Atlanta is a booming capital city, but don’t let the traffic deter you! The affordable cost of living, gorgeous walkable neighborhoods, and growing economy continue to attract young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Atlanta also boasts top universities and major corporate headquarters such as Coca-Cola, UPS, and Home Depot that provide tons of career opportunities. The city has even become a top filming location and is home to Trilith Studios where many Marvel movies have been made. See for yourself why Atlanta’s history, culture, and food scene are worth the move.
Come prepared to eat! Peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and mac & cheese are just a few Atlanta favorites to indulge in. Chefs put their own spin on these classics at places like Wisteria Restaurant (Braised Greens Mac & Cheese) and The Varsity (Fried Peach Pie). This city knows food that’s good for the soul.
Voted one of the world’s best food halls, Krog Street Market along the Atlanta BeltLine is a must! With over 25 diverse food and beverage options, you’ll find something for every time of day and palate. Check out places like Fred’s Meat & Bread for juicy sandwiches and hand-cut fries, Ticonderoga Club for brilliant seafood dishes, or The Little Tart for a freshly baked croissant.
For a fine dining experience or special occasion, make a reservation at Poor Calvin’s by Chef Calvin Phan. It’s a local favorite everyone can’t get enough of. The intimate atmosphere and innovative Asian-inspired menu with local ingredients are sure to impress. Between the attentive service and quality, beautifully plated dishes, this is a spot not to be missed.
World of Coca-Cola is the most popular attraction in Atlanta. Sample sodas from around the world at the Taste It! exhibit. This tasting adventure will bring you to countries like Peru for Inca Kola, Romania for Sprite Cucumber, and Thailand for Fanta Melon Frosty. Don’t leave without getting a souvenir picture with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear.
Atlanta has been known for its bustling nightlife. Bar hopping is convenient and abundant in neighborhoods like Little Five Points and East Atlanta. Now upscale cocktail bars are on the rise and full of praise. Watch expert mixologists work their magic at gems like The Garden Room, Biltong Bar, and Bar Margot.
Tabernacle in downtown Atlanta opened as a church in 1910 and then reincarnated as a music venue during the 1966 Summer Olympics. This historic concert venue, currently owned by Live Nation, has seen performances from Elton John, Conan O’Brian, Eminem, and so many more. The 2,500 seat venue has been ranked one of the best in the world for its unique interior design and exciting up close and personal experience between national artists and fans. Listen like a local at smaller venues like Eddie’s Attic, The EARL, or The Masquerade.
The critically acclaimed landmark, Fox Theatre, was formerly a movie palace and first showed Disney’s Steamboat Willie in 1929. The fabulous theatre now hosts about 250 live performances a year. The 2023/2024 Broadway season will include hits like Hamilton, Les Misérables, and Funny Girl.
Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States and is home to hundreds of aquatic animals. Stroll the marvelous galleries to get up close and personal with extraordinary creatures like Beluga Whales and Moon Jellies. The adventurous can cage dive with sharks or swim with manta rays. The facility is also known for its scientific research and conservation efforts for endangered species. Every day at the main Atrium, visitors can watch African penguins go for a “Waddle Walk” with their trainers and learn all about how to protect them.
Get inspired at the High Museum of Art. The expansive museum, boasting 312,000 square feet, showcases rotating exhibits of both historical and contemporary art. Every third Friday of the month, attend their jazz night.
See the sunset from SkyView Atlanta, a ferris wheel in Centennial Olympic Park. Take in unbelievable panoramic views from a private enclosed climate-controlled gondola. Though each ride only lasts up to 12 minutes, it’s so fun to see everything, including the Aquarium, from 200 feet above. If you’re looking to impress, reserve the VIP gondola with a glass floor, Ferrari-inspired seats, and extra ride time.
The second level of the famous Ponce City Market is packed with stores. Shop favorites like Lululemon or West Elm, or one of the many local shops. Find modern men’s clothes at Elk Head, an artistic print of Atlanta from The Print Shop, and build-your-own bouquets at JJ’s Flower Shop. On weekends, take the elevator to the rooftop, THE ROOF, to take in the views, grab a drink, or play carnival games at Skyline Park. This section of the market is an ode to the Ponce de Leon amusement park that was originally on the property from 1903 to the 1920s.
Virginia Highland is a vibrant neighborhood with historic bungalow homes bordering the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Grab your friends and walk the tree-lined avenue and stop in shops like Highland Pet Supply, Urban Cottage, and Dakota J’s.
Chamblee’s Antique Row District has the largest collection of antiques in the Southeast. Find furniture, vintage books, global gems, collectables, and more to decorate your home.
Whether you’re coming in for a weekend to tour homes or treating yourself to a staycation, you deserve a high class hotel experience.
The Candler is by far the most glamorous hotel in Atlanta with its intricately carved marble, Corinthian pillars, vintage bronze elevators, and grand chandeliers. This Beaux-Arts style building has a bank vault where the secret Coca-Cola recipe was secured for years. The art deco themed rooms have thoughtful amenities and excellent views of the city.
Wylie Hotel sits in Old Fourth Ward near the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. The pet-friendly boutique hotel offers a mix of historic and contemporary elements. The renovated hotel strives to be the “friendly” and “homey” hotel it once was as the 551 Ponce de Leon Hotel. The basement’s former Mrs. P’s Tea Room, home of Atlanta’s first drag show, is honored by the modern restaurant named Mrs. P’s Bar & Kitchen.
Colee in Buckhead has a spunky vibe and celebrates self-expression with its colorful, energetic interior design. If you don’t feel like venturing out, that’s okay because it already has 24 hour room service, its own rooftop bar Rosé & Rye, comfort food sandwich restaurant, Sister, and infinity pool.
Atlanta is full of one-of-a-kind experiences, so get out and explore! We hope this guide will make your time in Atlanta as fun and memorable as possible.
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