Traveling is one of the most refreshing activities you can do right now and the Peach State’s largest city is the place to be. Atlanta has many things to do if you’re coming into town.
This article will show you everything you need to know about traveling to Atlanta and:
Atlanta Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know Before You Go
The first thing you should do when visiting Atlanta is to dress the part. Being located in the Southeast, it can get quite humid in the warmer months. Check our our Atlanta Style Guide on some pointers on what to wear to the ATL.
After you get your threads in order, it’s time hit the big city!
In Atlanta, you’ll notice a lot of trees, hills and beautiful structures. Much of Atlanta’s forward-looking design is due to that relatively recent reconstruction. In the mid-19th Century, superstar architect John C. Portman Jr. was commissioned to design much of the city’s downtown facade.
Portman’s neofuturistic designs are evident on such downtown Atlanta structures as Peachtree Center, -designed Hyatt, Westin, and Marriott hotels.
How To Travel Around Atlanta
If you’re going to the city for any number of days, you’re going to want to know how to get around. There are several options to do that: automobile, MARTA, Uber/Lyft and even via scooter. Let’s go over the most popular transit to and fro Atlanta:
Ride MARTA
MARTA is not only a means of transportation, but it is a destination itself. Numerous stations around the city feature installation art and cool features you won’t find anywhere else. There are also some great restaurants near MARTA.
How To Ride The MARTA Trains System
Ride Around Atlanta Via Scooter
Atlanta’s scooter movement is up and rolling, but local ordinances are still being worked out. When those laws are finalized, many of the scooters are going to be prohibited from certain districts and safety protocols are going to be in place. For now, here are the scooter companies operating in Atlanta:
- Bird Scooters: Perhaps the most dominant electric scooter in Atlanta is Bird. How much does it cost to ride a Bird scooter? A flat fee of $1 to ride the scooter plus 15 cents per minute.
- Lyft Scooters: The ridesharing service began to mobilize its scooters around Atlanta in late 2018. You can especially find them in Midtown Atlanta. How much does it cost to ride a Lyft scooter? One dollar to unlock and 15 cents for each minute you ride.
How To Rent A Bike In Atlanta
If you want to help reduce your carbon footprint, riding a bike around Atlanta is the way to go. The city is serious about bicycles as a major transportation option, too. Atlanta is one of the few cities with a “chief bicycle officer.”
Interested in seeing Atlanta via bike? Here’s where you can rent a bicycle:
- Relay Bike Share: The city of Atlanta’s Bike Share program has three price tiers: $3.50 for pay as you go, $15 for monthly plan and $10 for annual pass.
- Atlanta Bicycle Barn: Located on the Eastside Beltline, this bike shop rents and repairs bikes as well.
- Aztec Cycles: Located in Stone Mountain, Aztec Cycles rents, sells and fixes bikes.
- Cafe+Velo: This local company offfers dutch-style bicycles for daily and weekly rental.
- Caravan: Located at Paris on Ponce, Caravan offers bike rentals at Paris On Ponce.
- Catalyst Sports: This company lets you rent specially designed bikes for the physically challenged.
- Mountain High Outfitters: Located in Ponce City Market, MHO has rentals available for BeltLine riders.
Read our guide on how to explore Atlanta via bicycle.
Take The Atlanta Streetcar
The Streetcar takes riders around downtown Atlanta’s main corridors. It is operated by MARTA and adjusts its running schedule depending on city events. To plan your trip go online or call 404-848-5000 for help and the latest schedule updates.
Ride Uber Or Lyft Around Atlanta
Another easy way to get around the city is to take a Lyft or Uber, which are very popular here.
Haven’t tried ridesharing in Atlanta? Sign up for your first Uber ride in Atlanta.
Uber’s not the only game in town. Sign up for your first Lyft ride in Atlanta.
Atlanta is the state capital of Georgia, so it has tons of monuments and landmarks illustrating its rich history, including its Civil War past, the civil rights movement and more. You’ll get an education as well as fun time at the World of Coke, the Atlanta History Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and massive Georgia Aquarium as these buildings represent what’s best about the city and region.
What Are The Best Times To Travel Through Atlanta?
