In the Forested Metropolis: 25 Fun Things To Do In Atlanta

In the Forested Metropolis: 25 Fun Things To Do In Atlanta
Germaine
Germaine 
Updated
| 12 min read

“The city in a forest”, or “the city too busy to hate” are just a few names this metropolis goes by. Truly, Atlanta has earned its reputation as a bustling, innovative world city and a firm believer in the equality of rights of all mankind. This city is dynamic, diverse and fun - as in it is nice and shady under the thick canopy of trees, and will never go out of style. There are tons of things to do in the city. Explore its rich history, immerse yourself in the diverse culture, stroll through beautiful parks, or swim at one of the largest aquariums in the world! A city steeped in history and called the cultural mecca of the south, Atlanta will make sure that you will never be bored while you are here.


History and Heritage

1. Taste the feeling - World of Coca-Cola Museum

World of Coca Cola 2015-04-09
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Marco Correa used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Walk through the 125-year history of the world’s favourite soft drink. Did you know that Coca-Cola was invented by a pharmacist in Atlanta? Or did you know that Coca-Cola produces billions of gallons of cola a year? Learn more fun facts about America’s most famous beverage, and get to view all the Coca-Cola advertisements from through the years. Moreover, you can create your own cola recipe, sample sodas and juices from around the world, and also visit the Vault of the Secret Formula, the place where the super secret recipe to Coca-Cola is safeguarded!

World of Coca-Cola

Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States

Price: 16 USD for general admission; 12 USD per child and 14 USD per senior.

Opening Hours: Mon & Fri: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm; Tues - Thurs & Sun: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm; Sat: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 10-minute walk from MARTA stop W1: Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center or MARTA stop N1: Peachtree Center.

Website: World of Coca-cola

Contact: +1 404-676-5151

Nearby Food: Legal Sea Foods (3-minute walk away); The Sun Dial (11-minute walk away).

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2. Learn about the city - Atlanta History Center

Smith Family Farm Atlanta History Center
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andrew Rehbein used under CC BY-SA 4.0

What was Atlanta like before it became the alpha city it is today? Learn all about the city’s fascinating history and incredible tenacious spirit at the Atlanta History Center. Be enlightened by how the former railway center fought through the American Civil War, when the entire city was almost burnt to the ground. Despite the challenges, Atlanta rose from the ashes to fight towards racial equality and become “the city too busy to hate”.

Atlanta History Center

Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, United States

Price: 16.50 USD for general admission; 11 USD per child; 13 USD per senior.

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 10.00 am - 5.30 pm; Sun: 12.00 midday - 5.30 pm.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: Take the Southbound #110 Peachtree Street/“The Peach” bus, exit at Sardis Way, walk for 9 minutes.

Website: Atlanta History Center

Contact: +1 404-814-4000

Nearby Food: Swan Coach House (5-minute walk away); Umi (9-minute walk away).

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3. Have a novel experience - Margaret Mitchell House & Museum

Margaret Mitchell House & Museum 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Elisa.rolle used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you are an avid reader and book lover, you cannot miss the chance to visit the Margaret Mitchell House & Museum. Stand where Margaret Mitchell penned some of her greatest works, such as the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Gone with the Wind, which was voted as America’s second favourite book just after the Bible. Admire the quaint, rustic home of Atlanta’s favourite novelist, built in the classic Tudor revival architectural style. This inspiring little museum will take you on a trip back to the past.

Margaret Mitchell House & Museum

Address: 979 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States

Price: 13 USD for general admission; 8.50 USD per child; 13 USD per senior.

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 10.00 am - 5.30 pm; Sun: 12.00 noon - 5.30 pm.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 1-minute walk from Peachtree St @ 10th St bus stop.

Website: Margaret Mitchell House & Museum

Contact: +1 404-249-7015

Nearby Food: Empire State South (1-minute walk away).

