Many night owls would argue that Atlanta - known for its attractions such as High Museum of Art and Trap Music Museum - truly comes alive at night. The city has no shortage of options to choose from - a host of nightclubs that offer different musical genres played either live or by DJs, comedy clubs, theaters, cocktail bars, hookah bars, and a plethora of other places. After all, nightlife establishments sprout up fast here - and some disappear just as quickly - in this city that loves to offer nighttime entertainment. The welcome conundrum that locals and travelers alike may face is choosing which place to head to in order to have fun at night while in the area. Fear not, we have come up with this list that you can use as your guide. Just be sure to choose among the best unique hotels and luxury Airbnbs first for your place to stay. Then read one and choose the best area to stay in for nightlife in Atlanta, Georgia.
1. Eastside (from USD 138)

Atlanta’s Eastside, situated just a mile from Centennial Olympic Park, is a nightlife haven characterized by a vibrant tapestry of tattooed locals, captivating street art, and communal food halls. This district is a mosaic of neighborhoods, ranging from the upscale charm of Virginia-Highland to the raw energy of East Atlanta Village and the artistic flair of Little Five Points. Edgewood’s compact strip fulfills bar-hoppers dreams with establishments such as Edgewood Speakeasy, The Music Room, and Joystick Gamebar, where vintage gaming thrives.
In Old Fourth Ward, City Winery takes center stage for live performances, while Virginia Highland beckons you to sip and dance at venues such as MJQ Concourse and Diesel Filling Station. Eastside Atlanta’s nightlife is a diverse, pulsating tapestry that guarantees an exhilarating night out.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apartment was super clean tidy well organized and had all of the amenities advertisedthe patio was small and cute and the pool looks beautifulCleanliness:
very clean and well appointedclean comfy welcoming unitgreat stay clean and easy to get around the areathe unit itself was spotless and had fantastic amenitiesthe apartment itself was sophisticated and clean; impressively comfortable bar stools everything tip-top shapeHost:
nice host & very nice home i loved ithas everything you need and hosts were very helpfulgreat space and super hostshost aj's detailed visual instructions on accessing the building and apartment were excellentaj was also super responsive and helped me immediately when i locked keys insideRead more reviewsLocation:
great central location in walkable areaclose to yummy restaurantsgreat location would stay againgreat location located within walking distance of many great places to eatbeautiful apartment in an awesome location
2. Buckhead (from USD 239)

At its peak, Buckhead was known as one of the best bar areas in Atlanta. While many of its bars and clubs have made way for shops, restaurants, and hotels, it still features a lot of nighttime entertainment options. It also plays host to a number of dive bars, some of which feature live bands while others have DJs churning out tunes. Buckhead is also a great option to head to if you like to go bar hopping. Despite being an upscale neighborhood, you will still be able to find a few spots that offer cheap drinks here, although there are also high-end cocktail bars here if you want something more upscale than the usual dive bar.
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
Address: 3300 Peachtree Road Northeast
6.12 km (3.9 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden
3. Westside (from USD 400)

If you are wondering where to go out in Atlanta, Westside has transformed into a modern, chic neighborhood. Beer enthusiasts will love the fact that there are a number of breweries in this area. Music lovers, meanwhile, should not miss checking out Northside Tavern, a blues bar that was built in the 1940s. Those who prefer drinking while enjoying skyline views, on the other hand, can head to one of the rooftop bars in the area, such as O-Ku’s and JCT. Kitchen and Bar.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
speaker system was nice patio was beautiful and cozy bathroom was impeccablemy team and i enjoyed the space especially the kitchen and patiothey also enjoyed the heated bathrooms which was a plus will definitely book againthe place is very comfortable and would recommend to allCleanliness:
very clean and spaciousvery clean and beautiful homevery clean and the house was beautifuli loved this place it was exceptionally clean everything was up to date and amazingly beautifuleverything was sanitized and cleaned very well i can’t wait to book againHost:
paul is an amazing hostpaul was also extremely helpful and attentivepaul is by far 1 of the best hosts on airbnbpaul is an awesome host he provided everything you would need for a comfortable stayexcellent place with an excellent hostRead more reviewsLocation:
it is a perfect place to relax and have a good time
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Virginia-Highland (from USD 106)

There are two main areas in Virginia-Highland that come to life at night: the first area is the one where North Highland and Virginia avenues meet, while the second area is at the intersection of North Highland and St. Charles avenues. Whichever option you choose, you will be able to find bars and restaurants in this cool neighborhood. One of the places worth checking out here is Highland Tap; its cellar location gives the place a speakeasy vibe. If you are a cigar aficionado, Highland Cigar Bar is also a must-visit.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the space is very well decorated very safe and extremely comfortableCleanliness:
very clean and the communication was prompt and very accommodatingclean and well designed spacevery clean place in a nice neighborhoodthe apartment was very clean and had everything we neededvery clean and comfortable for the 2 nights we were thereHost:
andre was a great hostandre was an awesome hostandre was a great host and quick to respond to all questionshost was responsive immediately for needsgreat apartment great host highly recommendRead more reviewsLocation:
great location comfortable spacewalking distance to good restaurantsgreat location central to the heart of virginia highlandsgreat location very nice apartmentprefect location in a lovely space
5. Midtown (from USD 159)

