Overview
East Atlanta is the trendiest area in Atlanta. It includes Inman Park, the popular dining and nightlife neighborhoods of Little Five Points, Virginia-Highland, and Poncey-Highland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and one of the top U.S. research universities, Emory University, are in this area.
4 sights · 6 things to do · 14 places to eat · 19 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about East
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Special features include displays of Argentinosaurus, the largest dinosaur ever unearthed, and Giganotosaurus, the largest meat-eater ever discovered, and an IMAX theater. The museum also offers Martinis & IMAX, one …
Fernbank Science Center
David J. Sencer CDC Museum
Official museum for the Center for Disease Control. The only part of the CDC open to the public. Check website for the security checkpoint requirements. Must have photo ID.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum
One of ten presidential libraries administered by the National Archives & Records Administration and the only one in the Southeast, includes photographs, historical memorabilia from his presidency, an exact replica o…
East Lake Golf Club
Established in 1904
Freedom Park
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 Metro 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.
- PDK DeKalb Peachtree Airport, Atlanta — 8 mi away. Directions
- ATL Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta — 10 mi away (major hub). Directions
MARTA Rail East-West Blue Line stops in King Memorial (E2), Inman Park/Reynoldstown (E3), Edgewood/Candler Park (E4), and East Lake Station (E5). Parking is available at all these stations except King Memorial. Interstate 20 is also close.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Fernbank Science Center, David J. Sencer CDC Museum
- Lunch Savage Pizza
- Afternoon Van Michael Salon, Variety Playhouse
- Dinner The Vortex
- Evening Darkhorse Tavern
Day 2
- Morning East Lake Golf Club
- Lunch Holy Taco
- Afternoon Inman Park Festival
- Dinner Spoon
- Evening Midway Pub
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
Part of this district extends into DeKalb County, including the neighborhoods:
Place Druid Hills
Place East Lake
Place Candler Park
Place Edgewood
Place Kirkwood
Place East Atlanta
Neighborhoods entirely within the City of Atlanta include:
Place Little Five Points
is an Inman Park neighborhood business district of Atlanta that caters to the alternative crowd and has become a hangout for hipsters, punks, goth high school students, and some individuals who defy description. It's also a great location for vintage-everything (clothing, record, book, etc.) shopping. The name Little Five Points refers to an intersection of five streets. This is not to be confused with Five Points in Downtown Atlanta.
Get in
MARTA Rail East-West Blue Line stops in King Memorial (E2), Inman Park/Reynoldstown (E3), Edgewood/Candler Park (E4), and East Lake Station (E5). Parking is available at all these stations except King Memorial. Interstate 20 is also close.
To park in Virginia-Highland on a Friday or Saturday night:
- Near the corner of Virginia and Highland, find the parking lot entrance across from the fire station at the corner of N Highland and Los Angeles Ave. Parking there is free.
- For parking farther south on N. Highland (near Hand in Hand), there are $5 lots near the CVS. Watch out for resident-only parking on the side streets; tow trucks really do tow cars who park in the resident-only areas.
See
See Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Special features include displays of Argentinosaurus, the largest dinosaur ever unearthed, and Giganotosaurus, the largest meat-eater ever discovered, and an IMAX theater. The museum also offers Martinis & IMAX, one of Atlanta's most popular "after five" events available every Friday, January through November.
See Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum
One of ten presidential libraries administered by the National Archives & Records Administration and the only one in the Southeast, includes photographs, historical memorabilia from his presidency, an exact replica of the Oval Office, a permanent exhibit of significant events during Carter’s life and political career and the permanent home of the former president’s Nobel Peace Price awarded in late 2002.
Do
- Bike or walk along the East-West Stone Mountain Trail - or the North-South Beltline Trail.
- Walk from Virginia-Highland to Little Five Points. Approximately a 2-mile walk. Walk south down Highland Avenue from Virginia Avenue to North Avenue, turn left and walk one block to Moreland Avenue. Turn right on Moreland and walk through Little Five Points, and turn right on Euclid Avenue.
- Walk down Moreland Avenue, McLendon Avenue, and Euclid Avenue on both sides.
- Shop at the many boutiques and vintage clothing stores.
- Relax in the bars with an alternative crowd.
- Attend a live music performance.
Events
Buy
Virginia-Highland has a mix of clothing and gift stores, many with Southern flair, mostly catering to the 20-30s-something woman.
Eat
Eat Fritti
European-style pizza next to its sister restaurant, Sotto Sotto.
Eat Sotto Sotto
Basic pasta served in a sophisticated, simple setting is the trademark of this local favorite Italian restaurant.
Eat Thumbs Up Diner
Known for its great breakfast options, the line is often out the door. Check the house rules before going!