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4. Blast to the past - Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum - Atlanta
Source: Photo by Flickr user Josh Hallett used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Be taken back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth! At the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, be greeted by 3 massive bronze dinosaurs at the entrance. At the atrium, be awed by the humongous Argentinosaurus, the largest dinosaur ever discovered! Explore the multitude of cultural treasures, fossils, and exhibitions, especially the “A Walk through Time in Georgia” exhibition, where you will be taken to the Appalachian Mountains, Okenfenokee Swamp, and coastal islands! For a fun, interactive science lesson, catch a film at the iMAX Theatre!

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States

Price: 18 USD for general admission; 16 USD per child; 17 USD per senior.

Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs & Sat: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm; Fri: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm, 7.00 pm - 11.00 pm; Sun: 12.00 noon - 5.00 pm.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 5-minute walk from Ponce De Leon Ave @ Clifton Rd bus stop.

Website: Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Contact: +1 404-929-6300

Nearby Food: The Flying Biscuits Cafe (21-minute walk away).

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Tours

5. This just in - CNN global headquarters

CNN headquarters, Atlanta, USA3
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Diego Delso used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Go inside CNN’s world headquarters and find out what goes on behind the scenes of this massive news network! Once an old hotel, the CNN global headquarters now opens its doors to you and lets you in on how they broadcast and film. Take a ride up the world’s largest freestanding escalator to the main newsroom, where you will find out how teleprompters and weather maps work! Moreover, you can even watch the newscasting filmed right in front of you in the largest studio in CNN!

CNN Center

Address: 190 Marietta St, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States

Price: 16 USD for general admission; 13 USD per child; 15 USD per senior.

Opening Hours: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm.

Duration: around 1.5 hours required.

Access: 5-minute walk from Dome-GWCC-Philips Arena-CNN Station.

Website: CNN Center

Contact: +1 404-827-2300

Nearby Food: McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks (1-minute walk away); Glenn’s Kitchen (2-minute walk away).

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Arts and culture

6. Old but gold - Fox Theatre

Fox Theatre Atlanta
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Atlantacitizen used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Step into the oldest music venue in Atlanta, the grand Fox Theatre. Indubitably one of the most beautiful buildings in Atlanta, this architectural and cultural gem exudes old charm. Back when it first opened, the Fox Theatre was the only theatre where white and black people were both permitted, synonymous with Atlanta’s mission to be a racially unsegregated city. Today, the theatre hosts a multitude of events, such as summer films, the Atlanta Ballet, Broadway shows, and sometimes concerts.

Fox Theatre

Address: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States

Price: 18 USD for general admission; 5 USD per child; 15 USD per senior.

Opening Hours: 10.00 am - 6.00 pm.

Duration: around 1.5 hours required.

Access: 1-minute walk from North Avenue Station.

Website: Fox Theatre

Contact: +1 404-881-2100

Nearby Food: Publik Draft House (1-minute walk away); Livingston Restaurant & Bar (1-minute walk away).

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7. See a symphony - Woodruff Arts Centre

Woodruff Arts Center
Source: Photo by Flickr user Will Folsom used under CC BY 2.0

While in Atlanta, you have to see the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Why? Besides being heralded as one of the most creative orchestras in the US, the orchestra has won over 2 dozen Grammys and produced over 100 recordings. Ranging from pop to classical, The orchestra performs in over 200 concerts every year. Watch a concert at the orchestra’s home in the Atlanta Symphony Hall, or look out for their free concerts in parks around Atlanta!

Woodruff Arts Centre

Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States

Price: Find tickets to watch the symphony here: https://www.atlantasymphony.org/ConcertsAndTickets/Schedule

Opening Hours: Tues - Sat: 12.00 noon - 6.00 pm; Sun: 12.00 noon - 5.00 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 5-minute walk from Arts Center Transit Station.

Website: Woodruff Arts Centre

Contact: +1 404-733-4200

Nearby Food: Twelve Eighty - Inspired Dining (1-minute walk away); Tamarind Seed Thai Bistro (5-minute walk away).

