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Downtown Atlanta is the central area of Atlanta, as well as the center of Georgia. Downtown is home to the Georgia State Capitol, City Hall, and headquarters of numerous corporations. Despite the rise of Midtown and Buckhead, Downtown still contains much of the commercial activity of the city. All the places to see here are within 10 minutes walk of each other, and within a similar walking distance of any of the MARTA stations at Five Points, Peachtree Center or Omni-Dome-World-Congress Center.

Understand

Downtown skyline

Downtown Atlanta is vast and can be further broken down into subdistricts. The following subdistricts have their own articles:

Get in

Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta is located 7 miles (11 km) from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Interstate 75/85 runs directly through Atlanta, providing numerous exits into the downtown streets. Downtown Atlanta can also be accessed by MARTA trains and buses. The Five Points Station is where the North-South Line and the East-West Line intersect. Other MARTA rail stations in the Downtown area include Peachtree Center (N1) and Civic Center (N2) on the North-South Line, and Georgia State (E1) and Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (W1) on the East-West Line.

See

  • AtlanTIX Same Day, Half-Price Tickets, 65 Upper Alabama St SW (Located in the Atlanta Visitor's Center at Underground Atlanta), +1 404 588-9890. Tu-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su 12PM-4PM. AtlanTIX offers same-day, half-price tickets to performing arts events and cultural attractions. Tickets can be purchased at the booth or online.
  • Centennial Olympic Park, +1 404 222-7275. The focal point of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, Centennial Park has now become the center for tourism. Georgia Aquarium, the New World of Coke, CNN Center, Phillips Arena and Georgia Tech are all in walking distance of the park. In the winter the park features an ice skating rink and in the summer there are free concerts. The park often features concerts and other activities, and kids may love to pay in the fountains that are shaped in the form of the Olympic rings.
  • Georgia State Capitol, 214 State Capitol, +1 404 656-2844. Native gold from Lumpkin County tops the dome of the [Georgia State Capitol Building.] This restored 1889 building houses a museum which collects, maintains and exhibits significant artifacts, including a priceless collection of Georgia's state flags.
  • The King Center and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, 449 Auburn Ave, NE, +1 404 526-8900. The memorial of Martin Luther King Jr. Which was established in 1968. The place shows Martin Luther King, Jr's nonviolent Social Change works. The historic site features a museum and preserves the neighborhood that includes Dr. King's birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
  • Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St, NW, +1 404 413-9TIX (849). Georgia State University is the home of the 833-seat Rialto Center for the Arts. The venue is host to jazz music concerts and dance performances as well as performances by Georgia State's School of Music and the home of the Atlanta Film Festival.
  • Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama Ave. Housed entirely underground, this shopping and entertainment district is a bustling hub for retail activity during the day and clubbing at night.
  • VSA arts of Georgia, 199 Armour Dr, +1 404 221-1270. A non-profit gallery and art space providing access to the arts for people with disabilities and those of low income.
  • Theatrical Outfit, 84 Luckie St, NW, +1 404 577-5257. Theatrical Outfit entertains their audience by producing classic and contemporary theater with an emphasis on work indigenous to the culture of the American South. It's also certified as the first "green" theater in the country by the US Green Building Council.
  • College Football Hall of Fame, 250 Marietta St NW, +1 404-880-4800. Sunday through Friday-10AM to 5PM Saturday 9AM to 6PM. 94,526 square foot museum including 50,000 square feet of exhibit space and a 45 yard football field dedicated to college football with memorabilia and interactive exhibits in downtown Atlanta. Parking available at College Football Hall of Fame Parking Deck (free for 1st 20 minutes and a parking fee applies for more than 20 minutes) and a 10 to 15 minute walk from MARTA train station- Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center (Blue/Green line) or a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Civic Center or Peachtree Center Stations on MARTA's Red/Gold line. 19.99$ (adults) 16.99 (Kids 3-12) 17.99$ (seniors 65+).