Eat Holy Taco
Hipsters and local families fill this casual Mexican restaurant.
Eat Murphy's
Classic Highlands bistro serves reliable American cuisine and is packed to capacity for its weekend brunches.
Eat La Tavola
Quaint Italian restaurant in the heart of the highlands.
Eat Alon's
European bakery and market is a prime destination for locals and offers gourmet sandwiches, freshly baked breads, artisan cheeses, beautiful desserts and baked goods, and gourmet prepared foods.
Eat Paolo's Gelato
Extremely cute and charming gelateria where an Italian native makes homemade gelato, marzipan, and other goodies. A must-stop for gelato lovers.
Eat The Vortex
Founded in 1992 by three siblings, the Vortex serves some of the best burgers in a pseudo biker-bar setting where rock and alternative music blasts and patrons enter through the facade of a giant human skull. (Note: must be 18 or older to enter due to smoking laws.)
Eat Savage Pizza
Cheap pizza in a setting with wall mural art. Next to Criminal Records and Junkman's Daughter.
Eat Two Urban Licks
Ultra-trendy Inman Park restaurant filled with fashionistas. Southwestern-inspired and meat-friendly American cuisine.
Eat Kevin Rathbun Steak
Extremely popular restaurant tucked away in Inman Park serves contemporary continental fare.
Eat Spoon
Simple yet sleek Thai restaurant on the Southwest side of GA tech offers up flavorful Thai basics.
Drink
Virginia-Highland is a popular area for twenty- and thirty-somethings. Most of the bars are places to laze around with friends or to indulge in the laid-back singles scene rather than to dance the night away. Dress is casual and drinks flow by the pint.
Drink Smith's Olde Bar
A small but sizzling live music venue that features a songwriter showcase on Monday nights and performances by up-and-coming national acts.
Drink Metalsome
Sing Karaoke with a live rock band backing you up.
Drink Joe's Coffee
Easily the comfiest coffeehouse in Atlanta. It sports a mix of hipster and modern decor, free internet, and late hours. If you want a quieter place for an intimate conversation or some great me-time to read your favorite book, come here.
Drink The Earl
Where post-punk locals gather for a good beer and burger and live indie music. Excellent Sunday menu deemed "Dunch".
Drink Mary's
A gay-friendly neighborhood bar in East Atlanta.
Drink Midway Pub (ESL)
Excellent beer selection and quality bar-style food. Large, partially covered patio in front with two bocce courts behind the pub. Table games and arcade machines. Smoking is allowed, so Midway Pub is 18+.
Drink Star Community Bar
A neighborhood dive with nothing but Elvis and rock n’ roll with three full-time bars and live alternative country and hard rock music.
Drink The Corner Tavern
Laid back restaurant and bar with pool and darts.
North Highland Avenue
North Highland has many bars within just a few blocks; it's easy to walk between them, but as it's a residential area parking will be very difficult on Friday and Saturday nights.
Drink Atkins Park Restaurant & Tavern
is Atlanta's oldest continuously licensed tavern and showcases a Creole influenced menu.
Drink Blind Willie's
An established blues club featuring live blues of local and national acts, and a selection of Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans-style food.
Drink Darkhorse Tavern
A popular, three-tiered club spot with an antique bar and live music.
Drink Fontaines' Oyster House
Traditional New Orleans style vibe with a cozy atmosphere for good conversation.
Drink Highland Taps
Known for its cozy feel as a neighborhood bar and grill and it’s famous for its prime rib.
Drink Limerick Junction
Features sing-alongs from Wednesday to Saturday, local folk musicians on Sundays and open mike nights on Tuesdays.
Drink Manuel's
An Atlanta Democratic Party institution where you're likely to find campaign staffers and off-duty cops knocking back stiff drinks under a portrait of JFK.
Drink MJQ Concourse
Plays house, U.K. garage, hip hop and drum n’ bass.
Drink Moe's and Joe's
College bar crammed with Emory and Georgia Tech undergrads.
Drink Neighbor's Pub
A popular sports hangout with 13 beers on tap and 15 bottled ales.
Drink The Righteous Room
Great jukebox and one of the best veggie burgers in town. Arrive early as seating fills up quickly.
Sleep
Stay Hotel Clermont
Marking the revitalization of a legendary Southern landmark, Hotel Clermont reopened in the colorful and central Poncey-Highland neighborhood in June 2018 as a 94-room boutique hotel drenched in local history and culture. Three suites, 76 standard rooms and 15 bunk rooms - which house four guests per room and exist as an ode to the hotel’s storied revolving door of notable, musical guests - make up the hotel’s dynamic accommodation offerings, designed to appeal to all types of travelers.
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