When I think of Atlanta, I usually picture skyscrapers, traffic, and one of the busiest airports in the world. What I didn’t expect was a city filled with lush parks, tree-lined neighborhoods, world-class museums, incredible restaurants, and miles of walking and biking trails.
Back in April 2026, I spent two weeks exploring The ATL, and it quickly became one of my favorite U.S. cities. From biking the BeltLine and strolling through the Botanical Garden to visiting Civil Rights landmarks and discovering some incredible food, Atlanta offered the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, history, culture, and Southern hospitality.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway or even a longer stay, this guide covers everything I think is worth seeing, eating, and doing in Atlanta.
Best Things To See, Eat, and Do in Atlanta
What To Do in Atlanta
Atlanta, also known as the Hollywood of the South for its booming film industry, is the capital city of Georgia and a significant historical setting for both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Whether you love history, the great outdoors, or great food, the ATL has plenty to do.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
The locals call Atlanta “the city in a forest,” and after spending two weeks there, I completely understand why. Tucked away in the heart of Midtown is the 30-acre Atlanta Botanical Garden, one of the city’s most beautiful attractions. Between the lush gardens, exotic and native plants, colorful orchid displays, the famous Earth Goddess living sculpture, and the 40-foot-high Kendeda Canopy Walk overlooking both the forest and the Atlanta skyline, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a major city.
One of the first things I did after arriving in Atlanta was spend a Sunday morning exploring the garden, and it ended up being one of my favorite experiences of the trip. I walked there from Midtown, making the journey through Piedmont Park before entering the gardens. The Kendeda Canopy Walk was unlike anything I’d experienced before, allowing me to stroll through the treetops while taking in views of both the forest canopy and Atlanta’s skyline. I also happened to visit while the orchids were in bloom, which made the gardens even more spectacular.
Although the iconic Earth Goddess sculpture wasn’t completely covered in seasonal blooms during my visit, it was still incredible to see in person. Between the peaceful walking paths, beautiful art installations, and ever-changing gardens, I enjoyed the experience so much that I actually visited twice during my stay. If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta, I think the Botanical Garden is one attraction that’s absolutely worth the admission price.
Piedmont Park
Midtown is also home to Piedmont Park, a sprawling 200-plus-acre green space that borders the Atlanta Botanical Garden, adding to the area’s “city in a forest” feel.
Visitors can stroll the paved and grassy trails, enjoy the tennis facilities, playgrounds, and covered pavilions. It’s a great place to stroll, picnic, and take in the Atlanta skyline. It’s also a nice scenic place to walk through to access the Atlanta Beltline trail.
The Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is a 22-mile paved loop that connects, or will eventually connect, 45 neighborhoods throughout Atlanta. While much of the trail is complete, some sections are still under construction, so you may encounter a few detours along the way.
Visitors can bike, scooter, walk, or roller skate the BeltLine while enjoying skyline views, parks, public art, and some of the city’s best restaurants. The trail also provides easy access to several of Atlanta’s top attractions, including Ponce City Market, Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Krog Street Tunnel, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
When I was first planning my trip to Atlanta, I knew completing the entire BeltLine was one of my goals. I’m happy to report that I did it, and it was one of the best days of my life!
To make it happen, I rented an electric bike from Musette, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Jane, the owner, delivered a cute mint-green electric bike in her red branded truck to where I was staying, showed me how to use the bike, explained how to swap out the battery, and gave me tips on navigating the unfinished portions of the trail.
The entire BeltLine took me about six hours to complete and required two battery packs. I stopped for lunch around noon and again around 3 p.m. to recharge my phone. The northern detours weren’t easy and, looking back, were a little dangerous. I wish I had chosen a few different routes, but I’m incredibly proud of myself for completing the entire loop and then some. By the end of the day, I had logged 32 miles.
This journey was the perfect way to experience Atlanta. I truly felt like I saw every corner of the city, and spending nearly the entire day outdoors beneath towering oak and pine trees made the experience even more memorable.
I also have to mention that the weather was absolutely perfect. A cold front had moved through, and the temperatures started in the 50s before climbing into the upper 70s by the afternoon. It made biking the entire BeltLine much more enjoyable, so if completing the full loop is on your bucket list, I’d definitely recommend considering the time of year when planning your trip.