Do

  • The World of Coca-Cola, 121 Baker St (next to the Georgia Aquarium), +1 404 676-5151. M-Sa 9AM-5PM (9AM-6PM during Summer) Su 11AM-5PM.. The museum is largely dedicated to the advertising history of Coca Cola. Experience the reach of the world's most iconic brand in a new, highly interactive expanded space open in May 2007. $16 (adult); $14 (senior); $12 (ages 3-12); under 3 free and admission includes access to all exhibits and a commemorative Coke bottle). Booking online saves $1 as well as gets you a time slot due to increased traffic to the new exhibit.
  • Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. NW, +1 404 581-4000. Su-Th 9AM-6PM, F 9AM-10PM, Sa 8AM-8PM. The largest aquarium in the world with over a hundred thousand animals in 8 million gallons of water. The Aquarium recently added a new swim and dive activity called "Journey with Gentle Giants." It is the only opportunity in the world to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Adult $29.50, Children (3-12) $22, Senior (55+) $25.50.
  • Imagine It! Children's Museum of Atlanta (at Pemberton Place next to Centennial Park). M-F 10AM-4PM, Sa-Su 10AM-5PM. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta creates environments and activities where young children experience the power of imagination and the pure delight of learning with each other and with grown-ups. $12.40 (adult), Children under the age of 2 are free..
  • Philips Arena. Covering 4.4 acres, Philips Arena is Atlanta's state-of-the-art multi purpose sports and entertainment complex. Home to the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. Philips also hosts concerts and other major events.
  • CNN Center, One CNN Center, +1 404 827-2300. M-Su 9AM-5PM (tours). The world headquarters of CNN offers studio tours, which include demonstrations of the technology used and visits to viewing galleries overlooking the newsrooms and newsreaders of CNN, HLN, and CNN En Espanol. CNN Center also has specialty retail shops and a food court with fast food and eat-in dining options. $15 (adult); $14 (senior, student); $12 (child).
  • Sun Dial, 210 Peachtree St, +1 404 589-7506. Have a Georgia Peach Martini atop the revolving restaurant bar of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, and watch the sunset followed by entertainment provided by a jazz band.
  • Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The NFL's Atlanta Falcons have created a host of exciting game-day experiences and affordable family ticket packages for the fans. The 1998 NFC Champions, the Atlanta Falcons, gear up each September to kick off the official season. The Georgia Dome [1] has hosted numerous events including parts of the 1996 Summer Olympics, Super Bowl XXXIV, the annual Peach Bowl and the Sugar Bowl. The Dome will be torn down after the 2016 NFL season and will be replaced by the nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will host both the Falcons and a new Major League Soccer team, Atlanta United FC.
  • The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie Street NW, +1 404-659-9022.

Buy

  • Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St. This popular tourist attraction is literally underground and is close to other downtown attractions such as the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. Tour and local attraction tickets are available for purchase at several kiosks in the Underground, as well as shopping at a variety of unique retail stores.
  • CNN Center, One CNN Center. The atrium at the entrance of the CNN Center offers a few gift shops on the lower level. A great spot for buying souvenirs that display Georgia and TBS, Inc. network logo merchandise, including CNN, HLN and Cartoon Network characters at the CNN Store.
  • AmericasMart, 240 Peachtree St, NW. AmericasMart is comprised of four buildings that are open to trade only: the Atlanta Gift Mart, Atlanta Merchandise Mart, Atlanta Apparel Mart and Inforum. Each year, AmericasMart hosts more than 400,000 retailers from every state and more than 70 countries around the world in 17 home furnishings, gift, floor covering and apparel markets.

Eat

Budget

  • Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta, 215 Peachtree St, +1 404 688-7625. The Atlanta branch of the world-famous chain, featuring over 300 pieces of rock memorabilia and burgers, ribs and malts.
  • Jalapeno Charlie's, 218 Peachtree St, NW, +1 404 581-0884. Latino-Mexican dining experience with authentic Latin art and music to add to the atmosphere.
  • Rosa's Pizza, 62 Broad Street, NW, +1 404 521-2596. Hole-in-the-wall lunchtime favorite pizzeria for pizza, calzones or lasagna. It's a little bit of "authentic" New York on beautiful Broad Street.
  • Thumbs Up Diner, 573 Edgewood Ave, SE, +1 404 223-0690. Known for its great breakfast options, the line is often out the door. Check the house rules before going!

Mid-range

  • Atlanta Grill, 181 Peachtree St, NE (inside the Ritz-Carlton), +1 404 659-0400. Artistic and warm decor with a menu that offers steaks and seafood. Seasonal balcony dining is available overlooking Peachtree Street, but if you're looking for a more intimate setting, try their "Cheater's Booth" complete with privacy draperies.
  • Fire of Brazil, 218 Peachtree St, NW, +1 404 525-5255. An authentic Brazilian steakhouse with 6,000 square feet of dining area. Gaucho-style service reigns supreme as servers bring by cuts of beef, lamb, chicken or pork for you to choose from.
  • Luckie Food Lounge, 375 Luckie St, NW (across the street from the Georgia Aquarium), +1 404 525-5825. This huge new restaurant features American cuisine, seven miles of LED lighting, a 600 gallon curved aquarium with rare species of fish, a sushi bar, rooftop sky deck, live music stage, and all-day dining.
  • Max Lager's American Grill and Brewery, 320 Peachtree St, +1 404 525-4400. The 10,000-square-foot, turn-of-the-century industrial building helps highlight the copper and brass brewery; the patio, deck, and large windows overlook Hardy Ivy Park.
  • Pacific Rim Bistro, 303 Peachtree Center Ave, +1 404 893-0018. Pan-Asian menu, sushi bar and pleasant covered patio downtown near the major hotels.
  • Ray's In the City, 240 Peachtree St, +1 404 524-9224. Seafood diners have enjoyed Ray's on the River in Sandy Springs, GA for years. The same experience is now in the heart of Downtown Atlanta at their remodeled location on Peachtree Street.
  • Thrive, 101 Marietta St, +1 404 389-1000. Upscale, casual restaurant in Centennial Tower. Traditional American fare with an Asian twist.

