vintage clothing stores–some of which were featured on Queer Eye, record stores, book stores, tattoo parlors and more. At the center of it all is the well-known 18-and-up burger joint, The Vortex.
Everyone from Anthony Bourdain to Jack Black has visited the Clermont Lounge, Atlanta’s oldest and longest continually-running strip club. Men and women go to see the show, but even more so, Blondie, one of the strippers with the longest standing career at the club.
Swan House, or the 1928 mansion used in The Hunger Games, is a part of the Atlanta History Center. The center provides a look into some of Atlanta’s most historically interesting moments like the premiere of Gone With the Wind at the Margaret Mitchell house or exhibits that explore Native American culture, African American folk art and even Atlanta’s barbecue scene.
A visit to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is more than a walk through picturesque flowers and trees. The garden constantly holds events and exhibitions that make each trip unique and interesting.
From weekly cocktails in the garden and Alice in Wonderland topiary art to holiday displays and kids’ events, the calendar constantly books a variety of entertainment in a beautiful setting.
Quite possibly Atlanta’s best-known attraction, the World of Coca-Cola is actually something to see. While the informative tour is interesting and interactive, the best part is, of course, tasting all of the different Coke products from around the world at the end of the exhibit.