Want to rent a Musette bike and ride the Beltine? Use code EATWELL10 for $10 off.
High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the Southeast, featuring more than 20,000 works of art spanning contemporary pieces, photography, decorative arts, and classic collections. Add in its iconic architecture and rotating exhibitions, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of Atlanta’s top cultural attractions
When I visited, the museum featured many art exhibits by local Georgia artists. Many of the artists were alive during the early 1900s and have since passed on. However, their interesting works of art live on.
Georgia Aquarium
I was most looking forward to visiting the Georgia Aquarium during my trip, as it’s home to a whale shark. Yushan was rescued from a seafood market in Taiwan in 2007 and has called Atlanta home ever since.
He lives in a 6.3 million-gallon aquarium in the Ocean Explorer exhibit that he shares with a variety of fish and stingrays. This exhibit was truly mesmerizing, and I probably spent over an hour watching Yushan swim by.
In addition, the Georgia Aquarium also features sea lion, dolphin, and shark exhibits. I managed to see the sea lions, sharks, and a few other marine life areas. However, by noon, the aquarium was pretty packed with kids, and it was a bit overwhelming, so I ended up leaving shortly after.
That said, this is a must-do activity when in Atlanta, even if you’re just going to see Yushan.
Pro tip: Make sure to buy your Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola tickets together via CityPASS online so you can save some money on 5 top Atlanta attractions.
World of Coca-Cola
One of the things I was most looking forward to in Atlanta was visiting The World of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola was invented in 1892 by John Stith Pemberton. It has since gone on to become a household name and is sold in 200+ countries.
The 20-acre World of Coca-Cola complex captures the history and future of the company through multiple interactive and educational exhibits.
My favorite exhibit was Taste It!, which featured 100+ Coca-Cola flavors from around the world. I sampled sips from Chile and Greece and everywhere in between, including the infamous Beverly that many agreed was pretty awful.
This experience was the highlight of my time at World of Coca-Cola and is worth the money if you have time to kill while in town.
Pro tip: You can also drop by the Coca-Cola cafe located outside the museum to enjoy a unique beverage like the Dragonfruit Cherry Lemonade pictured above. It was the perfect drink to take in the Atlanta springtime weather and skyline views.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park
After biking south along the Atlanta BeltLine from Midtown, I took a short detour into the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. During my visit, the park’s free exhibits had been temporarily relocated to Historic Fire Station No. 6 while the main visitor center was being renovated.
The exhibits were well worth the stop, covering the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the history of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, and the story of the historic fire station itself, one of Atlanta’s oldest surviving firehouses. Best of all, admission is completely free.
From there, it’s just a short walk to Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home and Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, making this one of the most meaningful stops I made during my time in Atlanta.
Birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.
Just around the corner from Historic Fire Station No. 6 is the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Although the home was undergoing renovations during my visit and wasn’t open for tours, it was still incredible to see in person.
It honestly felt like stepping into a history book. I’ve learned about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement my entire life, but standing in front of the home where one of America’s most influential leaders was born made history feel so much more real.
Even if you can’t tour the inside, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to walk over from the visitor exhibits. It’s a meaningful stop and one that’s absolutely worth adding to your Atlanta itinerary.
Ebineezer church
One of my favorite afternoons in Atlanta was biking the BeltLine to the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. Located within the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, this church played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and is where both Martin Luther King Jr. and his father served as pastors.
Standing inside such an important piece of American history was incredibly moving, and it’s easy to see why this is one of Atlanta’s most visited historic landmarks.
If you’re exploring the BeltLine, I definitely recommend making the stop. One thing I will mention is that I was traveling solo and found myself staying a little more aware of my surroundings in this area than I did in Midtown, as I was immediately hit up for money when I stopped to take a photo. I even had to fake a phone call to my “boyfriend” so the guy who asked me for money would move along and not bother me anymore.
History buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement should absolutely add Ebenezer Baptist Church to their Atlanta itinerary.
MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta)
Looking for something a little different in Atlanta? MODA is the Southeast’s only museum dedicated exclusively to design, with rotating exhibits that celebrate graphic design, architecture, fashion, technology, and more. It’s a great rainy-day activity or stop for anyone who loves art and creativity.
When I visited, the entire museum featured posters of all kinds. Think political statements, posters for events, and places. There was also a station set up so you could make your own. It was a great way to spend an evening in Atlanta.
Free Things to do in Atlanta
- MLK Jr. Historic Park
- The Atlanta Beltline
- Piedmont Park
Things I Didn’t Get to Do But Wanted to Do
Unfortunately, during my second week in Atlanta, I was extremely fatigued/sick and didn’t get to do the following activities while in town. I’d love to go back and do them!
- Wine tour to Helen: Helen is a famous Bavarian-style town tucked away in the mountains North of Atlanta. There are several wineries in the surrounding area. This tour stops at several places and includes exploration time in town.
- Stone Mountain Park: Features 3200 acres of scenic Atlanta parkland and a giant quartz dome in the center.
- Visit the original Chick-fil-A (The Dwarf House): Yes, you read that right! Atlanta is home to the cafe that created the original Chick-fil-A sandwich, and their menu features unique Southern items you can only get at this location. Think fried okra and coleslaw.
More Things To Do In Atlanta
From strolling through Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine to exploring world-class museums, historic landmarks, and an incredible food scene, there’s no shortage of things to do in Atlanta. Check out these tours and experiences offered by Viator. When I travel, I typically book excursions either directly through the attraction or through Viator.
What to Eat and Drink in Atlanta
Atlanta is one of the South’s top food destinations, offering everything from classic Southern comfort food to award-winning international cuisine. Whether you’re craving flaky biscuits, pimento cheese, barbecue, fried chicken, or globally inspired dishes, Atlanta has something for every palate.
Rumi’s kitchen
One of my favorite meals in Atlanta was at Rumi’s Kitchen, an upscale Persian and Mediterranean restaurant with several locations throughout the city. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a local chain, but it completely exceeded my expectations. In fact, I loved it so much that I ended up eating there twice during my two-week trip.
I ordered the falafel, roasted cauliflower, and a fresh parsley and mint salad, and every single dish was outstanding. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. The portions were also generous enough to share.
If you’re looking for a memorable lunch or dinner in Atlanta, I can’t recommend Rumi’s Kitchen enough. It was easily one of my favorite restaurants of the trip, and I’ll definitely be back the next time I’m in Atlanta.
Ponce City Market
One of my favorite lunch breaks in Atlanta was the walk from Midtown to Ponce City Market. I made my way through beautiful Piedmont Park before connecting to the Atlanta BeltLine, where I got my first glimpse of the city’s colorful murals, public art, and lively atmosphere. Honestly, the walk was just as enjoyable as the destination.
Originally built as a Sears, Roebuck & Co. distribution center in the 1920s, Ponce City Market has been transformed into one of Atlanta’s most popular food, shopping, and entertainment destinations. Today, the Central Food Hall is home to more than 20 restaurants and food vendors, along with local shops and boutiques.
Whether you’re stopping for lunch, grabbing a coffee, or simply wandering around, Ponce City Market is an Atlanta must-visit. Between the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and the market itself, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring this part of the city.
H&F Burger
After exploring Ponce City Market, I was craving one thing: pimento cheese. Ever since a trip to South Carolina a couple of months earlier, I’d been wanting that classic Southern comfort food again, so I headed to H&F Burger.
I ordered a BLT on a toasted bun with pimento cheese added, along with a side of their homemade beer-battered onion rings, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and exactly what I was hoping for.
What really stood out, though, was the Southern hospitality. When my server brought out my sandwich, he smiled and said, “From the top of my heart to the bottom of my heart, I hope you enjoy this sandwich.” As I left, he wished me a blessed day. It was such a simple interaction, but it perfectly captured the warmth and friendliness I experienced throughout Atlanta.
If you’re visiting Ponce City Market and looking for a great lunch, I definitely recommend stopping by H&F Burger. Between the food and the hospitality, it ended up being one of my favorite meals of the trip.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe
After one of my longest days exploring Atlanta, I was craving something comforting. I had spent the previous day biking the BeltLine and, for whatever reason, all I wanted was a warm bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit.
