Find out what to do in Atlanta with our list of the city’s 14 best attractions.
1. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world, so it couldn’t be missing from our list of the 14 best attractions in Atlanta. It has several exhibits featuring a wide variety of marine species.
The exhibits include giant tanks housing whale sharks, rays and other large fish. There is also an exhibition dedicated to dolphins, where you can see presentations and learn about their behavior.
In addition, the aquarium has a specific area for penguins and a tropical water section with colorful fish and corals. It’s worth mentioning that the Georgia Aquarium offers educational programs and interactive activities for visitors of all ages. And you can check in advance by clicking here!
2. World of Coca-Cola
Among the 14 best attractions in Atlanta, the World of Coca-Cola could not be missing from the list. This museum is dedicated to the history of this brand and there you can see exhibits showing Coca-Cola’s advertising over the years, see historical artifacts and learn about the process of making the soft drink.
There is also a tasting room where visitors can try different Coca-Cola products from around the world. The museum includes an interactive experience that allows visitors to bottle their own Coca-Cola.
3. Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is an institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Atlanta and the southern United States. The center has several museums, gardens and historic houses. Among the main attractions is the Swan House, a historic mansion from the 1920s.
The center is also home to the Atlanta History Museum, which has exhibits on the Civil War, African-American history and the evolution of the city. In addition, there is a botanical garden featuring plants native to the region. The Atlanta History Center offers educational programs and themed events throughout the year.
4. High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is a cultural institution located in Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood. It has a diverse collection covering classical, modern and contemporary art.
There are works by renowned artists, including paintings, sculptures, photographs and decorative art. The permanent exhibitions include American, European and African art, as well as a significant collection of folk art.
In addition, the High Museum of Art also presents temporary exhibitions and educational programs for adults and children. Also on site are art galleries and a theater showing films and live performances.
- 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.
5. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park encompasses a number of significant sites related to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and therefore could not be missing from the top 14 attractions in Atlanta.
Among the main sites is King’s childhood home, where he was born and lived his early years. The park also includes Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King and his father served as pastors. You can visit the King Center, which houses the tomb of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.
The park also has a museum with exhibitions on the civil rights movement and King’s life. There is also a freedom walk that takes visitors past several important historical sites.
You can even see a free tour by clicking here. It’s a great way to enjoy this guided tour at a low cost.
6. Tour of Atlanta
A tour of Atlanta offers a comprehensive overview of the city’s history, culture and main attractions. The tour can start at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, where you can visit King’s childhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center, learning about the civil rights movement.
The next destination is the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, with exhibits including whale sharks, dolphins and penguins. There you can learn about marine life and take part in interactive activities.
7. Civil War Tour
The Civil War Tour in Atlanta offers an immersion in the history of this period. The journey begins at the Atlanta History Center, which has one of the largest collections of Civil War artifacts in the United States. The exhibits detail the battles, the lives of the soldiers and the impact of the conflict on the region.
Visitors explore the Swan House, a historic mansion that served as the setting for events during the Civil War. The house and its surroundings provide context about daily life during this period.
8. Tour – The Walking Dead
If you’re one of those who want to see and experience a film shoot, be sure to take a tour of the sets of the series “The Walking Dead” in Atlanta. The journey begins in Senoia, which served as the fictional town of Woodbury. You can walk through the streets and see the architecture used in filming.
The tour then moves on to Raleigh Studios, where many of the interior scenes were filmed. Although access to the studios is restricted, it is possible to see the exterior and understand the logistics of filming.
If this description has interested you, just click here and you’ll be redirected to a company we always use for this type of tour.
9. Tour – Stranger Things
Another super worthwhile tour of film sets in Atlanta is that of the series Stranger Things“. You’ll get to know Jackson, which served as the fictional town of Hawkins. Visitors walk through the streets and see the central square and the façade of Hawkins National Laboratory, where many scenes were filmed.
The next destination is Hawkins Middle School, actually Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge. Visitors can see the exterior of the school, where many school scenes were shot.
10. Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is also on the list of the 14 best attractions in Atlanta. Located in Piedmont Park, the garden features a variety of plants, including native and exotic species. There are different themed areas, such as the Japanese garden, the rose garden and the tropical greenhouse forest.
This space also has an elevated walkway that allows a panoramic view of the plants and the surroundings. There is also a visitor center with educational exhibitions on botany and conservation.
11. Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is a historic landmark that opened in 1929. It was initially designed as an Arab-style temple for the Shriners. However, due to financial problems, it was converted into a movie theater.
In addition, the venue is known for its elaborate architecture and its large auditorium, which houses one of the largest pipe organs in the world. In addition to films, the theater also hosts Broadway productions, concerts and other cultural events.
12. Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is an urban park located in downtown Atlanta. Created for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the park is one of the city’s main meeting and leisure spots. With an area of 21 acres, the park offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.
At the center of the park, the Olympic Rings Fountain is one of the highlights. With a series of water jets choreographed to music, the fountain is a popular place for families and children, especially in the warmer months.
In addition to the fountain, the park has several sculptures and monuments commemorating the Olympic Games and honoring athletes from around the world.
13. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum and interactive space that focuses on the histories and struggles for civil and human rights. Located in the heart of Atlanta, the center features exhibits that highlight the struggle for civil rights in the United States, especially during the 1960s.
In addition to addressing the civil rights movement, the center also explores global human rights issues, connecting the struggles of the past with current injustices. With a combination of historical artifacts, videos and interactive activities, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights seeks to educate and inspire visitors to continue the fight for justice and equality.
- 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.
14. Zoo Atlanta
The Atlanta Zoo is one of the city’s main attractions, offering a wide range of animals from all over the world. Founded in 1889, the zoo has undergone several renovations over the years to improve conditions for the animals and the visitor experience. Among the most popular exhibits are those of the giant pandas, gorillas and elephants.
It is involved in conservation and research programs, working to protect endangered species and educate the public about the importance of biodiversity. The Atlanta Zoo is an important destination for families and nature lovers who want to learn more about the animal world.
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!
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