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Atlanta is Georgia's vibrant and bustling capital city, where there is so much to see and do, you could visit time and time again and still not experience everything this brilliant city has to offer.
With direct flights from the UK, a temperate climate, an abundance of outdoor activities and a host of cultural and historic attractions, Atlanta makes it easy to discover opportunities to suit every taste, budget and interest. Check out top things to do in Atlanta during your next visit.
Downtown’s Top Attractions
I started my visit at Centennial Olympic Park in the heart of downtown. Built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the park is a perfect place to kick off your trip because it’s in close proximity to some of Atlanta’s top attractions. Nearby, the fantastic Georgia Aquarium features a Whale Shark tank, where you have the opportunity to swim with the fish. There are also touch pools housing stingrays. Also, don’t miss the CNN headquarters, where you can take a fascinating tour, and the World of Coca-Cola, where you can learn all about how the drink is made and taste over 60 types of Coke products from around the world.
Exploring Atlanta’s Eclectic Neighborhoods
Atlanta’s neighborhoods are surrounded and connected by 343 parks, nature reserves and gardens, including Atlanta’s central park, Piedmont Park, and the green Atlanta BeltLine that forms a 35.4-kilometer loop around the city’s central neighborhoods. This network of public parks, multi-use trails and public transit is one of the largest urban redevelopment programs currently underway in the United States.
I found that the true character of Atlanta was revealed in these diverse neighborhoods, where you will find cool bars, amazing restaurants – like the delicious and fun dining experience I had at Gunshow – and great shopping centers. Atlanta has emerged as the leader in new Southern cuisine, and any type of food you desire can be found here and prepared with style.
The Buckhead neighborhood is the jewel of the city. Known as the “Beverly Hills of the East Coast,” you will find gracious homes, elegant hotels and some of the best restaurants in this charming, upscale area.
Seeing celebrities around the various areas of town is not an unusual occurrence due to the many films and television shows that are shot here. One of the cool neighborhoods where you might see a star and hear some live music is the Virginia-Highland area, which has many great restaurants and bars and has been voted best walkable neighborhood in Atlanta.
Historic Attractions
One of the most photographed landmarks in Atlanta is the Swan House, a beautiful mansion built in 1928. Be sure to stop by for a tour because the Swan House is a showstopper. It was even used as a set during the filming of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."
Atlanta was also home to two Nobel Prize Winners, Martin Luther King Jr. and Jimmy Carter. I visited the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to learn all about the amazing civil rights leader; I explored his home, saw the church where he preached and his tomb. It was a special experience.
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is also a must-see and provides insight into America’s 39th president’s life and work. At the Atlanta History Center, you can learn all about Atlanta’s role in major American events, from the Civil War to the civil rights movement.
It’s easy to see that Atlanta offers lots to see and do, so book your holiday today. I can’t wait to book my next one soon.