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Wildlife

8. Zoom in on the animals - Zoo Atlanta

ZOO Atlanta Panda Cam - panoramio (6)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user MARELBU used under CC BY 3.0

Home to over 1,400 animals and 200 different species from around the globe, Zoo Atlanta guarantees a fun, enjoyable, and educational experience for all guests. Go say hi to Mei Lun and Mei Huan, the only twin pandas in the US, and slither around with some slippery friends at the Amphibian and Reptile Experience enclosure! Hang out with the primates at the Asian Forest, which houses the largest collection of orangutans, and gawk at the Guatemalan lizards - the only ones of their kind that you can see in a zoo! As part of the zoo’s conservation efforts, the zoo serves as a sanctuary to many of the world’s critically endangered and threatened species.

Zoo Atlanta

Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, United States

Price: 25.99 USD for general admission; 17.99 USD per child; 21.99 USD per senior.

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9.30 am - 4.30 pm; Sat - Sun: 9.30 am - 5.30 pm.

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: Walk from Cherokee Ave SE @ Augusta Ave SE.

Website: Zoo Atlanta

Contact: +1 404-624-5600

Nearby Food: Six Feet Under (19-minute walk away).

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9. Swim with sharks - Georgia Aquarium

One of the world’s biggest aquariums, the Georgia Aquarium definitely cannot be missed! The aquarium is home to many habitats, holds a whopping 10 million gallons of water, and features 6 exhibits. Watch magnificent beluga whales in the cold water displays, and play with the rays and starfish in the touch tanks! Nonetheless, the greatest attraction has to be the gargantuan saltwater tank at the Ocean Voyager area, where you can observe a variety of fish and the majestic whale sharks.

If you want to get even closer to the sharks and fish, you may scuba dive in the pool! This is a feature unique to the Georgia Aquarium that allows you to get up close and personal with the aquatic wildlife, so do not miss it!

Georgia Aquarium

Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States

Price: from 36.95 USD for general admission; 30.95 USD per child; 32.95 USD per senior.

Opening Hours: Sun - Fri: 9.00 am - 9.00 pm; Sat: 8.00 am - 9.00 pm. Check hours here: http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/visit/hours-directions-parking/hours

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: 3-minute walk from Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW @ Lovejoy St bus stop

Website: Georgia Aquarium

Contact: +1 404-581-4000

Nearby Food: Legal Sea Foods (3-minute walk away); Johnny Rockets (4-minute walk away).

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Neighbourhoods

10. Immerse in diversity - Little Five Points

Stroll along Atlanta’s most colourful and eclectic neighbourhood, Little Five Points! Grab a burger at the quirky Vortex Bar and Grill, which serves the 30th-best burger in the country and the best in the city. The main entrance is a striking huge skull with red, beaming eyes, so you definitely cannot miss it! Just a minute by foot from Vortex Bar and Grill is the Junkman’s Daughter, a bizarre, colourful emporium where you can find collectables, souvenirs, and even necessities. The oldest shop in the community, the Junkman’s Daughter, won’t fail to intrigue you with their eccentric collection of items! Lastly, grab the best taco in the country and a refreshing margarita at Tijuana Garage.

Little Five Points

Address: Little Five Points, Atlanta, GA, USA

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: 15-minute walk from Inman Park-Reynoldstown Station.

Website: Little Five Points

Near by Food: Vortex Bar & Grill; Tijuana Garage Taqueria & Cantina.

Vortex Bar & Grill

Address: 438 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States

Price: from 11 - 30 USD upwards.

Opening Hours: Sun - Thur: 11.00 am - 12.00 noon; Fri - Sat: 11.00 am - 2.00 am.

Duration: around 1.5 hours required.

Access: 2-minute walk from Moreland Ave @ Mansfield Ave.

Website: Vortex Bar & Grill

Contact: +1 404-688-1828

Tijuana Garage Taqueria & Cantina

Address: 351 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States

Price: from 11 - 30 USD upwards

Opening Hours: Sun - Wed: 11.00 am - 11.00 pm; Thur: 11.00 am - 12.00 noon; Fri - Sat: 11.00 am - 1.00 am.

Duration: around 1.5 hours required.

Access: 1-minute walk from Moreland Ave NE @ 326 bus stop.

