Atlanta

Atlanta Travel Guide

Atlanta, Georgia on the Piedmont Plateau is a large metropolitan city with impressive skyscrapers as well as a number of incredible parks like Centennial Olympic Park, Piedmont Park, and grant Park. In Atlanta, there is a unique blend of the old Southern traditions and the modern urban jungle. The Atlanta CityPASS will get you into 5 top Atlanta attractions for a reduced price and tourists should head for the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau on Peachtree Street for all tourist information.

Must Visits!

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

In the permanent collections are dinosaur replicas to scale, fossils, exhibits about Georgia’s prehistory, adornments from different cultures around the world, clay artifacts, interactive exhibits about sensing nature through the sight, touch, and sound of our surroundings, and a shell collection. There are temporary exhibits and an IMAX theatre on the site.

The museum is located at 767 Clifton Road NE and is open from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from noon. Entrance is $17.5 for adults, $16.5 for students, and $15.5 for kids aged 3-12. The IMAX films require an extra fee.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Located next to Piedmont Park this garden covers 30 acres and includes statues throughout the garden, seasonal flower displays, the Kendeda Canopy Walk which allows you to walk above the Storza Wood for 180 meters and several themed gardens. The gardens include a Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, woodland areas, and a Children’s Garden. The entrance is $18.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids aged 3 – 12.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Imagine It!

The mission of this world-renowned kid’s museum is to spark the imagination and inspire kids to explore, ask questions, and learn through play. Through hands-on exhibits which kids will see as pure playthings, kids can learn about fundamental foods by following the food from farm to store; crawl and climb on soft playground apparatus; put on a raincoat and splash in the water meeting fish and finned creatures along the way; paint the walls and use interesting tools. There are costumed guides and shows. The museum is above all fun for the kids and they’ll learn without even realizing it. Admission is $12.75 for all visitors over 2 years old. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm during the week and until 5 pm on weekends. The museum is located at 275 Centennial Olympic Park.

Coca-Cola World

Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta back in 1886 and now visitors can explore the 18km² site where you can see 3D movies about the drink, the largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia in the world, find out how Coca-Cola is made, and enjoy the tasting room. This attraction is at 121 Baker Street NW, Pemberton Place, and general admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for kids aged 3 to 12 years.

Must Eats!

Fogo de Chao

This restaurant at 3101 Piedmont Road is one of Trip Advisor’s top three best Atlanta restaurants and is the overall best Atlanta restaurant on the Urbanspoon.com. It is a romantic steakhouse serving Brazilian and international dishes. This Brazilian churrascaria restaurant is a meat lover’s paradise with juicy, top quality ribeye, sirloin, filet, and linguica to name but a few of the meats. There are also salads and cheeses like the aged Manchego cheese and the 24-month aged parmesan. The service is efficient and the atmosphere smart yet inviting and warm. They serve lunch and dinner during the week and just dinner on the weekends.

TWO Urban Licks

This modern American and international style restaurant at 820 Ralph McGill Boulevard has live music to entertain you while you eat. On the menu are duck, brisket, mac n’ cheese, mahi-mahi, tuna Crudo, popcorn sundae and rum-soaked raisin bread. The restaurant stays open late every night except on Sundays and an eclectic crowd gathers to enjoy the lively atmosphere and delicious filling food. The party ambiance and innovative twist on traditional American dishes make this one of the most popular restaurants in the city.

Antico Pizza

Located at 1093 Hemphill Avenue this restaurant serves pizza and the usual side dishes and desserts. On the menu are favorites like homemade cannoli and sfogliatelle, lasagna, and specialty pizzas like a broccoli rabe, salsiccia, buffalo pizza, meatball, ricotta, and romano pizza and a salaiccia, sweet red peppers, buffalo and cipolin pizza. The basic no-frills restaurant serves up simple homemade-style pizzas to satisfied crowds. The pizza is prepared with all-natural products using traditional Italian methods and top quality ingredients. They have 3 ovens which were imported from Napoli Italy and the fior di mozzarella is flown in fresh from Naples weekly.

Brick Store Pub

At 125 E Court Square, there is this Gastropub serving traditional American cuisine. A Gastropub is a relatively new concept combining restaurant surroundings with pub/bar food. So the restaurant has an intimate pub feel but all the perks of a great restaurant. On the menu are items like country chicken pate, sausage and grits, pastry basket and curry. They have a wide range of beers and alcohol and the atmosphere is young and lively. The décor will make you feel like you’re in an English pub with exposed brick and checkered table cloths. There is a choice of indoor or outdoor dining and the restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and late-night meals seven days a week.

Things to do

Atlanta is a vibrant city with a lot of things to do for visitors. Here are some suggestions:

1. Visit the Georgia Aquarium: This is one of the largest aquariums in the world, with a wide variety of marine life to see.
2. Check out the World of Coca-Cola: This museum is dedicated to the history of Coca-Cola and includes exhibits, tastings, and a 4D movie experience.
3. Take a stroll in the Atlanta Botanical Garden: The gardens have a stunning collection of plants and flowers, with several themed areas including a Japanese garden and a rose garden.
4. Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site: This site includes the birthplace, church, and final resting place of Martin Luther King Jr., as well as a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.
5. Explore the High Museum of Art: This museum features a collection of art from around the world, including contemporary and modern pieces.
6. Tour the CNN Studio: Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the world headquarters of CNN and see how news is produced.
7. Visit the Atlanta History Center: This museum showcases the history of Atlanta and the South, with exhibits on the Civil War, Southern folk art, and more.
8. Take a walk or bike ride on the Atlanta BeltLine: This former railway corridor has been transformed into a 22-mile trail that connects neighborhoods and parks throughout the city.
9. Catch a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium: This state-of-the-art stadium is home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, and also hosts concerts and other events.
10. Visit the Ponce City Market: This former Sears, Roebuck & Co. building has been converted into a mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and a rooftop amusement park.

Where to stay

There are many great places to stay in Atlanta, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some suggestions:

1. The Westin Peachtree Plaza: This is a luxury hotel located in downtown Atlanta, with stunning views of the city from its 73-story tower. It’s located near many of Atlanta’s top attractions.
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta: Another luxury hotel in downtown Atlanta, the Ritz-Carlton features elegant rooms, a spa, and a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine.
3. Hyatt Regency Atlanta: This is a popular hotel with a central location in downtown Atlanta, close to many of the city’s top attractions. It has recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation.
4. The Georgian Terrace: Located in Midtown, the Georgian Terrace is a historic hotel with a rooftop pool and terrace, as well as an on-site restaurant.
5. The Ellis Hotel: This boutique hotel is located in downtown Atlanta and features modern rooms, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving Southern-inspired cuisine.
6. Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta: This is another luxury hotel located in Midtown Atlanta, with a spa, fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
7. W Atlanta – Midtown: This trendy hotel is located in Midtown and features modern rooms, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant serving Southern-inspired cuisine.
8. The St. Regis Atlanta: This luxury hotel is located in the affluent Buckhead neighborhood and features a spa, a pool, and an on-site restaurant serving French-inspired cuisine.
9. The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel: Located in Buckhead, this luxury hotel features spacious rooms, a spa, and an on-site restaurant serving American cuisine.
10. The American Hotel Atlanta Downtown, a DoubleTree by Hilton: This is a modern hotel located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, with easy access to the city’s top attractions. It also features a rooftop bar and restaurant.