Overview
Downtown Atlanta is the central area of Atlanta, as well as the center of Georgia.
10 sights · 13 things to do · 25 places to eat · 11 bars & cafés · 14 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Downtown
Centennial Olympic Park
The focal point of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, Centennial Park has now become the center for tourism. Georgia Aquarium, the New World of Coke, State Farm Arena and Georgia Tech are all in walking distance of the park.…
Flatiron Building
This 11-story building, squeezed into its small wedge of land, is Atlanta's oldest standing skyscraper, and a well known land mark in the area.
Georgia State Capitol
Native gold from Lumpkin County tops the dome of the Georgia State Capitol Building. This restored 1889 building houses a museum which collects, maintains and exhibits significant artifacts, including a priceless collect…
The King Center and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
The memorial of Martin Luther King Jr. which was established in 1968. The place shows Martin Luther King, Jr's nonviolent Social Change works. The historic site features a museum and preserves the neighborhood that inclu…
Underground Atlanta
Housed entirely underground, this shopping and entertainment district is a bustling hub for retail activity during the day and clubbing at night, although it closes at 8PM Monday through Thursday and only stays open unti…
College Football Hall of Fame
This 94526 ft2 museum includes 50000 ft2 of exhibit space and a 45-yard football field dedicated to college football with memorabilia and interactive exhibits in downtown Atlanta.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Mar. (climate data from nearby Atlanta)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ATL Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta — 8 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PDK DeKalb Peachtree Airport, Atlanta — 10 mi away. Directions
Downtown Atlanta is 7 miles (11 km) from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Interstate 75/85 runs directly through Atlanta, providing numerous exits into the downtown streets. Downtown Atlanta can also be accessed by MARTA trains and buses.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $21–$21 a night (typical $98), from 2 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $30 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$190, comfortable ~$240.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Centennial Olympic Park, College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia Aquarium
- Lunch New South Kitchen
- Afternoon The World of Coca-Cola, Children's Museum of Atlanta
- Dinner Suite Food Lounge
- Evening Der Biergarten
Day 2
- Morning Georgia State Capitol, Underground Atlanta, Woodruff Park
- Lunch Thrive
- Afternoon State Farm Arena, Atlanta United FC
- Dinner Dua Vietnamese
- Evening Sidebar
Day 3
- Morning Apex Museum, Madame C.J. Walker Museum
- Lunch The Municipal Market
- Afternoon The King Center and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Founders Green Park
- Dinner Trader Vic's
- Evening Joystick Gamebar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Downtown is home to the Georgia State Capitol, City Hall, and headquarters of numerous corporations. Despite the rise of Midtown and Buckhead, Downtown still contains much of the commercial activity of the city. All the places to see here are within 10 minutes walk of each other, and within a similar walking distance of any of the MARTA stations at Five Points, Peachtree Center or Omni-Dome-World-Congress Center.
Within Downtown, the South Downtown district immediately south of Five Points has been undergoing an adaptive-reuse redevelopment since the late 2010s. It comprises a 16-block stretch of pre-war commercial buildings along Broad Street and Mitchell Street, anchored by Founders Green, a half-acre outdoor plaza with a permanent big-format screen used for free public events including World Cup watch parties throughout 2026. New locally owned restaurants, bars, and shops are opening through summer 2026 in advance of the FIFA World Cup matches at nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The neighborhood is inside Atlanta's open container entertainment district, so beverages from surrounding businesses can be carried between locations.
Get in
Downtown Atlanta is 7 miles (11 km) from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Interstate 75/85 runs directly through Atlanta, providing numerous exits into the downtown streets. Downtown Atlanta can also be accessed by MARTA trains and buses.
Other MARTA stations in the Downtown area include Garnett Station (S1), Peachtree Center (N1), and Civic Center (N2) on the North-South Line, and Georgia State (E1) and Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (W1) on the East-West Line.
By long-distance bus
- Greyhound Bus Lines. Service from many locations throughout the U.S. Buses arrive at and depart from the Greyhound terminal at 232 Forsyth Street, in a less affluent neighborhood on the southern edge of downtown, directly beneath MARTA's Garnett Station.
- Megabus. Service from locations across the Southern U.S. The bus stop at 435 West Peachtree Street is near MARTA's Civic Center Station; buses stop on the east side of the street at the north end of the station.