If you are wondering where to party in Atlanta, it’s Midtown. This area features an assortment of nighttime entertainments, including theaters, nightclubs, cocktail bars, and live bands. Take your pick from either Fox Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, and Center Stage Theater if you want to catch a performance. Campagnolo is the place to head to if you want to pair your drink with fantastic food. Want to feel like you’re partying in the tropics? Head to Tiki Tango. If you want to have a few laughs while kicking back, then Laughing Skull Lounge is the place to be.
The Georgian Terrace Hotel
Address: 659 Peachtree St NE
2.24 km (1.4 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden
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6. Decatur (from USD 194)

Decatur has built a reputation for being one of the top foodie destinations in Atlanta. Still, it also has plenty to offer for those who want to go beyond the gastronomic attractions of this area. At the top of the list is Eddie’s Attic, a music bar that many local artists that have made it big - including but not limited to John Mayer, Shawn Mullins, Sugarland, and the Indigo Girls - have played in. The Pinewood is the place to be if you’re looking for a high-end cocktail bar, while Brick Store Pub is a great destination if you want to sample local beers.
Emory Conference Center Hotel
Address: 1615 Clifton Road Northeast
4.62 km (2.9 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden
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7. Poncey-Highland (from USD 202)

Poncey-Highland is perhaps best known for its historic attractions, such as cottages that have been constructed in the 1920s and Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. However, it does come with its own share of nightlife options. The most popular is Clermont Lounge, which is Atlanta’s first strip club. The Righteous Room is popular with those who like grabbing a drink after work. If you’re a sports fan, head over to Midway Pub and catch the latest game on their screens while enjoying a drink. Brewhouse Cafe is also a great option if you want to toss back some beers.
Hotel Clermont Atlanta, by Oliver
Address: 789 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast
2.1 km (1.4 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden
8. Downtown (from USD 129)

A list featuring the best nightlife spots in Atlanta won’t be complete without including its downtown area. While Downtown is more known for its cultural attractions such as World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Museum, it still has its fair share of clubs and bars. If you’re in the mood for something luxurious, head to the rooftop bar of Glenn Hotel or Hyatt Regency and enjoy a cocktail while enjoying the great views. If you want to experience hanging out at a speakeasy, Red Phone Booth is the place to be. There are also a number of sports bars dotting the area.
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Address: 265 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta City Center, Atlanta (GA), United States, 30303-1204
3.44 km (2.2 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden
9. Edgewood Avenue

It’s an open secret in Atlanta that Edgewood Avenue is the best place to head to for those who want to enjoy both food and drink. There’s a variety of options to choose from, such as Joystick Gamebar, where, as the name suggests, is an arcade bar; Noni’s, a deli that transforms into a bar at night; Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium, a quirky place which boasts of unique drinks and table tennis tournaments; and The Sound Table, where those who love dancing can strut their stuff.
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
3.71 km (2.4 mi) from Atlanta Botanical GardenAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the work desk came in handy to setup my laptop and the wifi is super fast & reliablethe beds were very comfortableCleanliness:
the unit was clean and the beds were comfortableeverything is very clean modern and comfortablescott's place was fantastic clean and exactly as advertisedsparkling clean unit you felt like you were in a hotel minus the room service of course lolsuper clean and the hot tub and fire pit was perfectHost:
the hosts were very helpfulthe host was so nice and helpfulscott was a great hostgreat host helped a lotscott was a great host and accommodated all our needsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location really close to downtown which i lovedbeautiful spot in a great locationbeautiful house close to many attractionsgreat place and better locationscott’s place is absolutely ideal
Enjoy the various nightlife options in Atlanta
Nightlife in Atlanta has an assortment of great places to hang out with friends, ranging from quiet drinking spots to comedy bars. Use this guide to help you find the place to head to for fun in the city, whether you’re planning on spending the night in one venue or exploring the area, there are plenty of fun things to do in Atlanta for adults.
Frequently asked questions about best area to stay in for nightlife in Atlanta, Georgia
1. Which areas to stay in for nightlife in Atlanta have the best bars for young adults?
Atlanta offers an exhilarating nightlife experience for young adults in vibrant neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Edgewood Avenue, and Eastside, each with its unique and dynamic bar scene, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
2. Which areas to stay in for nightlife in Atlanta have a more eclectic and artsy scene?
If you’re looking for a more eclectic and artsy nightlife scene in Atlanta, you’ll want to consider neighborhoods like Eastside and Little Five Points. Eastside, with its vibrant blend of communities, offers an artistic and diverse atmosphere. Little Five Points, on the other hand, is renowned for its bohemian chic vibe, vintage shops, indie music, and indie radio stations.
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