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Central business district of Atlanta, Georgia
Photo: formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Downtown Atlanta is the central area of Atlanta, as well as the center of Georgia.
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The focal point of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, Centennial Park has now become the center for tourism. Georgia Aquarium, the New World of Coke, State Farm Arena and Georgia Tech are all in walking distance of the park. In the winter the park features an ice skating rink and in the summer there are free concerts. The park often features concerts and other activities, and kids may love to pay in the fountains that are shaped in the form of the Olympic rings.
This 11-story building, squeezed into its small wedge of land, is Atlanta's oldest standing skyscraper, and a well known land mark in the area.
Native gold from Lumpkin County tops the dome of the Georgia State Capitol Building. This restored 1889 building houses a museum which collects, maintains and exhibits significant artifacts, including a priceless collection of Georgia's state flags.
The memorial of Martin Luther King Jr. which was established in 1968. The place shows Martin Luther King, Jr's nonviolent Social Change works. The historic site features a museum and preserves the neighborhood that includes Dr. King's birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church. His Nobel Prize and tomb are also located here.
Housed entirely underground, this shopping and entertainment district is a bustling hub for retail activity during the day and clubbing at night, although it closes at 8PM Monday through Thursday and only stays open until 9PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
This 94526 ft2 museum includes 50000 ft2 of exhibit space and a 45-yard football field dedicated to college football with memorabilia and interactive exhibits in downtown Atlanta.
This museum shows the story of the Civil Rights Movement, focusing on activism in the 1950s and 1960s. The museum also exhibits a collection of Martin Luther King's personal papers. Don't miss the Lunch Counter Sit-In simulation.
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta creates environments and activities where young children experience the power of imagination and the pure delight of learning with each other and with grown-ups.
The museum is largely dedicated to the advertising history of Coca Cola. Experience the reach of the world's most iconic brand in a new, highly interactive expanded space open in May 2007. Good for kids.
The largest aquarium in the world with over a hundred thousand animals in 8 million gallons of water. The Aquarium has a swim and dive activity called "Journey with Gentle Giants." It is the only opportunity in the world to swim with captive whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.
Covering 4.4 acres, State Farm Arena is Atlanta's state-of-the-art multipurpose sports and entertainment complex. Home to the NBA's Atlanta Hawks; it also hosted the WNBA's Atlanta Dream before that team moved to suburban College Park. State Farm also hosts concerts and other major events.
Have a Georgia Peach Martini atop the revolving restaurant bar of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, and watch the sunset followed by entertainment provided by a jazz band. As of September 2024 the restaurant is not rotating.
The NFL's Atlanta Falcons have created a host of exciting game-day experiences and affordable family ticket packages for the fans. The 1998 and 2016 NFC champions, the Atlanta Falcons, gear up each September to kick off the official season. The Falcons now play in the NFL's newest venue, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened in August 2017 as the replacement for the adjacent and now-demolished Georgia Dome. Every year, it hosts the Southeastern Conference football championship game and the Peach Bowl (one of the six bowl games associated with the College Football Playoff). It has also hosted major events such as Super Bowl LIII in 2019 and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2018.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also home to this soccer team, which began play in Major League Soccer in 2017, playing the first half of its inaugural season at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium until the new stadium was ready. The stadium choice was not a coincidence—United shares ownership with the Falcons. The team proved extraordinarily popular in its first MLS season, setting a new record for single-season average attendance. The soccer capacity was originally intended to be only about 30,000, but was soon increased to 42,500, and more of the stadium is often opened up due to strong ticket demand.
The Tabby
This park is home to one of the great symbols of Atlanta, Phoenix Rising from the Ashes by Gamba Quirino. The rebirth of the phoenix, emerging from destruction of fire, is symbolic of Atlanta's emergence after being razed by the Union Army during Sherman's March in the Civil War.