Website: Tijuana Garage

Contact: +1 404-475-8888

Junkman’s Daughter

Address: 464 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 11.00 am - 7.00 pm; Sat: 11.00 am - 8.00 pm; Sun: 12.00 noon - 7.00 pm.

Duration: around 1.5 hours required.

Access: 1-minute walk from Moreland Ave @ Mansfield Ave bus stop.

Website: Junkman’s Daughter

Contact: +1 404-577-3188

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Sports

11. Cheer on the bravest - The Ted / Turner Field

Turner Field
Source: Photo by Flickr user terren in Virginia used under CC BY 2.0

If you are a baseball fan, or simply love watching a good game, be sure to watch the Atlanta Braves baseball team play at the Turner Field! Be immersed in the wonderful sporting atmosphere, as thousands of people in the audience cheer for their favourites in the field. With Atlanta’s downtown skyline as a backdrop, there is no better way to enjoy America’s favourite pastime. Also, take a tour around the Turner Field, and learn about the stadium’s history and secrets!

Turner Field

Address: 755 Hank Aaron Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, United States

Price: from 10 - 88 USD upwards

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: 3-minute walk from Pollard Blvd @ Ralph D Abernathy Blvd bus stop.

Website: Turner Field

Nearby Food: Bullpen Rib House (2-minute walk away); Tom, Dick & Hank (9-minute walk away).

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Outdoor activities

12. Stroll through Eden - Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jim Bowen used under CC BY 2.0

Saunter through over 30 acres (12 hectares) of lush greenery and flowery paradise at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens! Stay till night time to enjoy the Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, when the garden is illuminated by a million LED lights during the holiday seasons! Walk the exciting Kendeda Canopy Walk, play in the Sunflower Fountain or learn about the curious-looking flora all around. There is plenty in store for visitors, whether you are looking for an insightful or entertaining time. Do look out for the Cocktails in the Garden series, which takes place every Thursday evening from May to September, and enjoy food, drinks, and live music in the beautiful garden.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States

Price: 21.95 USD for general admission; 15.95 USD per child.

Opening Hours: Wed - Sun: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm, 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm; Tues: 9.00 am - 7.00 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 9-minute walk from Piedmont Ave@Prado NE bus stop.

Website: Atlanta Botanical Garden

Contact: +1 404-876-5859

Nearby Food: Willy’s Mexicana Grill (11-minute walk away); Eclectic Bistro & Bar (7-minute walk away).

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13. Hold on for dear life - Six Flags Over Georgia

Six Flags Over Georgia - Main gate
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user hagerman used under CC BY 2.0

Head down to Six Flags Over Georgia, an enormous amusement park with tons of exhilarating rides! Explore 290 acres (117 hectares) of exciting attractions in the southeast’s biggest theme park. Get on board Acrophobia, which will raise riders 200 feet (61 metres) up into the air, before plunging downward at freefall speed! Have your mind blown by the Georgia Scorcher, as you are dropped 100 feet (30.5 metres) and sent into loops at lightning speed, all while you are standing! Moreover, you can now have a splashing good time at Hurricane Harbor, a water park within the amusement park itself!

Six Flags Over Georgia

Address: 275 Riverside Parkway Southwest, Austell, GA 30168, United States

Price: from 45.99 USD upwards for general admission.

Opening Hours: Check hours here: https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/plan-your-visit/park-operating-schedule

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: 9-minute walk from Six Flags Pkwy & S Service Rd (Six Flags Park) bus stop.

Website: Six Flags Over Georgia

Contact: +1 770-739-3400

Nearby Food: Panda Express.


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14. Climb the rocky mountain - Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park, Georgia USA - panoramio (4)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user MARELBU used under CC BY 3.0

Ascend the majestic Stone Mountain at Stone Mountain Park. Standing at 825 feet (251.5 meters) tall, this giant inselberg (isolated peak that rises suddenly from the flats) is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It has an iconic carving on its north face of 3 confederate figures who fought in the Civil War. Take a scenic train ride around the inselberg, and go up the mountain either via the walking trail, or the cable car, from which you can have a closer view of the Confederate Memorial Carving. Right at the summit, a breathtaking view of the city in a forest awaits.