Splurge

  • Morton’s of Chicago - Atlanta, 303 Peachtree Center Ave (at the Suntrust Plaza Building), +1 404 577-4366. The famous chophouse of Chicago features steak, lobster and veal.
  • Nikolai's Roof, 255 Courtland St, NE (inside the Atlanta Hilton), +1 404 221-6362. this glamorous AAA four-diamond restaurant serves French cuisine from a popular prix fixe menu and a limited a la carte menu.
  • Trader Vic's, 255 Courtland St, NE (inside the Atlanta Hilton,), +1 404 221-6339. This South Pacific-themed restaurant features Polynesian cuisine and Mai Tais.
  • Prime Meridian, 100 CNN Center (inside the Omni Hotel), +1 404 659-0000. Dine on local specialties (fried green tomatoes) or try one of their internationally inspired dishes, all while taking in a view of the Centennial Olympic Park.
  • The Sun Dial, 210 Peachtree St, +1 404 589-7506. Perched 723 feet atop the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere (the Westin Peachtree Atlanta), this restaurant is known primarily for its breathtaking views and slowly rotates around on a platform 360 degrees. Frequented by tourists and popular for Sunday brunch. Lunch mains $13–20, dinner mains $30–60.

Drink

  • Sidebar, 79 Poplar St, +1 404 588-1850, . Downtown’s true neighborhood bar, serving locals, workers and Georgia State University students in addition to out-of-town visitors.
  • Park Bar, 150 Walton St, +1 404 524-0444, . Downtown Atlanta's best bar is the home of the 3-2-1 special and the Wheel of Fun. Great Food, Beer Selection and Bourbon.
  • Latitudes Bistro and Lounge, 100 CNN Center (inside the Omni Hilton), +1 404 659-0000. If you're attending a conference, sporting event, or just taking in the downtown sights, Latitudes is a great place for meet-ups or night-caps. On weekdays they cater to patrons seeking coffee and pastries.
  • Meehans, 200 Peachtree St (Next to the Westin), +1 404 214-9821. An Irish Bar with Neighborhood Charm. The place to watch Soccer downtown.

Sleep

Budget

  • Castleberry Inn, 186 Northside Dr. SW, +1 404 893-4663. A downtown hotel located inside the historic arts district featuring 168 rooms including standard rooms, adjoining rooms as well as spacious queen and king suites. Walking distance to art galleries, restaurants, the Georgia Dome, the World Congress Center, and other attractions. However, if you are a foreign visitor, be aware that this can be an unsafe area at night, and it is not very recommended to use the MARTA station at night.

Mid-range

  • Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown, 275 Baker Street, +1 404 577-2001. New hotel adjacent to World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium, and close to nightlife within the newly created Luckie Marietta District. Sleek and modern with lots of amenities, including a heliport and rooftop restaurant.

Splurge

  • The Glenn Hotel, 110 Marietta St NW, toll-free: +1-866-404-5366. Sexy new downtown boutique hotel CNN Center, Philips Arena, Georgia Dome, and Georgia Bar and within walking distance to the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park as well as the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coke.
  • Hilton Atlanta, 255 Courtland Street NE, +1 404 659-2000. Recently remodeled and located in Downtown Atlanta. Modern and fashionable décor, first class amenities, and connected to MARTA via skybridge.
  • Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree St. NE, +1 404 577-1234, fax: +1 404 588-4137. Rooms with city views, numerous meeting room and ballroom space for any occasion, dining and entertainment in an atrium setting, and a revolving bar/restaurant on top under a glass dome.
  • NYLO Hotels, 260 Peachtree St, +1 404 221-0600. NYLO Hotels offers modern boutique lodging with loft style accommodations and chic facilities for meetings and events.
  • The Ellis Hotel, 176 Peachtree Street NW, +1 404 523-5155. The Ellis Hotel features a women’s only floor, 127 guest rooms, including 12 junior suites and an executive suite, all adorned with a palette of Georgia-inspired earth tones and sleek designs characteristic of boutique style yet comfy and functional.

Stay safe

Downtown Atlanta is relatively safe compared to many of the surrounding areas. Statistics have shown that downtown crime continues to decrease, contradicting the recent citywide statistics. Certain precautions should still be taken such as not traveling alone at night and be aware of suspicious activity. A more common activity that may be intimidating to visitors is pan-handling, which is mostly harmless.

Go next

Routes through Downtown
ENDWest Atlanta  W  E  East AtlantaEND
DoravilleMidtown  N  S  West Atlanta/South AtlantaHartsfield-Jackson ATL
Sandy SpringsMidtown  N  S  West Atlanta/South AtlantaHartsfield-Jackson ATL



This district travel guide to Downtown is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.