The beautiful city of Atlanta-Georgia is a stunning destination that boasts a rich history coupled with world-class attractions that keep drawing visitors from the four corners of the world. The beating heart of the American South was initially a railroad town that served as a link to other remote corners of the southeast and still remains a hub for transportation to this day. Besides transportation, the Peach City is also a hub for art, industry and natural wonders — it’s also an epicenter of culture, cuisine, and music in the south.
Just a single visit to Atlanta can satisfy almost any urge — you’re sure to have a blast regardless of whether you’re looking to enjoy superb dining, chic luxury shopping or some of its major attractions.
It’s good to know that the city of Atlanta was a touch point in the era of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Today, visitors can learn more about those past events by visiting the Center for Civil and Human Rights as well as the Martin Luther King, Jr Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
Not so interested in history? No problem! There are still a whole lot of fun stuff in town to keep you occupied. The city has the largest aquarium in the hemisphere, the Georgia Aquarium — here visitors can get up close and personal with sharks and whales. You can also head to the Woodruff Arts Center to enjoy a performance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and still watch a movie or two while you’re at it. The Piedmont Park, Stone Mountain Park and the College Football Hall of Fame are also popular attractions you would want to check out while in the Peach City.
You’ll also be glad to know that Atlanta has a vibrant restaurant scene, giving visitors and locals the chance to enjoy the some of the best tasting foods money can buy. The city’s stunning boutiques and artisanal shops are also amazing! Atlanta’s nightlife is also spectacular — it’s not called Hotlanta for nothing.
How about we make things a whole lot easier with excellent tips and suggestions? Are you game?
We’re pretty sure you are — let’s get to it!
- For starters, the summers in Atlanta are typically hot and steamy, so you would want to skip the city in July and August. Rain is also frequent in this season.
- It’s great to visit the city in fall or early winter. Spring is yet another lovely time to visit — you’ll surely love the view of the azaleas and dogwoods. It’s also good to know that the city’s winters are mild. Moreover, fewer hotels and restaurants are booked by this time.
Good to Know
Atlanta is just 90 miles away from the Blue Ridge Mountains — so you can pack some comfy walking shoes and hiking gears if you got a thing for exploring natural attractions.
Getting Around Atlanta
Although Atlanta is famed for its legendary traffic, it’s still in your best interest to navigate it by car. It’s great to rent a car for some sites and stick to public transportation for others. Speaking of public transportation, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is your best bet if you’re looking access major destinations and attractions in the city.
It’s important to note that Atlanta can be a bit difficult to navigate and this is primarily because most streets names have the word “Peachtree” in them. It’s great to get detailed directions before heading out or use a GPS device to get around town.
Eating Out
The very first thing you should know is that Atlanta is home to world-class chefs. That being said, you can be sure that the restaurant scene will be nothing less than amazing. It’s also good to point out that Atlanta’s restaurants are growing faster than a family of rabbits and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon. Here are some of the best restaurants you should check out without fail — you’re unlikely to go wrong with any of them!
- Bone’s Restaurant
- Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
- Aviva by Kameel
- Desta Ethiopian Kitchen
- Antico Pizza Napoletana
- Pasta Da Pulcinella
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
- Cuts Steakhouse
- Kevin Rathbun Steak
- Hsu’s Gourmet
- Cantoon Cooks
- Bistro Niko
- Alma Cocino
There are still a plethora of options to explore, but these should work great for now.
Shopping in Atlanta
Got retail fixation? There’s no better place to satisfy that shopping urge than the city of Atlanta. You’re sure to find everything here ranging from stunningly appointed malls with all of the high-end brands to small boutiques with unique finds. You’ll happily shop till you drop! Now, if you’re in Atlanta for shopping, you’ll want to hit the malls during the week — weekends are typically packed with teens and tweens, pretty sure you get the point!
Here are must-see places if you’re truly looking to shop till you drop:
- Lenox Square
- Buckhead
- Phipps Plaza
- Little Five Points
- Krog Street Market
- Virginia-Highland
- Decatur’s Square
- Atlantic Station
Good to Know
There are a lot of local artisans in Atlanta. If you’re looking for location-unique items, the smaller boutiques and artisan shops are your best bet for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Best Places to See in Atlanta
What’s the point of visiting the Peach City without exploring some of its spectacular attractions? If you’re looking to check out some of the best spots around, be sure to visit:
- Georgia Aquarium
- Atlanta Botanical Garden
- High Museum of Art
- Zoo Atlanta
- Centennial Olympic Park
- The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
- Piedmont Park
- Turner Field
So far so good, we have covered just about everything you need to know about the amazing city of Atlanta. Now it’s all up to you to have a blast!