Get around
By streetcar
Downtown Atlanta is served by the small Atlanta Streetcar loop, connecting the Olympic park with Peachtree Center and Auburn. Fares are $1 for a one-way trip and $3 for a full day.
See
Subdistricts
Downtown Atlanta is large and can be further broken down into subdistricts:
- Five Points is the central area and reference point of downtown Atlanta. The name refers to a point where five streets intersect, which are Marietta Street, Edgewood Avenue, Decatur Street, and two legs of Peachtree Street. It is also where the North-South Line and the East-West Line of the MARTA Rail intersect at MARTA Five Points Station. Underground Atlanta was at the entrance of Five Points Station, and the World of Coke used to be there but was moved to the Centennial Park area.
- The Centennial Park Area includes the park, the State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, and a few other attractions. This area is heavily frequented by tourists and local residents.
- Sweet Auburn served as the thriving center of black enterprise in Atlanta from the 1890s through the 1940s and is the birthplace of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- The Hotel District is the northern section of downtown. Some of the more luxurious hotels of Atlanta are in this area.
- Castleberry Hill is an artsy and eclectic transitioning area west of downtown Atlanta with galleries, restaurants and bars.
- South Downtown is a 16-acre historic neighborhood in downtown Atlanta. Historic brick buildings from the 1950s still stand, and have been renovated into restaurants and retail spaces. South Downtown is the first neighborhood in Atlanta to be designated an open-container zone, meaning visitors can walk between venues with drinks in hand.
Destinations
See Centennial Olympic Park
The focal point of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, Centennial Park has now become the center for tourism. Georgia Aquarium, the New World of Coke, State Farm Arena and Georgia Tech are all in walking distance of the park. In the winter the park features an ice skating rink and in the summer there are free concerts. The park often features concerts and other activities, and kids may love to pay in the fountains that are shaped in the form of the Olympic rings.
See Flatiron Building
This 11-story building, squeezed into its small wedge of land, is Atlanta's oldest standing skyscraper, and a well known land mark in the area.
See Georgia State Capitol
Native gold from Lumpkin County tops the dome of the Georgia State Capitol Building. This restored 1889 building houses a museum which collects, maintains and exhibits significant artifacts, including a priceless collection of Georgia's state flags.
See The King Center and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
The memorial of Martin Luther King Jr. which was established in 1968. The place shows Martin Luther King, Jr's nonviolent Social Change works. The historic site features a museum and preserves the neighborhood that includes Dr. King's birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church. His Nobel Prize and tomb are also located here.
See Madame C.J. Walker Museum
- The neon Coke sign one block north of Underground Atlanta is worth looking at, and gives an update of time and temperature.
- Georgia World Congress Center
Do
Do Georgia Aquarium
The largest aquarium in the world with over a hundred thousand animals in 8 million gallons of water. The Aquarium has a swim and dive activity called "Journey with Gentle Giants." It is the only opportunity in the world to swim with captive whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.
Do State Farm Arena
Covering 4.4 acres, State Farm Arena is Atlanta's state-of-the-art multipurpose sports and entertainment complex. Home to the NBA's Atlanta Hawks; it also hosted the WNBA's Atlanta Dream before that team moved to suburban College Park. State Farm also hosts concerts and other major events.
Do Atlanta Falcons
The NFL's Atlanta Falcons have created a host of exciting game-day experiences and affordable family ticket packages for the fans. The 1998 and 2016 NFC champions, the Atlanta Falcons, gear up each September to kick off the official season. The Falcons now play in the NFL's newest venue, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened in August 2017 as the replacement for the adjacent and now-demolished Georgia Dome. Every year, it hosts the Southeastern Conference football championship game and the Peach Bowl (one of the six bowl games associated with the College Football Playoff). It has also hosted major events such as Super Bowl LIII in 2019 and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2018.
Do Atlanta United FC
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also home to this soccer team, which began play in Major League Soccer in 2017, playing the first half of its inaugural season at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium until the new stadium was ready. The stadium choice was not a coincidence—United shares ownership with the Falcons. The team proved extraordinarily popular in its first MLS season, setting a new record for single-season average attendance. The soccer capacity was originally intended to be only about 30,000, but was soon increased to 42,500, and more of the stadium is often opened up due to strong ticket demand.
Do Woodruff Park
This park is home to one of the great symbols of Atlanta, Phoenix Rising from the Ashes by Gamba Quirino. The rebirth of the phoenix, emerging from destruction of fire, is symbolic of Atlanta's emergence after being razed by the Union Army during Sherman's March in the Civil War.
Do Founders Green Park
Founders Green, 125 Broad St SW. A half-acre outdoor public space in the heart of South Downtown. Free to enter. Features a large screen for public events and FIFA World Cup 2026 watch parties. Adjacent to El Tesoro with outdoor seating. Yoga held every Saturday. Atlanta's first open-container zone means drinks from nearby restaurants and bars can be enjoyed throughout the area.
Theater
Events
Do Founders Green
Half-acre outdoor plaza with a permanent big-format screen. Hosts free open-air World Cup watch parties during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as community events year-round. Inside Atlanta's open container entertainment district, so drinks from surrounding bars and restaurants can be carried in.
Buy
- There are several street vendors outside the Five Points Station. However, purchasing expensive items such as jewelry should be avoided, as the products may possibly be an imitation of an expensive brand.
Shop AmericasMart
AmericasMart consists of four buildings that are open to trade only: the Atlanta Gift Mart, Atlanta Merchandise Mart, Atlanta Apparel Mart and Inforum. Each year, AmericasMart hosts more than 400,000 retailers from every state and more than 70 countries around the world in 17 home furnishings, gift, floor covering and apparel markets.
Eat
Eat No Mas Cantina
Festive cantina with large patio.
Budget
Eat Dua Vietnamese
A favorite among the locals and Georgia State college students who also rave about the Buns and the signature Pho dishes.
Eat Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta
The Atlanta branch of the world-famous chain, featuring over 300 pieces of rock memorabilia and burgers, ribs and malts.
Eat Rosa's Pizza
Hole-in-the-wall lunchtime favorite pizzeria for pizza, calzones or lasagna. It's a little bit of "authentic" New York on beautiful Broad Street.
Eat Thumbs Up Diner
Known for its great breakfast options, the line is often out the door. Check the house rules before going!
Eat Glide Pizza
A pizza by-the-slice spot with rotating toppings including their popular hot honey burrata slices. Vegan options are also available.
Eat Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg Atlanta, is a weekly open-air food market featuring local vendors. Held every Saturday from 11AM-7PM. Vendors change regularly — expect a mix of cuisines and price points.
Mid-range
Eat Alma Cocina
One of the latest trendy restaurants to pop up in Downtown, right on Peachtree Street, Alma Cocina is a new Upscale Latin American cuisine that has created quite a following with its reasonably priced Drinks and Food.
Eat Atlanta Grill
Artistic and warm decor with a menu that offers steaks and seafood. Seasonal balcony dining is available overlooking Peachtree Street, but if you're looking for a more intimate setting, try their "Cheater's Booth" complete with privacy draperies.
Eat Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta
The Atlanta branch of the world-famous chain, featuring over 300 pieces of rock memorabilia and burgers, ribs and malts.
Eat Max Lager's American Grill and Brewery
The 10,000-square-foot, turn-of-the-century industrial building helps highlight the copper and brass brewery; the patio, deck, and large windows overlook Hardy Ivy Park.
Eat Pacific Rim Bistro
Pan-Asian menu, sushi bar and pleasant covered patio downtown near the major hotels.
Eat Ray's In the City
Seafood diners have enjoyed Ray's on the River in Sandy Springs, GA for years. The same experience is now in the heart of Downtown Atlanta at their remodeled location on Peachtree Street.
Eat Thrive
Upscale, casual restaurant in Centennial Tower. Traditional American fare with an Asian twist.
Eat El Tesoro
El Tesoro is an Atlanta taqueria serving tacos, margaritas, and Mexican-inspired dishes. Full bar available. Originally from the Edgewood neighborhood, the South Downtown location is their "largest location" to date.
Eat Tyde Tate Kitchen
Tyde Tate Kitchen is an Atlanta Thai restaurant. Thai-inspired kitchen serving spring rolls, dumplings, and wok dishes. They are also very allergy friendly.
Eat Bottle Rocket
Bottle Rocket is a Sushi bar and grill serving specialty rolls, Japanese-inspired appetizers, and cocktails. Originally a Castleberry Hill neighborhood staple since 2011, relocated to South Downtown.
