Atlanta was one of the coolest cities in the U.S. years ago, and it continues to shine. There are a million reasons to go to this gateway to the Southeast—basically, it all boils down to one: The Big Peach is just plain fun. From vibrant markets and fantastic restaurants to huge parks, shopping districts, intriguing museums, historic sites, and hot nightlife, Atlanta is full of charm and something for everyone.
Foodies will love the city’s amazing dining scene, from smoky barbecue places, legendary restaurants, to an expanding list of international cuisine restaurants. Families won’t be bored, whether cycling around parks or gawking at dolphins, sharks, and beluga whales at the legendary Georgia Aquarium.
And let’s not forget the great outdoors—just as much of a draw as the city itself. Lush green spaces like the BeltLine and Piedmont Park are perfect for long strolls or bike rides. Plus, Atlanta is only 90 miles from the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, making it easy to squeeze in a hiking or backpacking trip if you’ve got extra time.
Quick Facts
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (seasonal Daylight Savings observed).
Best Time to Visit: Spring (when dogwoods and azaleas bloom) or fall (mild temperatures and warm colors).
Currency: U.S. Dollar ($).
Language: English.
Electricity: Type A (two-prong) or Type B (three-prong) plugs.
Fun Tidbits:
Atlanta contains more than 65 streets named “Peachtree.”
Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the world’s busiest.
Known as “City in a Forest” for its rolling terrain and dense tree cover.
Centennial Park was constructed for the 1996 Olympics.
Getting Around
Trains: MARTA, Atlanta Streetcar.
Buses: MARTA.
Taxis: 24/7 available.
Ride Services: Uber, Lyft.
Best Hotels
Buckhead
St. Regis Atlanta
Address: 88 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 563-7900
Eternal luxury with butler service, fine dining, spa treatments, and a breathtaking 40,000 sq. ft. pool with cabanas.
The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
Address: 3376 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 995-7500
Upscale shopping within walking distance, along with a luxe spa, yoga studio, and personal concierges.
The Whitley Hotel Atlanta Buckhead
Address: 3434 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 237-2700
Southern charm meets contemporary style, with skyline views and a highly rated spa.
Downtown
Aloft Atlanta Downtown
Address: 300 Ted Turner Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (678) 515-0300
Pet-friendly, loft rooms within walking distance to Centennial Olympic Park.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Address: 54 Peachtree Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (678) 702-8600
Historic hotel with contemporary suites, complimentary breakfast, and steps from the best attractions.
Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection
Address: 110 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 521-2250
Boutique atmosphere, rooftop bar, and within walking distance to CNN Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta
Address: 181 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 659-0400
Southern elegance with Peloton cycles, a steak restaurant, and a stylish cocktail bar.
Midtown
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Address: 75 14th Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 881-9898
Sleek spaces close to Piedmont Park and the High Museum of Art.
The Georgian Terrace Hotel
Address: 659 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 897-1991
Retro glamour with a rooftop pool and speakeasy bar.
Loews Atlanta Hotel
Address: 1065 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (844) 983-0899
Within walking distance to Midtown hotspots, along with a winning spa.
Best Restaurants
Apt 4B (Caribbean) – Vinyl records, creative fare, and vibrant brunch.
Atlas (Farm-to-table) – Chef-driven tasting menus in an art-filled environment.
Bacchanalia (Modern) – Prix-fixe organic cuisine from the owners’ farm.
Baffi (Italian) – Seasonal pasta and a patio with a fire pit.
Bones (Southern) – A Buckhead institution since 1979, steakhouse and seafood.
Community Q (BBQ) – Relaxed atmosphere and fall-apart smoked meat.
Fox Bros Bar-B-Q (BBQ) – Brisket in the Texas way and Brunswick stew.
Girl Diver (Viet-Cajun) – Pan-Asian and Cajun collide in a seafood-centric menu.
Majestic Diner (Casual) – A 1929 landmark restaurant offering classic diner food.
Manuel’s Tavern (Casual) – Where locals go for pub fare and cocktails.
Top Attractions
Atlanta BeltLine – Trails, art, and parks along a 22-mile loop.
Atlanta Botanical Garden – 30 acres of gardens and exhibits.
Georgia Aquarium – Beluga whales, sharks, and interactive exhibits.
Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s favorite green oasis with skyline views.
Ponce City Market – Vintage Sears building reimagined as food hall/shop hub.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site – Emotional tribute to Dr. King’s legacy.
Shopping Hotspots
Lenox Square – Upscale brands in Atlanta’s oldest mall.
Little Five Points – Bohemian shops and vintage treasures.
Phipps Plaza – Upscale shopping and a LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Weather
Summer is hot and humid, with winters remaining mild.
January: 33°F – 54°F
July: 70°F – 90°F
Rainfall: ~47 inches/year | Snow: Infrequent (0.59 inches annually).
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