Sheeka Sanahori

From the farthest reaches of the sprawling metropolis that is the ATL you’ll find no shortage of Southern charm and hospitality. The city attracts a mix of leisure and business travelers throughout the year, so it’s always bustling with activity. From historic landmarks and lush green parks to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife scene, the best things to do in Atlanta will please everyone (even kids). Here you can explore the region's deep-rooted history and the culture that the city has spawned, from its arts and industry to music and theater, not to mention the history of the Civil Rights movement. While you’re checking out the best things to do in Atlanta, be sure to dive into the city’s culinary offerings, where you’ll find a slew of renowned bars and restaurants ranging from classic to cutting-edge. Last updated June 2026: Summer in Atlanta heats up with plenty of festivals and events (as well as actual soaring temps). The World Cup is set to dominate event calendars around the city this season, but the best things to do in Atlanta are timeless. We’ve refreshed our list to include pricing and tips to help you get the most out of your time in the city. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

From the farthest reaches of the sprawling metropolis that is the ATL you’ll find no shortage of Southern charm and hospitality. The city attracts a mix of leisure and business travelers throughout the year, so it’s always bustling with activity. From historic landmarks and lush green parks to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife scene, the best things to do in Atlanta will please everyone (even kids). Here you can explore the region's deep-rooted history and the culture that the city has spawned, from its arts and industry to music and theater, not to mention the history of the Civil Rights movement. While you’re checking out the best things to do in Atlanta, be sure to dive into the city’s culinary offerings, where you’ll find a slew of renowned bars and restaurants ranging from classic to cutting-edge. June 2026: Summer in Atlanta heats up with plenty of festivals and events (as well as actual soaring temps). The World Cup is set to dominate event calendars around the city this month, but the best things to do in Atlanta are timeless. We’ve refreshed our list to include pricing and tips to help you get the most out of your time in the city.   At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Atlanta is a hub of hip-hop, soul food and Southern charm, but this city is rooted in history. There are a slew of museums in Atlanta that dive into the history of the South, the Civil Rights Movement and regional luminaries like MLK, Jr. and Jimmy Carter. But there are also museums dedicated to art, science, aviation, football and that beloved Atlanta-born beverage Coca-Cola. You can even explore the history of Waffle House and Trap music. Yes, Atlanta has many amazing museums where you can spend hours learning and having fun. Whether you’re visiting Atlanta for the amazing restaurants, cocktail scene, urban parks or attractions, don’t miss the opportunity to dig deeper and explore what makes Atlanta unique and how the city has influenced the history of the entire country. Here are the best museums in Atlanta. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Atlanta 🍴 The best restaurants in Atlanta👪 The best things to do with kids in Atlanta🏛️ The best attractions in Atlanta

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is finally receiving the recognition it deserves as a standout culinary city. With the introduction of the Michelin Guide in 2023 and the surge of food influencers drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant dishes, Atlanta’s food resume is impressively well-rounded. And with a thriving bar scene and nightlife that doesn’t quit, this city knows how to keep things exciting.  There are plenty of options to fuel your way through the city, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast after a long night out, or a creative take on sushi to tell your friends about. And in a place where Southern food is king, there’s no shortage of opportunities to indulge in fried chicken dishes, shrimp and grits and more. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, the city offers plenty of chic spots where the food is as innovative as the ambiance. From farm-to-table eateries to menus crafted by James Beard Award-winning chefs, these are the best restaurants in Atlanta right now.  June 2025: For this Atlanta restaurant guide, we’ve done our best to cover it all, from hearty, cheap eats to showstopping fine dining. We’re updating this list monthly so you have plenty of options to get you outside, now that the weather is warming up (for real this time) and since the A’s culinary scene is constantly changing.