Founders Green, 125 Broad St SW. A half-acre outdoor public space in the heart of South Downtown. Free to enter. Features a large screen for public events and FIFA World Cup 2026 watch parties. Adjacent to El Tesoro with outdoor seating. Yoga held every Saturday. Atlanta's first open-container zone means drinks from nearby restaurants and bars can be enjoyed throughout the area.
Georgia State University is the home of the 833-seat Rialto Center for the Arts. The venue is host to jazz music concerts and dance performances as well as performances by Georgia State's School of Music and the home of the Atlanta Film Festival.
Theatrical Outfit entertains their audience by producing classic and contemporary theater with an emphasis on work indigenous to the culture of the American South. It's also certified as the first "green" theater in the country by the US Green Building Council.
Half-acre outdoor plaza with a permanent big-format screen. Hosts free open-air World Cup watch parties during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as community events year-round. Inside Atlanta's open container entertainment district, so drinks from surrounding bars and restaurants can be carried in.
Festive cantina with large patio.
A favorite among the locals and Georgia State college students who also rave about the Buns and the signature Pho dishes.
The Atlanta branch of the world-famous chain, featuring over 300 pieces of rock memorabilia and burgers, ribs and malts.
Hole-in-the-wall lunchtime favorite pizzeria for pizza, calzones or lasagna. It's a little bit of "authentic" New York on beautiful Broad Street.
Known for its great breakfast options, the line is often out the door. Check the house rules before going!
A pizza by-the-slice spot with rotating toppings including their popular hot honey burrata slices. Vegan options are also available.
Smorgasburg Atlanta, is a weekly open-air food market featuring local vendors. Held every Saturday from 11AM-7PM. Vendors change regularly — expect a mix of cuisines and price points.
One of the latest trendy restaurants to pop up in Downtown, right on Peachtree Street, Alma Cocina is a new Upscale Latin American cuisine that has created quite a following with its reasonably priced Drinks and Food.
Artistic and warm decor with a menu that offers steaks and seafood. Seasonal balcony dining is available overlooking Peachtree Street, but if you're looking for a more intimate setting, try their "Cheater's Booth" complete with privacy draperies.
The Atlanta branch of the world-famous chain, featuring over 300 pieces of rock memorabilia and burgers, ribs and malts.
The 10,000-square-foot, turn-of-the-century industrial building helps highlight the copper and brass brewery; the patio, deck, and large windows overlook Hardy Ivy Park.
Pan-Asian menu, sushi bar and pleasant covered patio downtown near the major hotels.
Seafood diners have enjoyed Ray's on the River in Sandy Springs, GA for years. The same experience is now in the heart of Downtown Atlanta at their remodeled location on Peachtree Street.
Upscale, casual restaurant in Centennial Tower. Traditional American fare with an Asian twist.
El Tesoro is an Atlanta taqueria serving tacos, margaritas, and Mexican-inspired dishes. Full bar available. Originally from the Edgewood neighborhood, the South Downtown location is their "largest location" to date.
Tyde Tate Kitchen is an Atlanta Thai restaurant. Thai-inspired kitchen serving spring rolls, dumplings, and wok dishes. They are also very allergy friendly.
Bottle Rocket is a Sushi bar and grill serving specialty rolls, Japanese-inspired appetizers, and cocktails. Originally a Castleberry Hill neighborhood staple since 2011, relocated to South Downtown.
The famous chophouse of Chicago features steak, lobster and veal.
Southern restaurant from the founders of pop-up The Plate Sale. Seasonal menu with local ingredients; signature dishes include fried quail and whole roasted pork and duck. 40 seats, full bar.
This glamorous AAA four-diamond restaurant serves French cuisine from a popular prix fixe menu and a limited à la carte menu.
This South Pacific-themed restaurant features Polynesian cuisine and Mai Tais.
Dine on local specialties (fried green tomatoes) or try one of their internationally inspired dishes, all while taking in a view of the Centennial Olympic Park.