Stone Mountain Park

Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, United States

Price: from 21.95 USD upwards

Opening Hours: 10.30 am - 8.00 pm

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: 16-minute walk from Ponce De Leon Ave@Cemetery Cir bus stop.

Website: Stone Mountain Park

Contact: +1 800-401-2407

Nearby Food: Campfire Grill (39-minute walk away).

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Food & beverages

15. Shop till you krog - Krog Street Market

Krog Street Market
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user LittleT889 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Shop around Krog Street Market, a 9-acre (3.6-hectare) market at the center of Inman Park. Explore the in-town culture and savour Atlanta’s very own creations at the various market stalls selling fruits, food and collectables. The market also houses some of the best local restaurants in the city, such as The Luminary, which serves mouthwatering French-American cuisine, Grand Champion BBQ, a barbecue restaurant with an authentic Southern style, and Fred’s Meat and Bread, which features delicious international-style sandwiches. For dessert, you have to try a creamy ice cream or refreshing frozen yoghurt from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream.

Krog Street Market

Address: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States

Opening Hours: Mon - Thur: 7.00 am - 9.00 pm; Fri: 7.00 am - 10.00 pm; Sat: 8.00 am - 10.00 pm; Sun: 8.00 am - 9.00 pm.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 1-minute walk from Lake Ave NE@Krog St NE bus stop.

Website: Krog Street Market

Contact: +1 770-434-2400

Nearby Food: The Luminary; Grand champion BBQ; Fred’s Meat and Bread; Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream.

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16. Collect some curious memorabilia - Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Keizers used under CC BY-SA 3.0

At the Ponce City Market, tons of retail shops selling all kinds of random items can be found, such as cooking utensils, antique lighting, and even rotating art (to name just a few things). Shop for some novelty items and interesting souvenirs to bring home, and then settle down for a meal at one of the many great restaurants. Some recommendations include H&F Burger, where you have to try their juicy, signature double stack burger, and Minero, where you can enjoy some delicious Mexican cuisine and a refreshing cocktail on a patio.

Ponce City Market

Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 1-minute walk from Ponce De Leon Ave NE @ 675 bus stop.

Website: Ponce City Market

Contact: 404.900.7900

Nearby Food: H&F Burger; Dub’s Fish Camp; Minero; Boti.

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17. Indulge in malted goodness - Monday Night Brewing

Monday Night Brewing
Source: Photo by Flickr user StickerGiant Cust... used under CC BY 2.0

Here at Monday Night Brewing, you can enjoy flavourful craft beers at the best beer tasting room in Atlanta. If you are a chocoholic, try the Drafty Kilt Scotch Ale, a smoky and smooth drink with hints of chocolate. If you want a refreshing beverage, the citrusy Eyepatch IPA is the drink for you. If you are craving an old-fashioned glass of Scotch, the Nitro version at the brewery will blow you away with its smoothness. The brewery offers tours and beer tastings, and if you visit them within a day of your birthday, you can enjoy a tour and tasting on the house!

Monday Night Brewing

Address: 670 Trabert Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States

Price: 12 USD for the tour and beer tasting.

Opening Hours: Mon, Tues & Thur: 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm; Sat: 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm. Closed on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 4-minute walk from Northside Dr@Deering Rd bus stop.

Website: Monday Night Brewing

Contact: +1 404-352-7703

Nearby Food: Flip Burger Boutique (13-minute walk away).

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18. Be spirited away - Old 4th Distillery

Gin tasting sesh. #melboune #gin #distillery #training #perfectsaturday
Source: Photo by Flickr user Wojtek Zając used under CC BY 2.0

Go back in time at the rustic-looking Old 4th Distillery. This place serves super smooth, unique and flavourful spirits made from organic, non-gmo, pure cane sugar. Sip on their amazing gins and vodkas in the tasting room, which is furnished with antique bar furniture such as old containers used in a distillery in the 1900s. Do drink responsibly though, for if you ever need the bathroom, the bathroom door at the distillery is mischievously disguised as a bookshelf!

