Atlanta Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Travel Planning & Logistics
Q: Is Atlanta “the South”?
A: While geographically in the deep South, Atlanta is often described as a diverse melting pot that’s distinct from the traditional “deep South” experience. For that, you might need to venture an hour or so outside the city.
Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Atlanta?
A: Spring and Fall offer pleasant weather. Summers can be very hot and humid. Winter is generally mild.
Q: How many days do I need to see Atlanta?
A: 2-3 full days are often recommended for main attractions. More if you want to explore different neighborhoods or take day trips.
Q: Should I rent a car in Atlanta?
A: Atlanta is very car-dependent. While MARTA (public transit) can get you to some major spots, a car offers the most flexibility, especially for exploring beyond the core tourist areas.
Q: How safe is Atlanta for tourists?
A: Generally safe in tourist areas, especially during the day. Like any large city, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in less populated areas. Property crime (like car break-ins) is more common than violent crime against tourists.
Q: What areas are best for tourists to stay?
A: Midtown is highly recommended due to its walkability, access to MARTA, and proximity to attractions, restaurants, and parks. Downtown is also common for major attractions, but can feel deserted at night. Other good areas include Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia Highlands.
Q: Are there any specific safety tips for Atlanta?
A: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots/decks at night. Don’t walk alone in deserted areas. Some suggest avoiding MARTA after dark, though others (especially students) find it perfectly fine.
Transportation in Atlanta
Q: What is MARTA? How useful is it?
A: MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is Atlanta’s public train and bus system. It’s excellent for getting to and from the airport, downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, and for major events. However, its coverage is limited outside of these core areas.
Q: Can I rely on MARTA for all my travel?
A: Not entirely, especially if you want to explore neighborhoods off the main train lines or venture into the suburbs. Many travelers recommend a combination of MARTA and rideshares (Uber/Lyft).
Q: How do I get from the airport (ATL) to downtown/Midtown?
A: MARTA’s Red and Gold lines go directly from the airport to downtown and Midtown. It’s the most efficient and cost-effective option.
Q: Are taxis common in Atlanta?
A: Less so than rideshares. Uber and Lyft are widely available and generally preferred by travelers.
Q: What about parking in Atlanta?
A: Parking can be expensive and difficult to find in popular areas. Many attractions have paid parking decks.
Q: Is Atlanta walkable?
A: Specific neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, and along the BeltLine are very walkable. The city as a whole is not designed for extensive walking between neighborhoods due to its sprawl.
Q: What’s the deal with the “BeltLine”?
A: The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails built on former railway corridors. It’s extremely popular for walking, biking, and accessing parks, restaurants, and shops. The Eastside Trail is particularly well-developed and connects many popular spots.
Top Attractions & Things to Do
Q: What are the absolute must-see attractions in Atlanta?
A: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Piedmont Park are almost universally recommended.
Q: Is the Georgia Aquarium worth it?
A: Yes, it’s consistently praised as one of the best aquariums in the world.
Q: What’s at Centennial Olympic Park?
A: A large urban park commemorating the 1996 Olympics, surrounded by major attractions like the Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Civil Rights Museum. It often hosts events.
Q: What should I know about the MLK Jr. National Historical Park?
A: It includes MLK’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and his grave site. It’s a powerful and important historical experience.
Q: Is the World of Coca-Cola worth visiting?
A: It’s a fun, unique experience for Coke fans, but some find it a bit overpriced. The tasting room with international Coca-Cola products is a highlight.
Q: What are some good museums in Atlanta?
A: High Museum of Art, Fernbank Museum of Natural History (good for families), Atlanta History Center, and the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University (known for mummies).
Q: What are some good parks to visit?
A: Piedmont Park (largest urban park, great views), Stone Mountain Park (hiking, laser show, confederate carving – note the problematic history), Chattahoochee River trails (for outdoor activities).
Q: What’s Ponce City Market?
A: A large, renovated historic building with a popular food hall, retail shops, and a rooftop amusement park (Skyline Park). It’s a great place to eat, shop, and socialize.
Q: How does Krog Street Market compare to Ponce City Market?
A: Krog Street Market is a smaller, more intimate food hall with a great selection of local eateries. Both are popular.
Q: What’s “Underground Atlanta” and should I visit?
A: It’s a historic area that was once a vibrant underground city. However, many travelers describe it as largely abandoned or a “dead mall” with occasional events. It’s generally not recommended as a primary tourist destination anymore.
Q: Any suggestions for unique or “weird” places?
A: Oakland Cemetery (historic, beautiful, great for walks, Kenny Rogers’ grave), Doll’s Head Trail at Constitution Lake Park (unique art installation), Little Five Points (eclectic shopping, people-watching), The Clermont Lounge (dive bar with burlesque, infamous).
Q: Where can I find live music or comedy?
