According to growtheology, Atlanta is the perfect city for any America lover. Whether you are interested in American history, like American sports or like to soak up American culture: Atlanta has it all! Georgia’s largest city – also the capital – is home to two showpieces of American culture: the headquarters of CNN and World of Coca-Cola; two real crowd pleasers. But Atlanta is also the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, so you can also learn a lot about the civil rights movement here. Discover the city during a city trip Atlanta or start your holiday with a Fly Drive Atlanta.
13 things to do in Atlanta
1. Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta was the host city for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Centennial Olympic Park was built especially for this purpose. The Olympic Games have of course long since left, but the city has retained a beautiful park. You can now see the park as the heart of the city. There are many tourist attractions around the park, including CNN Center, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and several sports arenas. Centennial Olympic Park is therefore the ideal place to start or end your day in Atlanta. The park itself is also a good place to relax and enjoy the skyline.
2. Georgia State Capitol
With a population of 500,000, Atlanta is the largest city in the state of Georgia. It is therefore not surprising that the city also functions as the capital of the state. At Georgia State Capitol you will learn more about the building and the history of democracy in Georgia. The building is open to visitors from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can join a guided tour or roam freely on your own. Entrance is free.
3. CNN Center
CNN is one of the largest news channels in America. At the Atlanta headquarters, CNN Center, you can learn about how newscasts are made and how they are then broadcast around the world on the acclaimed tour. It also tells about the history of CNN and how the channel has grown into the largest news channel in the world. So you get a look behind the scenes of about 50 minutes. Are you curious about how a weather map works? Or have you always wanted to know how they process election results so quickly on the interactive map? Then the CNN tour is for you! Please note, the tours are extremely popular. It is therefore advisable to book a few days in advance. Haven’t ordered tickets yet? Then come early, who knows there are still tickets left.
4. Sweet Auburn Historic District
For a lesson in American civil rights history, head to Sweet Auburn Historic District. This neighborhood is one of the most important neighborhoods for African Americans in America: Martin Luther King Jr. was born and buried in this district. Auburn Avenue, the main street, is home to most of the historic attractions, including the APEX Museum. In the APEX Museum you can learn more about the African diaspora. Not much further on is the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum. Mitchell is best known for her world-famous 1936 novel Gone with the Wind and the 1939 film of the same name. Municipal Market offers new flavors to try, including Caribbean cuisine and different types of fish.
5. World of Coca-Cola
An absolute must-visit in Atlanta: World of Coca-Cola! After all, Coca-Cola originated in the city of Atlanta: John Pemberton brewed the first version in 1886. It is now impossible to imagine supermarkets and restaurants around the world without it. Learn more about the world-famous drink in this interactive museum. See the safe where the top secret recipe is stored, see how bottles are filled and discover the history behind Coca-Cola. Extra fun: in the Taste-It Experience you can taste different types of cola from all over the world! Join a guided tour or explore the museum at your own pace. The entrance fee is about $20; for a tour you pay an extra $10.
6. Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium is home to hundreds of species and thousands of animals in its seven major galleries, all of which live in more than 10 million US gallons (38,000 m3) of fresh and salt water. It was the largest aquarium in the world from its opening in 2005 until 2012, when it became the third largest aquarium in the world after Singapore’s Marine Life Park and China’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom; the Georgia Aquarium remains the largest aquarium in the United States and in the Western Hemisphere. The aquarium’s notable specimens include whale sharks, beluga whales, California sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and manta rays.
7. Beltline
Atlanta Belt Line can be compared to the High Line in New York City, but is unique in its own way. Miles of walking paths connect different neighborhoods of the city. Not only is this a fun way to explore the city; at the same time it is also an ambitious project to improve the infrastructure of the city. Along the way you will pass several parks and restaurants where you can stop for a while. There are several routes you can follow. Most trails are about two to three kilometers, so they are suitable for all ages. You can walk the routes, but you can also explore them by bike.
8. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, located in the Sweet Auburn Historic District, is – how could it be otherwise – completely dedicated to the civil rights hero. Pay a visit to the Visitor Center, where you will find the Civil Rights Walk of Fame. But in this area you can also see King’s birthplace. The house is still in its original state and can now be visited as a museum. At the King Center, just down the road, you’ll learn more about King’s life’s work and the impact it had on the world. Here you can also visit the tombs of King and his wife Coretta.
9. Grant Park
History Lovers beware! Atlanta played an important role in the American Civil War during the Battle of Atlanta. Grant Park, the city’s oldest park, is home to the Cyclorama and Civil War Museum. You can view a huge spinning diorama about this battle here. Nearby is Oakland Cemetery. Many Confederate soldiers are buried here. Not into history? Atlanta Zoo is also located in this park. Nice for a day out with children!
10. Starlight Drive-In Theater
Time left? Then a visit to the Starlight Drive-In Theater might be a nice idea. Just like in the film, you drive onto the site with your car and then watch a film from your car. From old classics to newer films: they play everything here. Check out their website for the most current offer. There is also a flea market at the drive-in on weekends. You might even find a wonderful find for a small price!
11. Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is located in the Buckhead neighborhood. In addition to historic gardens and a restored mansion from 1928, this complex houses nine permanent exhibitions. For example, there are exhibitions about Jim Crow and segregation, the 1996 Olympics and the Civil War. You can join a guided tour of the grounds or explore the gardens and museum on your own at your own pace. Please note, the museum is closed on Mondays.
12. Filming location
Does the Atlanta skyline look familiar? That could be right! Many Hollywood movies are shot in Atlanta (or Georgia) because of favorable financial arrangements and permits. Piedmont Park offers the best view of Atlanta’s well-known skyline. Atlanta is a true Valhalla, especially for The Walking Dead fans: from the Jackson Street Bridge you will probably recognize some views from the series. Other films and series filmed here include Baby Driver, The Vampire Diaries and The Hunger Games.
13. Museums
Atlanta is a big city. This is also reflected in the huge range of different museums. Do you like art? Then the High Museum of Art or the MODA (Museum of Design) might be something for you. Looking for something completely different? The Delta Flight Museum – dedicated to the airline of the same name – has hangars filled with aviation history. Also fun, especially for older kids: the Trap Music Museum; founded by rapper TI in 2018 and entirely dedicated to the popular trap music genre. Also of interest: the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which focuses on the theme of human rights; or the College Football Hall of Fame, dedicated to college football.
Atlanta FAQs
Where is Atlanta located?
Atlanta is located in the northwest of Georgia. Georgia is located in the Southeastern United States. The state borders Florida to the south, North Carolina and South Carolina to the northeast, and Alabama and Tennessee to the west.
What to do in Atlanta?
There is so much to do in Atlanta! After all, it is a big city. Especially for the real American experience you have to be here. Learn more about the turbulent history of the civil rights movement or about the development of Coca-Cola. Here you can!
Activities for kids in Atlanta?
Children will certainly not be bored here, with all those interactive museums. Also fun for kids: Georgia Aquarium and Atlanta Zoo.
How long is the flight to Atlanta?
There are direct flights to Atlanta from Amsterdam. These last about 9 to 10 hours.
What’s the weather like in Atlanta?
Atlanta has a subtropical climate. However, due to its relatively high location (at 300 meters), it can also get quite cold in winter. In the summer months it is reasonably warm: an average of 30 °C; in winter it is an average of 12 °C. It does rain in Atlanta at a moderate level all year round. The best time to travel is April-May: there is then a nice temperature, varying from 15 ° C to 25 C °.