Old 4th Distillery

Address: 487 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, United States

Price: 25 USD for the tour and tasting.

Opening Hours: Thurs: 2.00 pm - 9.00 pm; Fri: 5.00 pm - 9.00 pm; Sat: 12.00 noon - 9.00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Sundays and Mondays.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 1-minute walk from Boulevard SE @ Edgewood Ave SE bus stop.

Website: Old 4th Distillery

Contact: +1 844-653-3687

Nearby Food: Edgewood Pizzeria (1-minute walk away); Cafe 458 (1-minute walk away); Staplehouse (2-minute walk away).

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Freebies in the city!

Everyone loves a freebie! Ranging from museums, art exhibitions, and outdoor activities, here are a list of fun things you can do in the city that won’t cost you a dime!

19. Have a dream - Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Ebenezer Baptist Church & Visitor Center - Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site - Atlanta - Georgia - USA (34250955346)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Adam Jones used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Pay homage to one of the most inspirational speakers in history at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. at his very own birthplace and home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was baptised, and the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, where you can find King’s own footprints. Finally, visit his tomb, where he finally rests.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312, United States

Price: FREE!

Opening Hours: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 2-minute walk from Jackson St NE @ Old Wheat St NE bus stop.

Website: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Contact: +1 404-331-5190

Nearby Food: Cafe 458 (4-minute walk away); The Original Jamaican Restaurant (4-minute walk away).

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20. Detour from the mainstream - Krog Street Tunnel

Bored of the mainstream art museums? Visit the Krog Street Tunnel, a public area showcasing the city’s own, uninhibited artworks. Be inspired by the tunnel that is brought to life by the creative artworks and occasional performances by local artists. If you are feeling expressive, why not leave behind a tag or a piece of art of your own in the tunnel? The best thing about the Krog Street Tunnel is that it is dynamic, with new surprises awaiting each time you visit.

Krog Street Tunnel

Address: 1 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States

Price: FREE!

Duration: around 1 hour required.

Access: 15-minute walk from Inman Park-Reynoldstown Station.

Website: Krog Street Tunnel

Contact: +1 404-492-0847

Nearby Food: 97 Estoria (3-minute walk away); Miso Izakaya (6-minute walk away).

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21. Be dazzled - Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park splash fountain
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Scott Ehardt used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

One of Atlanta’s most iconic attractions, the Centennial Olympic Park is a gorgeous, 21-acre (8.5-hectare) park in the city’s downtown. Enjoy live music at the park, where free lunchtime concerts are held every day, and evening concerts are held on Wednesdays. The park also hosts a variety of exciting festivals and events, such as the Holiday in Lights and Ice Skating Rink, to name a few. Splash around at the Fountain of Rings, a beautiful fountain that integrates the Olympic rings symbol in its design, and has stunning fountain shows at various times. You can also enjoy an audio walking tour that is accessible on the park’s website.

Centennial Olympic Park

Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States

Price: FREE!

Opening Hours: 7.00 am - 11.00 pm.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 9-minute walk from Peachtree Center Station.

Website: Centennial Olympic Park

Contact: +1 404-223-4412

Nearby Food: Goodie Burger (beside the Fountain of Rings); Kwan’s Deli and Korean Kitchen (1-minute walk away); Legal Sea Foods (3-minute walk away).

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22. Enjoy the tranquility - Piedmont Park

Piedmont-park-urban-park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Goingstuckey used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Conveniently located next to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Piedmont Park is the perfect place to unwind in the gorgeous, great outdoors. There is plenty to do in the park: walk, jog, play tennis, swim in the pool, have a picnic, or walk your dog. Within the park there is a huge lake where you can feed the ducks and enjoy the gorgeous view of the Midtown Atlanta skyline. This picturesque park also hosts many events, such as Music Midtown, the Gay Pride Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, and more.

Piedmont Park

Address: 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, United States

Price: FREE!