Splurge
Eat Morton's of Chicago - Atlanta
The famous chophouse of Chicago features steak, lobster and veal.
Eat Mule Train
Southern restaurant from the founders of pop-up The Plate Sale. Seasonal menu with local ingredients; signature dishes include fried quail and whole roasted pork and duck. 40 seats, full bar.
Eat Nikolai's Roof
This glamorous AAA four-diamond restaurant serves French cuisine from a popular prix fixe menu and a limited à la carte menu.
Eat Trader Vic's
This South Pacific-themed restaurant features Polynesian cuisine and Mai Tais.
Eat New South Kitchen
Dine on local specialties (fried green tomatoes) or try one of their internationally inspired dishes, all while taking in a view of the Centennial Olympic Park.
Eat The Sun Dial
Perched 723 feet atop the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere (the Westin Peachtree Atlanta), this restaurant is known primarily for its breathtaking views and slowly rotates around on a platform 360 degrees. Frequented by tourists and popular for Sunday brunch. Have a Georgia Peach Martini atop the revolving restaurant bar of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, and watch the sunset followed by entertainment provided by a jazz band.
Drink
Drink Sidebar
Downtown’s true neighborhood bar, serving locals, workers and Georgia State University students in addition to out-of-town visitors.
Drink Park Bar
Downtown Atlanta's best bar is the home of the 3-2-1 special and the Wheel of Fun. Great Food, Beer Selection and Bourbon.
Drink Top Draft
If you're attending a conference, sporting event, or just taking in the downtown sights, Latitudes is a great place for meet-ups or night-caps. On weekdays they cater to patrons seeking coffee and pastries.
Drink Meehan's Public House Downtown
An Irish Bar with Neighborhood Charm. The place to watch Soccer downtown.
Drink Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium
Drink Stats
High-tech sports bar with 70 HDTVs to watch the game, and a rooftop deck bar which has a self-serving beer dispenser.
Drink Sugar Hill
Live urban music.
Drink Brewhouse
Brewhouse Cafe is a long-running Atlanta soccer bar. Known as a gathering spot for local soccer fans, with live matches shown regularly.
Drink Spiller Park Coffee
Spiller Park Coffee is a local Atlanta coffee shop with multiple locations across the city. Named after Atlanta's original baseball park. They're known for their coffee but also have pastries, sides, and specials.
Sleep
Budget
Stay Clarion Inn & Suites Atlanta Downtown
A downtown hotel inside the historic arts district featuring 168 rooms including standard rooms, adjoining rooms as well as spacious queen and king suites. Walking distance to art galleries, restaurants, the Georgia Dome, the World Congress Center, and other attractions. However, if you are a foreign visitor, be aware that this can be an unsafe area at night, and it is not very recommended to use the MARTA station at night. Free WiFi.
Mid-range
Splurge
Stay Westin Peachtree Plaza
This is Atlanta's most recognizable hotel. Its ultra-modern, cylindrical, glass body towers over Downtown and has become an architectural symbol of the skyline. You can ride the elevator to the Sundial, walk around the observatory, and relax at the revolving restaurant and get a 360 degree view of Atlanta.
Stay safe
Downtown Atlanta is relatively safe compared to many of the surrounding areas. Downtown crime has decreased in the first half of 2026 compared to the same time in 2025. Certain precautions should still be taken such as not traveling alone at night and being aware of suspicious activity. A more common activity that may be intimidating to visitors is pan-handling, which is mostly harmless. Do not plan to walk anywhere in this area at night unless you are in a larger group. Tourists are often approached and/or followed by aggressive pan-handlers and hustlers. Three downtown hotels have made a formal complaint regarding this with the City of Atlanta due to an increase in complaints from guests at their properties.
Nearby
Hapeville
City / town · 6 listings · 6 mi away
East Point
City / town · 7 listings · 6 mi away
College Park
City / town · 7 listings · 8 mi away
Chamblee
City / town · 7 listings · 11 mi away
Doraville
City / town · 4 listings · 13 mi away
Sandy Springs
City / town · 30 listings · 13 mi away
Dunwoody
City / town · 3 listings · 14 mi away
Stone Mountain
City / town · 11 listings · 15 mi away
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