To avoid the crush of traffic, weekends are generally the best times to travel through the city. However, you need to be aware of big weekend events. If there’s a big football game, festival or concert, traffic could grow to a standstill.
- March-May: Spring activities begin to take off
- June-August: Water sports, summer activities and more
- September-November: Fall events, football season and basketball season begins
- December-February: Winter sports, indoor activities
What To Do In Atlanta
As the “city in the forest,” Atlanta’s canopy may hide its many natural treasures, from beautiful parks to cool landmarks and attractions scattered about. If you want adventure, Atlanta’s got that too! But let’s focus on entertainment.
If the weather is nice, check out our Atlanta Festival Guide for the latest outdoor events.
Apache Cafe
If you want to enjoy one of the city’s musical gems, Apache Cafe is the place to go. Aside from being the venue where India Irie was discovered, patrons will enjoy the daily happy hour, food and drinks. With a weekly schedule of events that features Pangea’s Afrosocial, spoken word, karaoke, art, live music and more, this place is a must-visit.
Red Light Cafe has become a favorite Midtown haunt for those looking for a cool establishment with nightly entertainment, including music, creative dance performances and more. Red Light Cafe is located at 553-1 Amsterdam Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30306.
All of the things mentioned here are free, cheap or affordable, which is a necessity down here in the South. Check out all these cool things to get into in Atlanta, Georgia, the city too busy to hate:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
One of the most naturally beautiful spaces in the city, the Atlanta Botanical Garden features 30 acres of plants, statues & fountains with with a conservatory. High society events like concerts, parties and more take place right here, giving the building a fun, aristocratic flair for the old and new moneyed alike. 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Atlanta History Center
Housing the city’s preeminent historical archive, the Atlanta History Center sits on 33 acres in the heart of Buckhead. The center features one of the state’s most storied antebellum homes, as well as exhibits, grounds & gardens. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.
Centennial Olympic Park
The largest park in downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park was birthed for the 1996 Olympics. The park now hosts private events, concerts and is full of serene walking paths and water gardens. During the warm months, bring the kids out to enjoy the Fountain of Rings. Come out at night or on the weekends to see the stars illuminate the site. 265 Park Avenue West, Atlanta, GA 30313.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Got children? Then you’ll love the Children’s Museum of Atlanta in downtown Atlanta. Among the fun things to do here are tons of rides, interactive activities for the whole family and more. The museum features 30,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, including an indoor playground, sand table and more. The museum is appropriate for children ages 2 to 8. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
Check out cool things for kids to do in Atlanta.
College Football Hall of Fame
Downtown Atlanta houses the storied halls of the College Football Hall of Fame, which features historical exhibits on famous college football players and coaches. You’ll love the big screen TVs and the indoor football field. Come on out on Saturdays before the big games and indulge in collegiate gridiron greatness. 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
Where To Eat In Atlanta
If you pass through Atlanta even for one night, come on an empty stomach. That way, the city’s dining scene will truly fill you up with its diverse culinary cuisine that pays tribute to the South as well as its diverse population.
The best Atlanta restaurants are all conveniently located around downtown or Midtown, so you won’t have to travel far.
Atlanta Has New Orleans-Style Food As Well
You don’t have to go to the bayou to find Cajun-Creole fare every bit as good as Louisiana. Try these eateries on for size. You’ll be back for more.
Try the best Cajun restaurants in Atlanta.
Where Are The Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta?
Collard greens, mashed potatoes, black eye peas, need we continue?
Atlanta has a long tradition of soul food rooted in its antebellum past. Now the city has the most black-owned restaurants of any major city.
Explore the best soul food restaurants in Atlanta.
Looking For The Best Brunches In Atlanta?
Atlanta is many things but one of them is a brunch town. There are several restaurants you should experience for the ambiance, delicious food and exemplary customer service. And don’t forget about the bottomless Mimosas.
Check Out These Brunch Spots In Atlanta.
Atlanta Nightlife
Where To Party
In addition to these everyday spots in Atlanta, the city’s promoters and other organizers are throwing all kinds of parties.
Tongue & Groove, Club Compound, Sutra, Revel, etc. Atlanta is a club town every day of the week, especially on the weekends. But where should you got? Here are the best spots to shake your tailfeather.