Opening Hours: 6.00 am - 11.00 pm.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 19-minute walk from Midtown Station.

Website: Piedmont Park

Contact: +1 404-875-7275

Nearby Food: The Nook on Piedmont Park (6-minute walk away); Willy’s Mexicana Grill (7-minute walk away).

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23. Say namaste - Atlantic Station’s Central Park

Atlantic station 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user w:Matt Britt used under CC BY 3.0

Enjoy free yoga sessions at Atlantic Station’s Central Park! A joint initiative between Athleta Atlantic Station and Evolation Yoga, Wellness Wednesdays offers free yoga lessons every Wednesday from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm in the spring / summer season. Complete the regimented routine of stretches with the trained yoga instructors in the tranquil central park. No experience is needed to join the class. Just bring along your own mat, a water bottle, and a positive attitude!

Atlantic Station

Address: Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA, USA

Price: FREE!

Opening Hours: Yoga starts at 6.30 pm on Wednesdays.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: 20-minute walk from Arts Center Transit Station.

Website: Atlantic Station

Contact: Athleta @ Atlantic Station: +1 404-249-0288; Evolation Yoga Atlanta: +1 844-287-4420

Nearby Food: Fishook Grille; The Pig and The Pearl.

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24. Tour the city on foot - Atlanta BeltLine

Sculptures Atlanta beltline
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Robert Neff used under CC BY 2.0

The Atlanta BeltLine is a pedestrian trail following an old railway track, and a great free mode of transport around the city! Ditch the metro, buses, and taxis, as the beltline connects 45 neighbourhoods in the downtown area, and is near many restaurants, attractions, and parks. Some places of interest along the beltline include the Historic Fourth Ward Park, Krog Street Market in Inman Park, and Krog Street Tunnel. Moreover, the beltline doubles up as a public art exhibition, featuring sculptures and other artwork along the way. So rent a bicycle, or strap on a pair of comfortable shoes, and tour the city on the Atlanta BeltLine!

Atlanta Beltline Inc

Address: 100 Peachtree St NW #2300, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States

Price: FREE!

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: 2-minute walk from Peachtree Center Station.

Website: Atlanta Beltline Inc

Contact: +1 404-477-3003

Nearby Food: The Sun Dial (4-minute walk away); Polaris (7-minute walk away).

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25. Reconnect with nature - Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center

Visitor Center at Autrey Mill
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Csteche1 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This is a fascinating and beautiful place. The hiking trails are well laid out and the wooded acreage makes you feel like you are out in the wilderness. Interesting exhibits including a church and the Summerour house. Worth a visit! jefe54
Located in Johns Creek, the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center features 46 acres (18.6 hectares) of woodlands and nature trails, where you can appreciate nature and learn about the site’s history. Explore this scenic nature preserve, which is teeming with wild flora and fauna. Walk along the trails through the trees, past a rocky creek, and springs. Visit the Heritage Village, where you can learn about the history of the woodlands and its past inhabitants who practised a culture of respecting nature.

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center

Address: 9770 Autrey Mill Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022, United States

Price: FREE!

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm; Sun: 12.00 noon - 4.00 pm.

Duration: around 2.5 hours required.

Access: Via Old Alabama Road.

Website: Autrey Mill

Contact: +1 678-366-3511

Nearby Food: Marlow’s Tavern (7-minute drive away); Brooklyn Cantina (4-minute drive away).

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The City in a Forest

The city is full of awesome local flavor with endless activities, shopping, restaurants, bars, adult entertainment venues, museums, landmarks and such. Christy A.
There is an abundance of reasons to visit Atlanta. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie looking for your next adventure, an outdoor enthusiast wanting to get back to nature, a curious historian who loves a good story or simply a laid-back soul looking for a peaceful vacation, Atlanta has got you covered! Moreover, Atlanta is blessed with a long summer from April to October, so there is plenty of time to stay out in this gorgeous, forested city.

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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Germaine is a free-spirited individual who likes to write and travel. She is also a TV junkie and an animal lover. She has been to several countries, and some of her favourites include Australia,...Read more

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