Best Things to Do in Atlanta

When you combine Southern and Korean BBQ, you get something unique. Whether you grab a brisket, pulled chicken or the restaurant’s top-seller spicy Korean pork, your taste buds won’t be disappointed. The ribs and chicken wings come with a unique Korean flare.

Texas-raised twin brothers are a prime example of how hard it is to find a native Atlantean. Moving to Atlanta, the twins missed traditional spicy Texas BBQ. To satisfy their cravings, they opened Fox Bros Bar-B-Q. The sauce is spicy and filled with heat. The ribs are St. Louis style. Vegetarians will even find a sandwich and salads for them.

If you’re looking for a sweeter sauce, check out Sweet Auburn. You’ll find everything from brisket and smoked wings to barbecue shrimp scampi. When you get a craving for some Korean fare, you’re still at the right place. 

When you want to experience real Southern fried chicken with all of the fixings, this cafe is the place to go. Fried fish and shrimp, along with barbecue ribs, are staples on the menu. Here, you can order either roasted or fried chicken, or why not try both? Despite your decision, you can’t pass on their signature fried chicken wings. What really drives people in is the Busy Bee’s Chicken & Waffles. It doesn’t get more Southern than this.

In the historic Castleberry Hill area you’ll find mouthwatering soul food. ATL is famous for its soul food that, of course, includes fried chicken. It’s one of Paschal’s signature dishes, along with black-eyed peas, collard greens and fried catfish. 

The Southern restaurant is a staple in Atlanta. It did close down for a few months due to COVID but is back open for pickup and delivery. You’ll hear locals talking about three things when you mention the restaurant. The first is fried chicken; the second is the chicken pot pies. Finally, you’re in the peach state, and you need a piece of their peach cobbler.

The Colonnade is an Atlanta institution when it comes to fried chicken. Open since 1927, they’ve got the recipe perfected. Make sure you taste their warm, soft, straight-out-of-the-oven Southern rolls. The restaurant’s also known for a specialty drink, the Randy Rita: a top-shelf margarita named after a loyal customer.

The park recognizes the tradition of Southern folk art and its deep roots in the city. Featuring large-scale artwork, it’s an amazing and inspiring sight to see. The city founded the park in 1966 as a response to the more refined changes the Centennial Olympics brought to the city. It serves as a reminder and pays homage to the enduring art.

Located on Peachtree Street NE, the High Museum of Art opened in 1905. It houses over 11,000 works of art that include Monet, Ernst, Tournier and Tiepolo. It also hosts specific exhibitions throughout the year. 

This museum and African American cultural institution is educational, spiritual and enlightening. It’s dedicated to the achievements the Civil Rights Movement has in the United States and worldwide. They also recognize and showcase the challenges the movement still faces in modern times.

Within a mile of downtown Atlanta lies the city’s oldest public park. Even though they sold the last grave plots in 1884, burials still occur. Most are in family plots, and the others are in areas purchased by the city. Most notably, former Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson lies to rest here.

It’s not just a market; it’s an entire community. Ponce City Market is the one-stop shopping destination. Along with a food hall, there are also clothing stores, restaurants, coffee cafes and even a thriving happy hour scene. Whatever you want or need, it’s probably at the market.

Better known as O4W, it’s the oldest neighborhood in Atlanta. It got its name in 1854 when the city council decided to divide the area. To keep it separate from the new neighborhood, residents added “old” to the moniker. It’s also the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.

Bars, restaurants and coffee shops are scattered throughout midtown, along with some great neighborhood parks. It’s an urban neighborhood filled with energetic, young professionals.

Sightseeing in downtown Atlanta will take more than a day, and you’ll want to get a guided tour of the state capitol. The historic center of the city boasts great shopping and world-famous restaurants, along with plenty of attractions that include the Centennial Park District.

More of a district than a neighborhood, marked by a bright red building, it’s a shopper’s paradise. Established in the early 1900s as a commerce center, it’s only expanded into a neighborhood devoted to merchants.

When you want a Broadway show, ballet or comedy, the Fox Theatre is the place to go. You can also catch concerts and tours here. 

Built in 1910 and now an award-winning concert hall, you’ll hear amazing music from local musicians and from around the world. You’ll find The Tabernacle in downtown ATL just inside Centennial Olympic Park.

Atlanta’s nightlife is in full gear at this live music venue. It caters to all music styles and boasts some of the most eclectic decor you’ll find in any music club.

Opened in 1993, you’ll find food, drinks and great music at this venue. Tickets are affordable to the shows, and you get to experience the city’s thriving music scene.

Want to get something unique from Atlanta? The Junkman’s Daughter is the perfect place. You’ll find eccentric trinkets along with clothing, posters and much more. It’s not far from Five Points and impossible to miss.

In the middle of downtown Atlanta’s corporate buildings is the Switchyards Ping Pong Club. Go in to play or watch a tournament. There’s even a bar to relax in between sets.

See where 125 years of history is kept in the Coca-Cola Vault. Open to the public, you can see the vault, but you can’t go in. The secret formula will forever remain a mystery…

Puppet lovers will rejoice at a museum and interactive center dedicated to their old friends and favorite characters. Along with the two galleries and shows, there are also traveling exhibits that include Jim Henson’s nostalgic creations.

Want to see memorabilia from the greatest college football players of all time? The Hall of Fame is where you want to go. Along with the museum, there are also plenty of interactive events. 

The largest aquarium in the world is in Atlanta. The Georgia Aquarium houses over 100,000 sea creatures, including whale sharks. You’ll also see penguins and gators among the live exhibits.

The three-floor museum covers all aspects of natural history. It also puts on shows, exhibits and movies to make your learning experience fun and interactive.

When you want to take a break from the city and head outdoors, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area comes packed with places to hike, explore and relax. There’s also fishing and boating on the river during the warm summer months.