I ordered from Flying Biscuit Café, one of Atlanta’s most well-known breakfast spots, and it completely hit the spot. The biscuit was thick, buttery, and wonderfully flaky, with plenty of bacon, egg, and melted cheese tucked inside.
Sometimes the best meal isn’t the fanciest one; it’s the one that gives you exactly what you’re craving after a long day of exploring. If you’re looking for a classic Southern breakfast in Atlanta, Flying Biscuit Café is definitely worth adding to your list.
Best Places to Stay in Atlanta
Surprisingly, Atlanta feels like several different neighborhoods woven together, each with its own personality. Popular areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, and Downtown all offer something unique, and many of the city’s top attractions are spread throughout these neighborhoods. Choosing where to stay can make a big difference in your experience, depending on whether you want to be close to restaurants, nightlife, museums, or the Atlanta BeltLine.
Expedia
I always book either directly with the hotel or through Expedia, depending on which is cheaper. I like that I can still earn loyalty cash without having to sign up for multiple hotel rewards programs. However, sometimes it is cheaper to book directly with the hotel, so always be sure to check.
Trusted Housesitters
I have been using TrustedHousesitters on and off since 2023. My first sit was in Freeport, Bahamas, for nearly a month with four giant dogs. While that trip was interesting in a few not-so-great ways, I’ve learned a lot from that experience and have had much better stays since. You can read more about my Bahamas housesitting experience here.
After my Bahamas trip, I took a break from housesitting for a while. When I planned my trip to South Carolina, I decided to reactivate my account and ended up finding a two-week housesit in Midtown Atlanta caring for a few cats.
It turned out to be the perfect setup. Since I wasn’t responsible for walking dogs, I had the flexibility to explore the city all day, and the Midtown location made it easy to walk, bike, or scooter to many of Atlanta’s top attractions. It was a fantastic way to experience the city like a local while saving money on accommodations.
Want to try TrustedHousesitters? Use my link to get 25% off a membership.
Is Atlanta Safe?
Atlanta is generally considered a safe city, especially in popular areas like Midtown, Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, Buckhead, and many of the city’s major attractions. As with any large city, crime does occur, and it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly after dark or in less populated areas.
During my two-week stay, I spent most of my time walking, biking, and scootering around Midtown and had a great experience. That said, when I ventured into the area around the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, I found myself being much more aware of my surroundings. I never encountered any problems, but it wasn’t an area where I felt completely at ease exploring on my own. I would still recommend visiting because of its incredible historical significance, but I’d suggest going during the day, staying aware of your surroundings, and keeping valuables out of sight.
As of the time of writing this guide in June 2026, there had also been several high-profile violent incidents reported around Atlanta, including attacks on the BeltLine, at a restaurant, and on the MARTA transit system. Those events understandably raised safety concerns for both residents and visitors. I rode MARTA during my trip because it was a convenient way to get around, but personally, I never felt completely comfortable using it. If I had to choose again, I would opt to explore the city by bike, scooter, or on foot whenever possible. Midtown, Piedmont Park, and the BeltLine are all well-connected, and I found those to be enjoyable ways to experience Atlanta while feeling more comfortable.
What To Pack For Atlanta
For this trip, I wanted to experience a little bit of everything Atlanta has to offer, from outdoor adventures and scenic walks to museums, historic landmarks, and incredible food. Because many of the activities in this guide involve exploring on foot, I packed plenty of comfortable athletic wear and supportive walking shoes, and I’m glad I did.
Whether you’re strolling through Piedmont Park, walking the Atlanta BeltLine, exploring the Botanical Garden, or spending the afternoon wandering museums and historic sites, you’ll easily rack up several miles each day. I did about 20,000 steps each day. My biggest recommendation is to pack comfortable clothes, good walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, electrolyte packets, and anything else that will keep you comfortable while exploring the city.
Tell Me Everything!
What are your favorite things to see, do, or eat in Atlanta?
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I try myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am a Viator and Expedia partner. This post may contain affiliate links through which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting the Eat Well. Adventure Often. blog!