A: The Tabernacle for larger concerts, Dad’s Garage for improv and comedy, Eddie’s Attic in Decatur for open mic nights. Creative Loafing’s event list is a good resource.
Q: Are there any good thrift stores or antique shops?
A: Salvation Army, Goodwill, Out of the Closet, Scraplanta, Motherlode for thrifting. Downtown Marietta and Downtown Decatur for antiques. Chamblee also has an “Antiques Row.”
Q: What about sports in Atlanta?
A: Atlanta has professional teams for NFL (Falcons), MLB (Braves), NBA (Hawks), and MLS (United FC). Check schedules for games.
Food & Drink Recommendations
Q: What are some must-try Atlanta food experiences?
A: Southern comfort food (fried chicken, biscuits, pecan pie, cornbread), BBQ, and exploring the diverse international cuisine on Buford Highway.
Q: Where can I get good BBQ?
A: Fox Bros. BBQ, Daddy D’z BBQ, Community Q BBQ, Heirloom BBQ, Pit Boss.
Q: Best places for Southern food?
A: Mary Mac’s Tea Room (classic, historic), Silver Skillet (classic diner, seen in many films).
Q: What’s on Buford Highway?
A: A stretch of road known for its incredible diversity of international cuisine, particularly Asian and Latin American. Many travelers recommend just exploring and trying different spots. Specific mentions include Pho Bac, Taco Veloz, Mamak, Shoya Izakaya, Stone Bowl House, and Food Terminal.
Q: Any good Italian restaurants?
A: Gio’s Chicken Amalfitano (for chicken parm), No. 246, BoccaLupo.
Q: Where can I find good Mexican food?
A: Taqueria Del Sol, Bone Garden Cantina, Nuevo Laredo, Elmyr.
Q: Best sushi/Japanese?
A: Wagaya, Ginya Izakaya, MF Sushi.
Q: Any specific brunch recommendations?
A: Sun In My Belly, Petit Chou, Ladybird on the BeltLine.
Q: Where can I get a good burger?
A: The Vortex, Holeman and Finch, Fred’s Meat & Bread (in Krog Street Market), Leon’s Full Service (Decatur).
Q: What about coffee shops and bakeries?
A: Little Tart Bakeshop (near Oakland Cemetery), PERC Coffee, Muchacho, St. Germain Bakery (at The Interlock).
Q: Any unique dessert spots?
A: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Butter & Cream (Decatur).
Q: Where can I find good drinks/cocktails/bars?
A: The Consulate, Iberian Pig (Decatur), Beetlecat, Kimball House (Decatur), Argosy (East Atlanta Village), Brick Store Pub (Decatur), S.O.S. (Decatur for Tiki).
Beyond the City – Day Trips & Nearby
Q: What’s there to do outside of Atlanta but still in the metro area?
A: Stone Mountain Park, Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park (hiking, Civil War history), Silver Comet Trail (biking).
Q: Any day trips worth considering from Atlanta?
A:
North Georgia Mountains: Hiking (Blood Mountain, Tallulah Gorge), cideries, wineries, towns like Dahlonega (Hallmark movie vibe) and Helen (Bavarian-themed town).
Covington & Conyers: Small towns off I-20 with a more “Southern” feel.
Athens: College town with good food and music scene.
Savannah: Historic city on the coast (further drive, often an overnight trip).
Paradise Gardens: Folk art environment (about 1.5 hours away, very unique).
Miscellaneous & Local Insights
Q: What’s the “Southern hospitality” like in Atlanta?
A: It can be muted in the city compared to more rural areas, but generally, people are friendly.
Q: Any local slang or terms I should know?
A: “OTP” (Outside the Perimeter, referring to I-285, the highway loop around the city) and “ITP” (Inside the Perimeter).
Q: What’s the deal with Waffle House?
A: A ubiquitous Southern diner chain, open 24/7. It’s a classic Atlanta experience, especially late-night or for breakfast.
Q: Any tips for dealing with Atlanta traffic?
A: Avoid rush hour if possible (generally 6-9 AM and 3-7 PM). Use navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps for real-time traffic.
Q: What’s the “vibe” of Atlanta?
A: Big, busy, diverse, and a “melting pot.” It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own character.
Q: What’s a good way to find local events?
A: Creative Loafing’s event list is a good resource. Also, check individual venue websites.
Q: Any recommendations for a layover at ATL airport?
A: If it’s a short layover, explore the airport’s concourses (they have art exhibits). For longer layovers (6+ hours), you can take MARTA to the city (e.g., to the Aquarium/World of Coke area) but factor in travel time and security re-entry.
Q: Are there free or inexpensive things to do in Atlanta?
A: Piedmont Park, Oakland Cemetery, walking the BeltLine, window shopping in Little Five Points, exploring different neighborhoods, free art galleries like Atlanta Contemporary and Echo.