Visiting Atlanta: what are the best things to see and do in Georgia’s state capital?
Atlanta, capital of the state of Georgia, attracts many visitors every year. The city has much to offer, both historically and culturally. It played a key role in the Civil War and in the civil rights movement of 1960, a legacy that is reflected in the city’s architecture and museums. But it was above all Atlanta’s participation in the 1996 Summer Olympics that earned the city international recognition.
Today, visitors enjoy discovering the city’s skyscrapers, green spaces and numerous attractions. From downtown, you can easily reach strategic sites such as the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park and CNN’s world headquarters.
There’s so much to see and do in Atlanta, you’re probably wondering how to make the most of your stay in the city. To guide you, we’ve put together a top list of must-sees.
1. Centennial Olympic Park
Photo credit: Flickr – Angel Xavier Viera-Vargas
It’s impossible to visit Atlanta without taking an interest in sports. Indeed, as well as being the birthplace of famous sports teams, the city also hosted the Olympic Games in the summer of 1996. Centennial Olympic Park, located right in the heart of the city, was one of the major sites of these games. Today, this nine-hectare park is one of Atlanta’s main green spaces. So be sure to take a stroll along its paths or enjoy a picnic. Centennial Olympic Park also offers magnificent views of the city. While you’re in town, take in a Hawks basketball game.
2. World of Coca-Cola
Photo credit: Facebook – World of Coca-Cola
Discover the secrets of the world’s most famous soft drink at the World of Coca-Cola. This museum traces the soda’s history through its various marketing campaigns, the manufacture of authentic glass bottles and a short film that takes you on a quest for the secret recipe. The icing on the cake is the opportunity to taste some 60 different varieties of Coca-Cola.
3. Georgia Aquarium
Photo credit: Flickr – Rian Castillo
Located right downtown, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-see when visiting Atlanta. You’ll find over 120,000 marine species, including sharks, dolphins and many tropical fish. Don’t miss the Ocean Voyager, where you can observe the famous whale sharks among manta rays, in a 9-meter-deep tank. You can also watch a dolphin show several times a day, included in the entrance fee.
Book your ticket for the Georgia Aquarium
4. Stone Mountain Park
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – KyleAndMelissa22
Half an hour’s drive northeast of Atlanta, discover Stone Mountain Park. The park owes its fame to the world’s largest granite sculpture. Carved into the side of the mountain, it depicts three great Civil War figures: Jefferson Davis, Robert Lee and Thomas « Stonewall » Jackson. Numerous hiking trails allow you to explore this 1,295-hectare area, where you’ll also find restaurants, stores and a variety of other attractions, including climbing walls and miniature golf. Open all year round, summer is the perfect time to enjoy the fireworks and light shows on the mountain.
5. Little Five Points
Photo credit: Flickr – Pawel Loj
If you’re wondering what to do in Atlanta for an unusual tour of the city, I recommend heading to the trendiest neighborhood: Little Five Points. Shop in the vintage boutiques of Moreland Avenue, sample Ethiopian cuisine in one of the many restaurants or take in a concert at La Variety Playhouse, a concert hall housed in a former 1940s movie theater. This atypical district, very popular with young people, is sure to surprise you!
6. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Adam Jones
Visiting Atlanta is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in American history. Located in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site traces the life and work of the Nobel Peace Prize winner. You’ll discover the house where he lived, the church where he officiated and his burial site. We recommend a guided tour of the site, but places are limited, so arrive early.
7. High Museum of Art
Photo credit: Flickr – Daniel X. O’Neil
Art lovers beware: the High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s leading museum. It features over 14,000 works in its permanent collection, ranging from classical to contemporary, as well as works by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. Adult admission is $14.5. Admission is free for children under 6. The museum organizes numerous special exhibitions and events for young and old alike.
8. The BeltLine
Photo credit: Facebook – Atlanta BeltLine
For an unusual visit to Atlanta, we recommend a stroll along the BeltLine. Built on former railroad tracks, this walk can be enjoyed on foot or by bike. It links several parts of the city, including the Ponce City market. Along the way, you’ll discover public art, parks and views of the city. The BeltLine is a popular place for Atlanta residents to jog.
9. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Photo credit: Flickr – JR P
Another must-see in Atlanta is the Botanical Garden. Located in Piedmont Park, this superb 12-hectare garden is an invitation to discover flora. The garden is divided into several thematic sections featuring a wide variety of plants and trees. Don’t miss the Tropical Rotunda and the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory, featuring lush tropical vegetation. You’ll even come across tropical birds, turtles and poisonous frogs.
10. CNN Center
Photo credit: Flickr – Matthew Paulson
While you’re in Atlanta, take a look inside the headquarters of the world-famous news channel CNN. Founded in 1980, the network broadcasts non-stop news from its Atlanta headquarters, as well as from outlets around the world. The CNN Center offers the public the chance to go behind the scenes on 55-minute guided tours. Find out more on the official CNN website.
11. Six Flags Over Georgia
Photo credit: Flickr – Michael Wallace
If you’re wondering whether there are any thrill-seeking activities to do in Atlanta, the answer is yes. Then head to Six Flags Over Georgia! Just a few kilometers from downtown, this theme park will delight young and old with its roller coasters and water rides. You’re sure to come across some of the most famous Warner Bros characters, like the Justice League from DC Comics. Thrills guaranteed!
12. Skyview Atlanta
Photo credit: Flickr – Matt Kieffer
Climb aboard one of the Skyview cabins and see Atlanta from a different angle. This Ferris wheel offers a breathtaking view of Georgia’s capital. It costs around $14 for adults, $13 for seniors over 65 and $10 for children under 12. For even more magic, we recommend opting for a night ride to admire the city lights.
How do I get to Atlanta?
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the largest in the United States, and indeed in the world, in terms of air traffic. From Paris, it takes around ten hours to fly non-stop to Atlanta. Several airlines offer regular flights throughout the week, including Air France, Jet Airways and American Airlines. As far as prices are concerned, Atlanta remains a rather expensive destination, and tickets tend to soar during school vacations, so we advise you to plan ahead and compare offers on specialist websites like Ulysse to find the cheapest one for your travel dates.
Once you’re here, the Atlanta airport is just 20 minutes from the city, so getting there is a breeze. You can choose to rent a car (13 rental agencies are available at the airport), take a cab (expect to pay around $30 for Downtown) or opt for the ease and convenience of public transport.
Metro Atlanta (or MARTA) is the most affordable option, serving the city’s main tourist areas. You can buy one-way tickets (approx. $2.50) or day passes at Breeze vending machines in all metro stations, as well as at MARTA Ride Stores.
. Finally, once you’re downtown, you can walk to all the main attractions. It’s a great way to get some exercise while discovering Atlanta’s treasures!
Where to stay in Atlanta?
Atlanta offers a wide range of affordable accommodation (around €60 per night on Airbnb): from high-end hotels to Airbnb and hostels, you’ll find what you’re looking for, whatever your budget. However, as with any destination, it’s important to anticipate your bookings, so be sure to compare offers, especially on this hotel comparison site.
When it comes to neighborhoods, you’re spoilt for choice. For a lively stay, choose the central district of Downtown, while the residential Buckhead district offers a more relaxing stay. Sweet Auburn also offers an interesting alternative for visiting Atlanta and its must-sees. To help you get the most out of your visit to the city, we’ve put together a small selection of the best places to stay during your stay in Atlanta.
Now all you have to do is pack your suitcase!
Map of hotels and accommodations – Atlanta