9 Best Area To Stay In For Nightlife In Atlanta, Georgia - Updated 2024

best area to stay in atlanta for nightlife
Melanie
Melanie 
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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.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.

1. Eastside

Ponce City Market large neon sign Midtown, Atlanta, GA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Williamcasey used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

Stayed at this property?
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
3.31 km (2.1 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden
80 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 1 Bed 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apartment was super clean tidy well organized and had all of the amenities advertised
the patio was small and cute and the pool looks beautiful
Cleanliness:
very clean and well appointed
clean comfy welcoming unit
great stay clean and easy to get around the area
the unit itself was spotless and had fantastic amenities
the apartment itself was sophisticated and clean; impressively comfortable bar stools everything tip-top shape
Host:
nice host & very nice home i loved it
has everything you need and hosts were very helpful
great space and super hosts
host aj's detailed visual instructions on accessing the building and apartment were excellent
aj was also super responsive and helped me immediately when i locked keys inside
Location:
great central location in walkable area
close to yummy restaurants
great location would stay again
great location located within walking distance of many great places to eat
beautiful apartment in an awesome location
Read more reviews

2. Buckhead (from USD 288)

Atlanta, Georgia
Source: Photo by Flickr user tableatny used under CC BY 2.0

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.

Stayed at this property?

Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 3300 Peachtree Road Northeast
6.12 km (3.9 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna

3. Westside (from USD 400)

Atlanta Night
Source: Photo by Flickr user Neil Williamson used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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.

Stayed at this property?
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
7.1 km (4.5 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden
169 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 5 Beds 10 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 10

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
speaker system was nice patio was beautiful and cozy bathroom was impeccable
my team and i enjoyed the space especially the kitchen and patio
they also enjoyed the heated bathrooms which was a plus will definitely book again
the place is very comfortable and would recommend to all
Cleanliness:
very clean and spacious
very clean and beautiful home
very clean and the house was beautiful
i loved this place it was exceptionally clean everything was up to date and amazingly beautiful
everything was sanitized and cleaned very well i can’t wait to book again
Host:
paul is an amazing host
paul was also extremely helpful and attentive
paul is by far 1 of the best hosts on airbnb
paul is an awesome host he provided everything you would need for a comfortable stay
excellent place with an excellent host
Location:
it is a perfect place to relax and have a good time
Read more reviews

4. Virginia-Highland (from USD 125)

Virginia Avenue
Source: Photo by Flickr user TimothyJ used under CC BY 2.0

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.

Stayed at this property?
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
2.31 km (1.5 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden
284 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE CONDO 1 Bed 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the space is very well decorated very safe and extremely comfortable
Cleanliness:
very clean and the communication was prompt and very accommodating
clean and well designed space
very clean place in a nice neighborhood
the apartment was very clean and had everything we needed
very clean and comfortable for the 2 nights we were there
Host:
andre was a great host
andre was an awesome host
andre was a great host and quick to respond to all questions
host was responsive immediately for needs
great apartment great host highly recommend
Location:
great location comfortable space
walking distance to good restaurants
great location central to the heart of virginia highlands
great location very nice apartment
prefect location in a lovely space
Read more reviews

5. Midtown (from USD 199)

Midtown Atlanta
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ericstokley used under CC0

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.

Stayed at this property?

The Georgian Terrace

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 659 Peachtree Street
2.22 km (1.4 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

6. Decatur (from USD 254)

Decatur
Source: Photo by Flickr user Daniel Lobo used under CC0

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.

Stayed at this property?

Emory Conference Center Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 1615 Clifton Road Northeast
4.62 km (2.9 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden

7. Poncey-Highland (from USD 185)

The Plaza Theatre, Atlanta
Source: Photo by Flickr user Lee Coursey used under CC BY 2.0

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.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Clermont Atlanta, by Oliver

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 789 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast
2.1 km (1.4 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

8. Downtown (from USD 218)

Downtown Atlanta
Source: Pixabay

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.

Stayed at this property?

Hyatt Regency Atlanta

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 265 Peachtree Street
3.44 km (2.2 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

9. Edgewood Avenue

Edgewood Avenue
Source: Photo by Flickr user Paul Sableman used under CC BY 2.0

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.

Stayed at this property?
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
3.71 km (2.4 mi) from Atlanta Botanical Garden
290 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the work desk came in handy to setup my laptop and the wifi is super fast & reliable
the beds were very comfortable
Cleanliness:
the unit was clean and the beds were comfortable
everything is very clean modern and comfortable
scott's place was fantastic clean and exactly as advertised
sparkling clean unit you felt like you were in a hotel minus the room service of course lol
super clean and the hot tub and fire pit was perfect
Host:
the hosts were very helpful
the host was so nice and helpful
scott was a great host
great host helped a lot
scott was a great host and accommodated all our needs
Location:
great location really close to downtown which i loved
beautiful spot in a great location
beautiful house close to many attractions
great place and better location
scott’s place is absolutely ideal
Read more reviews

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


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Melanie is a freelance travel writer. She considers freelancing for Trip 101 to be a combination of two of the things she loves: writing and traveling. She has gone sightseeing with family,...Read more

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