Perched 723 feet atop the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere (the Westin Peachtree Atlanta), this restaurant is known primarily for its breathtaking views and slowly rotates around on a platform 360 degrees. Frequented by tourists and popular for Sunday brunch. Have a Georgia Peach Martini atop the revolving restaurant bar of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, and watch the sunset followed by entertainment provided by a jazz band.
Downtown’s true neighborhood bar, serving locals, workers and Georgia State University students in addition to out-of-town visitors.
Downtown Atlanta's best bar is the home of the 3-2-1 special and the Wheel of Fun. Great Food, Beer Selection and Bourbon.
If you're attending a conference, sporting event, or just taking in the downtown sights, Latitudes is a great place for meet-ups or night-caps. On weekdays they cater to patrons seeking coffee and pastries.
An Irish Bar with Neighborhood Charm. The place to watch Soccer downtown.
High-tech sports bar with 70 HDTVs to watch the game, and a rooftop deck bar which has a self-serving beer dispenser.
Live urban music.
Brewhouse Cafe is a long-running Atlanta soccer bar. Known as a gathering spot for local soccer fans, with live matches shown regularly.
Spiller Park Coffee is a local Atlanta coffee shop with multiple locations across the city. Named after Atlanta's original baseball park. They're known for their coffee but also have pastries, sides, and specials.
A downtown hotel inside the historic arts district featuring 168 rooms including standard rooms, adjoining rooms as well as spacious queen and king suites. Walking distance to art galleries, restaurants, the Georgia Dome, the World Congress Center, and other attractions. However, if you are a foreign visitor, be aware that this can be an unsafe area at night, and it is not very recommended to use the MARTA station at night. Free WiFi.
Built into a historic office building, this Hampton Inn is close to all downtown attractions and features complimentary wireless internet and hot breakfast.
Located on the I-285 perimeter with easy access to Buckhead, Downtown and Decatur, provides an ideal location for both business and leisure travelers. Property offers complete fitness room and outdoor pool.
All-suite hotel located across from Centennial Olympic Park and walking distance to area attractions. Free breakfast and manager's reception for all guests. Ruth's Chris restaurant on-site for lunch and dinner.
New hotel adjacent to World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium, and close to nightlife within the newly created Luckie Marietta District. Sleek and modern with lots of amenities, including a heliport and rooftop restaurant.
All-suite hotel. Meeting space for up to 250 guests is available for conferences and weddings.
New downtown boutique hotel, State Farm Arena, Georgia Dome, and Georgia Bar and within walking distance to the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park as well as the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coke.
Modern and fashionable décor, first class amenities, and connected to MARTA via skybridge. The views from the top of this luxury hotel at Nikolai's Roof restaurant are the best in the city.
The hotel is close to major sporting venues (Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the State Farm Arena) and has a view of the Centennial Olympic Park. They also host weddings!
Rooms with city views, numerous meeting room and ballroom space for any occasion, dining and entertainment in an atrium setting, and a revolving bar/restaurant on top under a glass dome.
The Ellis Hotel features a women’s only floor, 127 guest rooms, including 12 junior suites and an executive suite, all adorned with a palette of Georgia-inspired earth tones and sleek designs characteristic of boutique style yet comfy and functional.
A 47-story hotel with over 1600 rooms and an impressive 143m high atrium.
This is Atlanta's most recognizable hotel. Its ultra-modern, cylindrical, glass body towers over Downtown and has become an architectural symbol of the skyline. You can ride the elevator to the Sundial, walk around the observatory, and relax at the revolving restaurant and get a 360 degree view of Atlanta.
AmericasMart consists of four buildings that are open to trade only: the Atlanta Gift Mart, Atlanta Merchandise Mart, Atlanta Apparel Mart and Inforum. Each year, AmericasMart hosts more than 400,000 retailers from every state and more than 70 countries around the world in 17 home furnishings, gift, floor covering and apparel markets.
Downtown Atlanta is served by the small Atlanta Streetcar loop, connecting the Olympic park with Peachtree Center and Auburn. Fares are $1 for a one-way trip and $3 for a full day.
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