The 12 things to do in Atlanta

Visit Atlanta: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of the State of Georgia?

Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, attracts many visitors every year. It must be said that the city has a lot to offer both historically and culturally. In fact, she played an essential role in the Secession War and in the 1960 Civil Rights Movement, a legacy that is found in the city’s architecture and museums. But it is above all his participation in the 1996 Olympic Games, which earned international recognition in Atlanta.

Today visitors enjoy discovering its skyscrapers, green spaces and many attractions. From the city centre, you can easily reach certain strategic locations; such as the Georgia Aquarium, the Centennial Olympic Park or the world headquarters of CNN.

There is so much to see and do in Atlanta, that you are sure to wonder how to optimize your stay in the city. To guide you, we selected a top of the must-sees to visit.

1. Centennial Olympic Park

It is impossible to visit Atlanta without a little interest in sports. Indeed, besides being the cradle of famous sports teams; the city also experienced Olympic games in the summer of 1996. The Centennial Olympic Park , located in the heart of the city, was one of the major sites of these games. This nine-hectare park is now one of the main green areas of Atlanta. So don’t miss walking in his aisles or picnicing. The Centennial Olympic Park also offers great views of the city. Also enjoy your trip to the city to attend a basketball game of the famous Hawks.

2. World of Coca-Cola

Discover the secrets of the most famous soft drinks World of Coca-Cola . This museum retraces the history of soda through different marketing campaigns, the manufacture of authentic glass bottles and through a small film that will take you to the search for the secret recipe. Cherry on the cake you will have the privilege to taste some 60 different varieties of Coca-Cola.

3. Georgia Aquarium

Located in the heart of downtown, the Georgia Aquarium is a must during a visit to Atlanta. Indeed, you will find more than 120,000 marine species like sharks, dolphins and many tropical fish. Don’t miss the Ocean Voyager which allows to observe the famous whale sharks among manta rays, in a 9-metre deep basin. You can also attend a dolphin show several times a day, included in the entrance ticket.

4. Stone Mountain Park

About half an hour drive northeast of Atlanta, discover the Stone Mountain Park . The latter owes its reputation to the largest sculpture in the granite world. Stained on the mountainside, the latter represents three major figures of the Secession War: Jefferson Davis, Robert Lee and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. Many hiking trails allow you to discover this space of 1,295 hectares, in which you will also find restaurants, shops and other varied attractions: climbing walls and miniature golf. Open throughout the year, however, summer is an opportunity to enjoy lights and lights on the mountain.

5. Little Five Points

If you're wondering what to do in Atlanta for an unusual visit to the city, I recommend you go to the trendiest neighbourhood: Little Five Points . Shopping in Moreland Avenue’s vintage boutiques, enjoy Ethiopian cuisine in one of the many restaurants or attend a concert at La Variety Playhouse, this concert hall, built in a former 1940s cinema. This atypical neighbourhood, very popular with young people, will surprise you all!

6. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Visiting Atlanta is also an opportunity to go back to the history of the United States. Located in Sweet Auburn, the national historic site Martin Luther King Jr , retraces the life and work of the nobel peace prize. You will thus discover the house where he lived, the Church where he occupied and his burial. We recommend you to go for a guided tour of the places, but the places are limited, it is advisable to arrive early.

7. High Museum of Art

Notice to art lovers, the High Museum of Art , is the main museum of Atlanta. It presents more than 14,000 works in its permanent collection, ranging from classic to contemporary, as well as works by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. Count $14.5 for the adult entry ticket. Admission is free for children under 6 years of age. The museum organizes numerous exceptional exhibitions as well as animations for small and large.

8. La BeltLine

For an unusual visit to Atlanta, we recommend a walk along the BeltLine . Built on old railway tracks, this walk is both on foot and by bike. It allows to connect several neighborhoods of the city, including the Ponce City market. Throughout your walk you will discover works of public art, parks and views of the city. BeltLine is a popular place for Atlanta residents, who like to jogging.

9. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Another must to visit in Atlanta: the botanical garden . Located in Piedmont Park, this beautiful garden of 12 hectares invites you to discover the flora. The garden is divided into several thematic sections that highlight a wide variety of plants and trees. Don't miss the Tropical Rotunda and the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservator which have a lush tropical vegetation. You will even cross tropical birds, turtles and poisonous frogs.

10. CNN Center

Enjoy your stay in Atlanta to discover the inside of the world-famous QG, CNN. Founded in 1980, this channel broadcasts continuous information from its headquarters in Atlanta, but also from its offices around the world. The CNN Center thus offers the public to discover the behind-the-scenes of the chain through guided tours of 55 minutes. Find all the necessary information on CNN's official website.

11. Six Flags Over Georgia

If you wonder if there are strong sensations to do in Atlanta, the answer is yes. For this direction Six Flags Over Georgia ! A few kilometers from the city centre, this amusement park will delight small and large with its Russian mountains and aquatic attractions. You will certainly come across some of the most famous Warner Bros characters, such as the DC Comics league of justiciers. Sensations assured!

12. Skyview Atlanta

Take height to visit Atlanta from another angle, landing in one of the cabins of the Skyview . This large wheel offers stunning views of the capital of Georgia. Count about $14 for adults, $13 for people over 65 years of age and $10 for children under 12 years of age. For even more magic, we recommend you go for a night tour to admire the city’s lights.

How to get to Atlanta?

The Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the largest in the United States and even the world in terms of air traffic. From Paris it is necessary to count a dozen hours of non-stop flight to reach Atlanta. Several companies offer scheduled flights throughout the week, including Air France, Jet Airways, and American Airlines. As far as the price is concerned, Atlanta remains a rather expensive destination, whose tickets tend to rise during school holidays, so we advise you to take it in advance by comparing the offers on specialist sites as Ulysses to find the cheapest for your travel dates.

Once on site, it is necessary to know that Atlanta Airport is about 20 minutes away from the city, so it is very easy to get there. You can opt for it car rental (13 rental agencies are present in the airport), take a taxi (down approximately $30 for Downtown) or choose the ease/practice of public transport.

Atlanta Metro (or MARTA) is the most affordable option and serves the city’s main tourist areas. You can buy one-way tickets (about $2.50) or one-day packages to vending machines Breeze in all metro stations, as well as in the shops MARTA Ride Stores . . Finally, be aware that once in the city centre, you can walk to the main attractions. The opportunity to exercise a little while discovering the treasures of Atlanta!

Where to stay in Atlanta?

Atlanta has a wide offer in terms of accommodation at affordable starting prices (about 60€ per night on the side Airbnb ): from high-end hotels, to the Airbnb, to inns, you will find your happiness, whatever your budget. Attention, however, as in any destination, it is necessary to anticipate your reservations, consider comparing the offers, especially on this Compare hotels .

On the neighborhoods, there you will still have the embarrassment of choice. For a lively stay, you'll find the downtown area, while Buckhead's residential area offers a more relaxing stay. Sweet Auburn also offers an interesting alternative to visit Atlanta and its must-sees. To help you optimise your city visit to the maximum we offer a small selection of best areas to stay during a stay in Atlanta.

There is now nothing more than packing!