7 Best Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia

Planning a trip to Atlanta? You’re in the right place!

This vibrant city is packed with history, culture, and incredible food, but on our first visit, we found it hard to know where to begin. However, by the end of our trip, we had well and truly fallen in love with the place!

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you experience the very best of Atlanta. From riding around on a historic trolley to visiting filming locations from Stranger Things, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, you’ll find the very best activities that Atlanta has to offer, and all of the need-to-know info to make the most of your trip. 

Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia

1. See Atlanta’s top sights on a Trolley Tour

This trolley tour of Atlanta was a fantastic way to get acquainted with the city! We hopped on near Centennial Olympic Park, and the tour was a blast from the moment it began. 

For me, one of the highlights was passing by the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Seeing the house he was born in and the church where he was baptized was pretty moving! Our guide, Shauna, shared powerful insights about Dr. King’s legacy, making it feel even more meaningful.

We also passed the Margaret Mitchell House, where she wrote her masterpiece, Gone With the Wind, and the stunning Georgia State Capitol with its beautiful golden dome. The contrast between Atlanta’s historic sites and modern landmarks, like the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, was striking.

As we rolled through charming neighborhoods like Inman Park and Ansley Park, I was actually surprised at how green and scenic parts of the city are. Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s largest green space, looked like the perfect place for a picnic or a jog. 

Atlanta isn’t a walkable city, and driving here is a bit of a nightmare, so a trolley tour is the perfect way to get to know the ATL better. Plus, in the summer, cruising around in a climate-controlled trolley is a great way to beat the heat!

2. Learn about Atlanta’s Black History and Civil Rights Movement

This Black History and Civil Rights tour is easily our top pick for things to do in Atlanta. Atlanta is one of the best places in the USA to learn about Black history, so don’t miss this tour while you’re in town. So much rich history was packed into the experience that I think I learned more about Civil Rights in just four hours than I ever did at school!

Our guide, Omar, was super charismatic, and he kept us engaged throughout the tour with powerful stories from Atlanta’s civil rights movement. He also offered unique insights into the city’s past and present culture as we explored historic neighborhoods like Sweet Auburn and the West End.

We learned all about how Sweet Auburn was once the wealthiest Black district in America, while the West End remains one of Atlanta’s most spiritually rich and pro-Black neighborhoods. 

We also loved stopping at the Municipal Market, where we had the chance to buy lunch at one of the many Black-owned eateries. And, of course, catching a glimpse of Tyler Perry Studios and the original Madea’s House was a fun surprise!

This tour has over one thousand five-star reviews, and we can see why. It was eye-opening, inspiring, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for Atlanta’s role in Black history and culture. If you’re only doing one tour in Atlanta, make it this one!

3. Maximize your sightseeing and bicycle around Atlanta

This bike tour was such a fun way to discover Atlanta! When we first arrived, the thought of exploring this busy city on two wheels felt quite intimidating. However, with our local guide, Robyn, to show us the safe bike routes and quiet paths, cycling around proved to be a breeze. In fact, it was the perfect way to experience Atlanta like a local!

The bikes were comfortable, and Robyn provided us with plenty of snacks and water. We began the tour by cycling through Oakland Cemetery, where we learned about many prominent Atlantean figures who have been laid to rest here. Then, we cycled through the Krog Street Tunnel while admiring its vibrant street art and graffiti. Trust me, this is a real must-see while you’re in Atlanta! 

We also rode along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, passing murals, street performers, and the iconic Tiny Doors ATL installations. Meanwhile, the quiet,  tree-lined streets of Inman Park were a dream to ride through, and we loved seeing all of the gorgeous Victorian homes.

Stopping at the Jackson Street Bridge for that stunning skyline view was incredible! Then, we ended the ride near the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which is obviously a must-see. 

We had such a great time on this tour, and we can totally see why it has hundreds of glowing reviews (read them here!). Just be sure to book this tour early because it always sells out ahead of time.

4. Discover Atlanta’s best food spots and street art with a local

This Inman Park food and history tour was hands down one of the best experiences we’ve had in Atlanta. I mean, yummy food and vibrant street art are always a winning combo! It’s really no surprise that this tour always sells out, so be sure to book in advance if you want to eat your way through the city. 

Exploring Southern cuisine is a must while you’re in this part of the US, and the stops on this food tour were perfectly planned to highlight a different aspect of Atlanta’s cuisine. What we love about the food here is that it’s fairly simple. Dining out in Atlanta is all about comfort, rich flavors, and warm Southern hospitality. 

During the tour, we tried everything from samosas and empanadas to decadent sweet treats. The donut sandwiches stuffed with fresh Georgia peaches were definitely our favorite! We also really liked that all of the restaurants were locally owned.

Along the way, we enjoyed learning about how Inman Park transformed from Atlanta’s first planned suburb to the vibrant, foodie hotspot it is today. And, of course, seeing the street art in the Krog Street Tunnel and along the BeltLine Eastside Trail made the whole experience even better. These parts of the city really feel like an open-air art museum! 

Atlanteans sure know how to eat, so don’t miss the chance to chow down like a local while you’re in the city. Oh, and remember to show up hungry! 

5. Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.’s history on a walking tour 

When in Atlanta, you just can’t miss this historic walking tour dedicated to the life and times of Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King’s birthplace grew up in the iconic Sweet Auburn neighborhood, so this tour is a must for anyone wanting to understand the deep connection between the city and King’s Civil Rights movement.

The tour was incredible from start to finish! It began at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, where we got an in-depth look at Dr. King’s life and legacy. Our guide, Zoie, was super knowledgeable and provided lots of personal stories about MLK that don’t tend to make it into the history textbooks. 

We visited significant sites like the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached, and the King Center, which houses his tomb and the eternal flame. Walking through Sweet Auburn, we saw historical markers and landmarks that helped us understand how King’s upbringing shaped him into the leader he became.

One of the most powerful stops was the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, where we saw the shoe prints of many other prominent figures who fought for justice alongside Dr. King. The whole tour was a really profound and emotional journey. As the hundreds of 5-star reviews will attest, this tour is not just for the history buffs. In fact, we think that everyone visiting Atlanta should book this tour!

6. See Atlanta at night with a local guide and have dinner 

If you ask us, the best way to spend an evening in Atlanta is on this nighttime tour! We had so much fun exploring the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods after dark with a local guide, who showed us where real Atlanteans like to shop, eat, and party! 

But first, we got to see some of Atlanta’s most iconic landmarks lit up after dark, including the Mercedes Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park. We also stopped at Krog Street Market, where we had a chance to buy dinner from many delicious eateries, which ranged from barbecue to sushi. Naturally, we opted for barbecue—when in Atlanta, right?

After that, we explored the artsy Little Five Points and had so much fun checking out its unique mix of indie stores, dive bars, and quirky street art. We actually came back to hang out in this area later during our trip, so we’re SO glad the tour took us here! 

Another highlight was the breathtaking view from Jackson Street Bridge. We had already been here during the day but seeing the city skyline glowing after dark really took it to the next level!

From the Ponce City Market to the eclectic Old 4th Ward District, every stop offered a new perspective on Atlanta. It was the perfect opportunity to see the city buzzing after dark and discover lots of local hotspots. We would definitely do it again!

Related Read: To see how we put together our favorite experiences here, check out our 3-day Atlanta itinerary!

7. See film locations from the show Stranger Things

Ready to enter the Upside Down? Even though the hit TV show Stranger Things is set in Indiana, most of it was actually filmed right here in Atlanta, Georgia! However, the filming locations are tricky to find by yourself, which is why we booked this private tour. 

Our guide, Julio, was absolutely fantastic. He was so knowledgeable not only about the show but also about fun behind-the-scenes trivia and local history.

He knew all the shortcuts to reach the show’s most iconic spots, including the homes of the Wheeler, Sinclair, and Henderson families, as well as Hawkins Middle and High Schools. We thought that the best part was seeing all of the streets where Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas cruised around on their many adventures. 

We were really impressed by just how many Stranger Things locations we got to see on this tour. In fact, we even got a glimpse of Screen Gems studios, where the show is brought to life.

We never would have been able to visit all of these spots without Julio’s help, so it’s 100% worth booking this tour. In fact, if you’re a fan of the show, this should be at the top of your list of things to do in Atlanta! 

Where to Stay in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is a dynamic city with no shortage of great places to stay, whether you’re looking for luxury, comfort, or budget-friendly accommodations. From high-end hotels in the heart of Midtown to affordable stays with easy access to top attractions, there’s something for every traveler.

To help you find the perfect place, we’ve put together a list of the best hotels in Atlanta—so you can spend less time searching and more time exploring everything this exciting city has to offer!

Luxury – $$$

Located in Midtown, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is a 5-star retreat that blends Southern hospitality with world-class elegance. The hotel features stylish rooms, a saltwater pool, a full-service spa, and Park 75, a top-rated restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine. Its prime location puts you near Piedmont Park, the High Museum of Art, and top attractions—making it an ideal base for a luxurious stay.

Room rates vary by season and suite, typically ranging from $400—$800 per night. Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia by IHG is a fantastic mid-range hotel offering a stylish and comfortable stay in a prime location. Situated near Perimeter Mall, with easy access to top Atlanta attractions, it’s a great base for exploring the city. The hotel features spacious, modern rooms, a fitness center, and a beautiful garden area with walking paths. Guests can also enjoy multiple dining options, including an on-site restaurant serving delicious Southern-inspired cuisine.

Prices typically range from $150—$250 per night. Check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.

Budget – $

For a budget-friendly stay in Atlanta, Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter North is a great pick! Located near I-285, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms with plush bedding, a work desk, and a coffee maker. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool, enjoy a meal at Parkside Grille, or grab a drink at the lounge. A fitness center, jogging path, and free shuttle service make exploring easier.

Rooms start at $88 per night, with breakfast included. Visit Booking.com to check availability and book!

For more options, see all of Atlanta’s hotels listed here!

Thanks for reading!

Our time in Atlanta was unforgettable, and this city quickly became one of our favorite places to explore! From its deep-rooted history to its vibrant neighborhoods and thriving food scene, there’s so much to love about the ATL.

For even more travel tips and inspiration, check out our other USA blogs here. And if you’re exploring more of the South, we’ve picked out some must-read articles below to help you plan your next adventure!

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