Here Are The Best Nightclubs In Atlanta
Atlanta has some of the most notable nightspots in the Southeast. For a good time, you can enjoy music at the city’s top lounges from 5 to 9 p.m. then venture to a club that plays all of the hot tracks from trap music to Afrobeat.
Revel
1778 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, (404) 355-6800
Revel is one of Atlanta’s hottest clubs, catering to the young millennials looking for a respite from the professional world on the weekends. Every Friday and Saturday, it’s ladies free til 12 am with open bar til midnight as well. Come and see Big Tigger x V103 Dj Pnut on the ones and twos.
One Google reviewer says: “This is a world-class first-class venue with an excellent light show and definitely an upscale feel I love the fact that you can run into any and everybody from celebrities athletes to your neighbor.”
Truth Lounge
1100 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, (404) 262-7112
Truth Lounge is another club on the well-known party strip Crescent Avenue in Midtown. Known for “Krave Saturdays,” Truth Lounge is also a great happy hour option afterwork.
One Google reviewer says: “Cool spot. Really loud music, maybe too loud. Cool place to bring your friends to dance & smoke a few hookahs(if you’re into that kinda stuff). It can also be a bit crowded.”
Whiskey Blue
3377 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30326, (678) 500-3190Whiskey Blue located in the W Hotel in Buckhead is a cool, hip place for young professionals to gather for an afterwork drink. The rooftop lounge allows you to enjoy a cocktail looking out on the Buckhead skyline. One Google reviewer says: “The staff is always nice. Really good drinks. Beautiful views. It’s a very small lounge so it gets crowded fast. They recently redesigned the interior. This is a great place to visit for a weekend cocktail or beer after work.”
Gold Room
2416 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, (404) 400-5062The Gold Room is a favorite spot for visitors looking to experience some authentic Atlanta nightlife. The place can be a bit smokey at times, but the music is on point.One Google reviewer says: “he DJ was freaking awesome! I wouldn’t go again without a section. You could barely even make way to the bar. Hookah was great. That “body to body” stuff is not the wave anymore. Other than that, two thumbs up!”
Club LaCura Atl
1919 Metropolitan Pkwy SW A, Atlanta, GA 30315, (404) 749-7898
Club LaCura is a vibrant “neighborhood” club catering to Zone 6 on Metropolitan Parkway. The club that brings a lot of med-level rappers and entertainers to rock the crowd. If you’re a fan of underground rappers, LaCura often books those types of artists.One Google reviewer says: “I am from Jacksonville FL was visiting for my Birthday July 7. This place was the Best they showed so much love to a sister in there. I will definitely recommend anyone to celebrate their whatever in Lacura. Thank you to the Beautifull bar tenders, The DJ you sir who had on the black pants and black n white shirt you yeah you with the dreads omg I can’t stop thinking of you and More importantly thank you Mr. Peewee… Love from DUVALLL Baby.”
Mansion Elan
3595 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30319, (404) 997-6901
Mansion Elan is a relatively new addition to Atlanta’s nightlife, but you should definitely add it to your things to do in Atlanta list. Although they advertise a “free with text” option, it may make you wait in line, but that’s OK. Once inside, you’ll enjoy the vibe.One Google reviewer says: “Music Great !!!!! A mix of sounds Grade equipment you can breathe not a smoke-filled environment….. yeah. The renovations are spectacularly beautiful to any clubs from Vegas to Miami recommend this spots.”
Does Atlanta Have A Good Nightlife?
Atlanta’s nightlife is one of the best you’ll find in the Southeast. With so many clubs to choose from, you’ll no doubt find entertainment you’ll enjoy on a regular basis. Atlanta clubs are popping from Monday through Sunday night, with a variety of artists and themes to satisfy the most casual of night-goers. Here are the best clubs to party at in Atlanta.
Don’t forget to check out the city’s thriving restaurant scene. Interested in dining outside? Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.
Final Word
If you plan to go to a club tonight, remember not to drink and drive. And always be COVID-safe.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Do you love a good ale or beer? You also may want to visit to a craft brewery in the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com: