Things to Do in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is the capital of the South — a sprawling city with world-class museums, a food scene driven by Southern tradition and global immigration, and historical significance from the Civil War through the Civil Rights movement.

The Big Attractions

Georgia Aquarium — The largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. Whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, and a walk-through ocean tunnel. One of the best aquariums in the world.

World of Coca-Cola — The museum and experience center for Atlanta’s most famous export. Taste over 100 Coca-Cola products from around the world in the tasting room. The vault holding the secret formula is appropriately dramatic.

CNN Center — Studio tours of the CNN newsroom. Watch live broadcasts from the observation deck above the main newsroom floor.

Center for Civil and Human Rights — Powerful interactive museum covering the American Civil Rights movement and global human rights. The lunch counter simulation is intense and unforgettable.

History

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park — Free. MLK’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church (where he preached), and the King Center with his crypt. Ranger-led tours of the birth home are first-come-first-served.

Atlanta History Center — 33-acre complex with the Swan House (1928 mansion), Civil War exhibits, and the Centennial Olympic Games Museum.

Oakland Cemetery — A 48-acre Victorian garden cemetery founded in 1850. Walking tours cover Atlanta history from the Civil War to the present. Free self-guided tours; guided tours available.

Food

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q — The brisket and burnt ends are some of the best in the South.

Busy Bee Café — Soul food institution since 1947. Fried chicken that draws a line.

Buford Highway — Atlanta’s international food corridor. Vietnamese pho, Korean BBQ, Chinese dim sum, Mexican taquerias, Ethiopian injera — all within a few miles.

Ponce City Market — A massive mixed-use development in the old Sears building on the BeltLine. Food hall, shops, rooftop amusement park with Skyline Park.

The BeltLine

A 22-mile loop of former railroad corridors being converted into trails, parks, and transit. The Eastside Trail is the most developed section — a paved walkway connecting Ponce City Market to Inman Park through public art installations. Walking or biking the BeltLine is the best way to see real Atlanta.

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