Discover tourist attractions and tours with this itinerary of things to do in 5 days in Atlanta.
First day in Atlanta
Start your trip with a visit to Centennial Olympic Park. This outdoor space, originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games, offers a peaceful setting for a morning stroll. Next, head to the World of Coca-Cola, an interactive museum where you can explore the history of this world-famous brand and even taste different Coca-Cola flavors from around the world.
After lunch, explore the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. This is the perfect place to marvel at an incredible variety of marine life, including whale sharks, dolphins and rays. You can even book your tickets in advance, click here and see other tour options available on the website we always use.
To round off the first day, head to Ponce City Market, a place where you can have a great dinner and explore the stores and rooftop with a panoramic view of the city.
- Important tip: Atlanta is a city with many tourist attractions, such as museums and tours. That’s why our tip is to always buy your tickets in advance. We buy everything on this website that has the best price.
Second day in Atlanta
Start your second day at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. This historic site is dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. King, and you can visit his childhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached, and his final resting place.
This tour is an opportunity to connect with the history and ideals that shaped the United States. Take time for a quiet reflection in Freedom Hall, a tribute to the struggle for civil rights.
In the afternoon, explore the Midtown neighborhood, where you can visit the High Museum of Art, known for its impressive architecture and vast collection of modern and classical art, offering a rich cultural experience.
Afterwards, stroll through Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s largest park, which stretches over almost 200 acres. There, you can have a picnic, rent a bike or simply relax in the shade of a tree while enjoying the view of the city.
For the evening, visit the Fox Theatre. The historic theater offers a variety of shows, from Broadway musicals to concerts by major artists. But if you can’t get tickets, take the opportunity to dine at one of the many restaurants nearby.
Third day in Atlanta
On the third day, explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Stroll through the various themed gardens, including the Japanese Garden and the tropical greenhouse. The orchid collection is a must-see, and the outdoor art exhibitions add a special touch to the visit. This is the perfect place to start the day surrounded by natural beauty and tranquillity.
In the afternoon, head to the Buckhead neighborhood, known for its luxury shopping options. Visit Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, where you’ll find everything from major international brands to exclusive boutiques. Even if you’re not interested in shopping, it’s worth strolling through the aisles of these malls.
After a day of shopping and culture, Buckhead offers plenty of bars, restaurants, pubs and a lively nightlife. Choose from one of the area’s renowned restaurants for dinner or relax with a cocktail in one of the bars.
Fourth day in Atlanta
Set aside the fourth day for a day trip to Stone Mountain, located about 40 minutes from Atlanta by car. Arrive early to make the most of this park, which is home to the largest piece of exposed granite in the world.
Start with a hike to the top of the mountain, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Atlanta and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. If you prefer something quieter, the Summit Skyride is a great alternative.
After exploring the mountain, dedicate the afternoon to the park’s other attractions. You can visit the Stone Mountain Museum, which offers a detailed insight into the history of the mountain and the region. Another option is to explore Stone Mountain Park, which has additional trails, picnic areas and even a lake where you can rent a boat.
On your return to Atlanta, opt for dinner in one of the city’s best-known neighborhoods, Virginia-Highland. Stroll through the tree-lined streets before choosing a place to dine. The diversity of restaurant options will ensure that you find something to please your palate.
Fifth day in Atlanta
On your last day, visit the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, especially if you’re a sports fan. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of this stadium that is home to the Falcons and Atlanta United. If there’s a game or event, take the opportunity to watch and experience the passion of the local fans.
After lunch, spend the afternoon on the Atlanta BeltLine, one of the city’s most interesting urban revitalization projects. Walk or rent a bike to explore the different sections of the trail, where you’ll find murals, sculptures and a variety of local cafés and stores.
End your stay with an evening in the Inman Park neighborhood, where you can dine in one of the award-winning restaurants. This neighborhood combines historic charm with great restaurants, giving you the opportunity to end your trip with an incredible culinary experience.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to Atlanta, staying in the best areas is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main areas and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
How to save on tickets to paid attractions in Atlanta?
There are many, and great, free tours in Atlanta, but there are also some paid tours – such as museums, amusement parks etc. The good news is that you can buy tickets for all of Atlanta’s attractions much more cheaply.
The best way is to buy your tickets online, always BEFORE you travel. Tickets are always cheaper than at the box office, and you can travel with them safely without running the risk of them being sold out. The cheapest place we’ve found so far is this website.
It’s the largest ticket and tour website in the world. In other words, it has all the amusement park tickets, tours, excursions and even transfers. It’s the cheapest and most reliable place we’ve found to date.
Save money on your trip to Atlanta:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Atlanta cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Atlanta. You will find out the best areas, as well as tips on how to find the best hotels.
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!