10 essential tips for visiting Atlanta

My Atlanta journey started in 1990 when my parents relocated our family to the metro area in search of new job prospects. It was an exhilarating time to grow up in the unofficial capital of the South. Atlanta had its first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson, in his third and final term; local leaders were securing their bid to host the 1996 Summer Olympics; and Freaknik, the largest college festival for historically Black college and university (HBCU) students, was already making waves nationally.

As an adult, I’ve moved away from home several times, but this city has an irresistible pull that brings me back. Each return offers fresh opportunities to fall in love with Atlanta all over again. If you’re planning a visit, here are some insider tips to help you navigate the local customs, culture, and streets.

1. Allocate at least three days for your Atlanta visit

First-time visitors will need at least two days to explore all the key attractions, starting with Atlanta’s downtown tourist area – home to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola museum, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, all located within the same block. Centennial Olympic Park is just a short stroll away. The King Historic District is a quick five-minute drive from there, and due to the legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, it deserves ample time for reflection. From there, visitors can customize their adventures by discovering Atlanta's neighborhoods, walking along the Beltline—a 22-mile multi-use path—or enjoying a meal at one of Atlanta’s acclaimed restaurants.

Include these top experiences in your Atlanta itinerary.

2. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each season

Summer in Atlanta is bursting with amazing festivals and outdoor events, but be ready for temperatures reaching 90°F (32°C) and high humidity. Winters are mild, but there's a noticeable drop in activities as locals aren’t fond of cold weather. Spring and fall offer enchanting experiences in the city, but be cautious of allergens; Atlanta's trees produce a lot of pollen in spring, so while you’re enjoying the beautiful dogwood blossoms, you might be sneezing too.

3. Get ready to socialize and be seen in Atlanta

In Atlanta, the party scene extends beyond the night. Day parties and lounge-style restaurants—coined as 'clubstaurants' by one site—are everywhere. This vibe may be unusual for some visitors. TikTok food critic Keith Lee was taken aback by the hospitality levels at a few of these spots. To enjoy them like a local, embrace the atmosphere rather than expecting traditional dining service.

4. Sunday alcohol sales can be a bit perplexing

Southern cities have a complex stance on Sunday alcohol sales, and Atlanta is no exception. Keeping up with the various regulations can be tricky, especially since laws differ from county to county. Within Atlanta city limits, you can enjoy a Sunday morning mimosa or Bloody Mary at brunch starting at 11 AM. However, if you venture outside Atlanta or Fulton County, be mindful that local laws may vary.

5. Navigating Atlanta without a car can be tough

MARTA serves as Atlanta’s public transit system and is generally reliable and safe. Many residents and visitors utilize the red and yellow train lines to travel to and from the airport, but the system lacks the coverage needed to reach all of the city’s highlights, which are scattered across a vast metro area. Renting a car or using rideshare services are your best bets. Local officials have struggled to keep pace with infrastructure demands from the city’s booming population, leading to frequent and unexpected traffic congestion. Be sure to plan ahead for any timed entries.

Get around like a local with these tips.

6. Atlanta features multiple Peachtree Streets

It seems the person tasked with naming streets in Atlanta ran out of creativity. You'll find a plethora of roads named after peach trees. While it's charming since Georgia is famously known as the Peach State, the novelty wears off quickly. At last count, 71 roads in Atlanta include Peachtree in their names. This can become quite confusing, so make sure to pay attention to whether you’re looking for Peachtree Street, Road, or Way.

7. Savor the local cuisine

You can't visit the South without indulging in soul food, and Atlanta offers some iconic dishes. Keep an eye out for local favorites like shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes served with pimento cheese. Don’t miss out on new classics such as lemon pepper wings. For a diverse culinary experience, check out the food hall at Ponce City Market, Buford Highway Farmers Market, or East Atlanta Village.

Other states might have different opinions, but here, we proudly embrace the diner chain Waffle House, founded in nearby Avondale Estates. Most locals have their hash brown preferences down pat, whether it’s smothered (with sautéed onions), covered (with melted cheese), diced (with chopped tomatoes), or capped (with mushrooms).

8. Using the term Hotlanta might earn you some side-eye

Sure, we’re aware that Atlanta heats up in the summer and is bustling with activities year-round. However, neither of these facts justifies referring to the city as Hotlanta. While this nickname might have been fitting when it first emerged in the 20th century, today it immediately marks you as an outsider. Locals often opt for casual nicknames like “the A” or “A-T-L.” For a more sophisticated touch, The Gate City and the City in a Forest are also appropriate, though they're rarely used in casual chats.

9. The heartbeat of Black culture resonates through Atlanta

Atlanta boasts the second largest population of Black Americans in the US, following New York City. This is just one reason the Black community regards Atlanta as a cultural epicenter. The city is home to four HBCUs, Tyler Perry Studios, and has profound ties to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. Atlanta continues to be a significant hub for hip hop, showcasing early pioneers like Frank Ski and Kilo Ali, alongside legends such as OutKast, Ludacris, and T.I., as well as emerging stars like Two Chains, Gucci, Future, and 21 Savage.

10. Atlanta warmly welcomes our LGBTQ+ community

For over two decades, Atlanta has also served as a vibrant hub for the Black queer community. Each Labor Day weekend, the community unites to celebrate Atlanta Black Pride. Throughout the year, there are various opportunities to join in the festivities, whether during Atlanta Pride in October or at popular local gay bars and clubs like Bulldogs and My Sister’s Room.