There is a neighborhood and bar scene to satisfy every kind of night out in Atlanta, you just have to know where to look. Looking for an epic dive for a night out with friends? Bars in Edgewood and East Atlanta have the go-to spots. In the mood for an upscale vibe with high end cocktails to match? Midtown and Buckhead have you covered, including some of Atlanta’s best bars that we’ve listed below.  Of course, we can’t forget Atlanta’s institutions, bar mainstays that’ve now survived new development, recessions and economic booms, plus a whole pandemic. Iconic Atlanta bars like Northside and Eddie’s have seen Atlanta through many stages, and we thank them for their ongoing service.  That doesn’t mean that we don’t celebrate the newcomers—some of the best bars in Atlanta are bringing a new flavor to the city, making for a robust nightlife scene with as many options as there are flavors at your favorite wing spot.  May 2025: We’ve refined our list for this Atlanta bar guide while doing our best to cover it all, from dives to sports bars to upscale spots. We’re updating this list monthly so you have plenty of options to imbibe this spring. 

The capital city of the South has a little bit of something for everyone: a bustling culinary scene with highlights to suit every unique taste, historic tours and museums to educate the masses about Atlanta’s outsized impact on the U.S. and beyond, eclectic neighborhoods serving immaculate vibes and a popular BeltLine trail to get you from one hood to the next. If you’re preparing your to do list for your next trip to Atlanta, make sure you take into consideration the ideal place to lay your head. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, whether you’re looking for a budget conscious option or the most luxurious digs possible. We’ve rounded up the best hotels in Atlanta to give you plenty of opportunities to experience Atlanta’s charm and opulence. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The South’s largest city boasts a wealth of attractions, historic sites, renowned restaurants and bars, music venues, a vibrant nightlife scene and an eclectic range of entertainment options that draw throngs of visitors each year. For those with little ones in tow, Atlanta can be just as entertaining. There are plenty of family-friendly activities and things to do with kids in Atlanta, with opportunities for kids of all ages (and attention spans) that are both entertaining and educational. Museums and markets can keep both kids and adults busy, while the Beltline, leafy parks and other outdoor activities are perfect for burning off energy. Attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca Cola will hold kids’ attention for hours. Kids can appreciate the South’s rich history and charm, and these things to do with kids in Atlanta will make your next visit a memorable one.

Atlanta is a treat for all the senses, whether you go for the buzzy nightlife scene boosted by amazing cocktail bars, or the breathtaking culinary offerings that range from  casual wing spots to cutting-edge modern takes on Latin or Italian fare. The best attractions in Atlanta offer a deeper dive into the history and culture of the city, as well as plenty of opportunities for fun, thrills and even a taste of the great outdoors. There’s a reason why Atlanta is called the city in the forest. Here, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to bask in nature. Atlanta also has world-class museums, a renowned aquarium and attractions dedicated to Atlanta-based companies Delta and Coca-Cola. From sports fanatics and nature lovers to foodies and the athletically-inclined, these Atlanta attractions offer something for everyone. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

It’s no secret that Atlanta has an incredible music scene. They don’t call this place the capital of hip-hop for nothing, and it's helped by the many celebrity faces that were born there or reside there now. Naturally, this lends itself to a pretty poppin’ nightlife scene, too; whatever your music taste, Atlanta has a party for you.  Of course, there’s Buckhead, the center of Atlanta’s nightlife. But over the years, great nightclubs have popped up all over the city. Now, you can dance the night away to reggaeton and Latin pop rock, find the best LGBTQ+ night in town or sing your heart out to karaoke. There’s a reason your favourite artists have all performed here at some point or another. Check out the best clubs in Atlanta right now. RECOMMENDED:🪩 Full guide to Atlanta’s nightlife scene🍳 The best brunch in Atlanta🍴 The best restaurants in Atlanta

If you’re headed to Atlanta but need to spend a night or two without racking up a large bill, you’re actually in luck. Contrary to what you might think, Atlanta is famous for affordability, at least when compared to other major U.S. cities. That means the hotel you think will cost you upwards of $300 or more for a spot near sought-after locations like Midtown, Downtown and Buckhead could actually cost you less than $130, and yes, it’s totally safe. So if you’re willing to sacrifice some of the ritz and glamor of higher-end lodging, there are plenty of options for spending less money while getting the full ATL experience. Use this guide to the best cheap hotels in Atlanta the next time you need to remain within a small budget but want to do it big in the capital city of the South. Updated for November 2024: More choice? It's always a good thing. That's why we've added four new additions to our list, including two with unforgettable rooftops. RECOMMENDED:⚾️ Check out the best things to do in ATL 🏨 Looking for the best hotels in ATL? Here you go. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.