Our most recommended things to do in Atlanta

Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium Skip-the-Box-Office Entry Ticket

1. Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium Skip-the-Box-Office Entry Ticket

Skip the purchase lines at the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, and spend the day enjoying the aquarium's seven different galleries. The Aquarium features a variety of places to eat and drink, and parking is made easy in the connected parking garage. Every weeknight in June we’ll amplify the sounds of our city and uplift the talented voices of our artists. During this series, you will discover sound waves in a new way while connecting with the ocean’s magnificent life. Enjoy live music in our atrium while having access to the Aquarium’s galleries and presentations, included with general admission 5-9pm on weeknights! Learn about whale sharks, manta rays, giant groupers, and stingrays as you watch them from a huge window or walk through the clear underwater tunnel running through the giant tank. Discover the exciting energy of dolphins and their behavior from experienced trainers. Explore the world's coldest oceans with wildlife like the weedy seadragon, beluga whale, giant Pacific octopus, and Japanese spider crab. Introduce yourself to the charismatic nature of California sea lions before checking out one of the largest living reef exhibits of any aquarium in the world.

Atlanta: 1.5-Hour Highlight Trolley Tour

2. Atlanta: 1.5-Hour Highlight Trolley Tour

Explore all the most popular and historic areas of Atlanta, the capitol of the south on this guided trolley tour. Discover top attractions like the area where Martin Luther King was raised and greenspaces like Inman Park and Ansley Park. Hop aboard the Trolley in Atlanta’s downtown and hear the stories and history of this southern metropolis. This trolley tour is an excellent way to get the lay of the land and open your eyes to all the things you can do in Atlanta. Cuise by the Old 4th Ward, the neighborhood where Martin Luther King Jr. grew up, which is now filled with artisanal restaurants and stores. Discover areas such as Centennial Olympic Park, Inman Park, and Ansley Park.

Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta General Admission Ticket

3. Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta General Admission Ticket

Connect with wildlife and visit over 1,500 animals with this ticket to Zoo Atlanta. Discover why Zoo Atlanta is one of the best zoological operations in the US. Enjoy a day with the whole family as you see the pandas, visit the the African Savanna, and interact with the animals at the petting zoo. Visit the twins, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, at the giant panda habitat. Then, head to one of Zoo Atlanta's largest expansions, the African Savanna.  The new elephant habitat is designed with elephant well-being in mind. Giraffes and ostriches live together in a mixed-species setting. See an upgraded habitat for warthogs and meerkats. Enjoy Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience. Explore a new amphibian and reptile complex featuring over 70 species and 100 individual animals. See over 65 animal habitats, including a windswept desert, Australian billabong, mangrove swamp, Georgia tidal creek, and more. Join a range of educational conversations with animal experts, many of which include an opportunity to watch animals during their feeding times. During the Wildlife Presentations, watch animals' natural behaviors in dynamic wildlife presentations. See mammals, birds, reptiles, and other animals.  Make sure to visit the KIDZone and Naked Mole Rat Playgrounds with your children, with plenty of opportunities to play, climb, and explore. In the summer, cool down at the Splash Fountain. The Petting Zoo, or also Treetop Trail for an additional fee, are both great options for more fun.

Atlanta: SkyView Ferris Wheel Ticket

4. Atlanta: SkyView Ferris Wheel Ticket

Tower nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park with this ticket to the SkyView Ferris wheel. Choose from a standard ticket for 7-12 minutes or extend your ride to 20 minutes with skip-the-line tickets that grant you access to the VIP gondola that has leather seats and hardwood floors. Hop aboard the the conveniently located downtown SkyView Ferris wheel for the perfect Atlanta skyline picture opportunity. With seating for up to six, you can easily elevate your date night, or a night out with friends with exceptional city views and a thrilling Ferris Wheel ride. Avoid sitting with strangers or getting too hot or cold in a private and climate-controlled gondola. Upgrade your experience with a longer ride in the luxury VIP gondola and time-saving skip-the-line tickets.

Atlanta CityPASS®: Save 44% at 5 Top Attractions

5. Atlanta CityPASS®: Save 44% at 5 Top Attractions

Make use of the Atlanta CityPASS® on your next trip to Atlanta. Experience 10 million gallons of aquarium life, a pop culture tour of Coca-Cola, natural history, America’s beloved Football Hall of Fame, and the powerful and uplifting journey of human rights, all with your Atlanta CityPASS® tickets. CityPASS® tickets offer convenient instant delivery and are valid for 9 consecutive days, allowing ample time to experience each attraction. Save 44% on prepaid admission to 5 must-see attractions: • Georgia Aquarium – Expedited entry with the Anytime Pass, including access to all galleries, a dolphin presentation, and a sea lion presentation. Presentations are based on availability and reservations are required. • World of Coca-Cola –General admission access to all of the World of Coca-Cola's exhibits, films, and experiences with expedited entry during peak attendance periods. Some experiences may be temporarily altered or unavailable. • Zoo Atlanta – General admission Plus your choice of admission to 2 of the following attractions: • Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Daytime general admission, including one giant screen film, all special exhibitions, daily programs, outdoor nature adventures, and free parking. Check fernbankmuseum.org for info on touring exhibits and seasonal experiences, included with the CityPASS® • Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame - General admission to interactive exhibits and the indoor playing field • National Center for Civil and Human Rights – General admission Reservations may be required at some attractions. Visit my.citypass.com for up-to-date attraction information including reservations, entry instructions, hours of operation and helpful tips to plan your visit.

World of Coca-Cola: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry

6. World of Coca-Cola: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry

Welcome to World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. Spend the day interacting with multiple exhibits, learning about the history of the iconic brand, and sampling more than 100 different beverages from around the world. With artifacts from yesterday and today, experience the real stories behind the beloved beverage brand. Don't forget to take your selfie with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear before leaving. At World of Coca-Cola, inspiration is around every corner - from the vault where the secret Coca-Cola formula is secured to world-class art and memorabilia. Located near beautiful Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola is right in the heart of downtown Atlanta’s bustling entertainment district and a must-see while in Atlanta.

Atlanta 5 Hour City Tour by Air-Conditioned Bus

7. Atlanta 5 Hour City Tour by Air-Conditioned Bus

Tour Atlanta from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus. Visit everything from Downtown to Buckhead with stops at Civil War Battleground sites and the Swan House. Take a walk along the BeltLine and admire the Buckhead mansions. From Peachtree Center, head to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park for an in-depth look at the life of Dr. King. Continue to Krog Street Market and witness the reinvention of Inman Park and the Old Fourth Ward neighborhoods. Walk along the BeltLine trail and admire the public art installations. Stop at the booming Ponce City Market - the area's largest adaptive reuse project which houses the Central Food Hall and various shops. Treat yourself at the CNN Center before continuing to Buckhead. Relax on the bus and let your guide take you on a tour of the homes of the rich and the famous in this beautiful neighborhood. See other historical sites, including The Swan House which was featured in "The Hunger Games."

Atlanta: Atlanta Braves' Truist Park Guided Tour

8. Atlanta: Atlanta Braves' Truist Park Guided Tour

On this guided tour, step into the world of the Atlanta Braves as you explore their home base, Truist Park. Discover the illustrious history of the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball. Along the way, feel like a VIP with visits to the Monument Garden and Xfinity Club. Begin your tour at Truist Park's Right Field Gate. Here, you'll check in, meet your guide, and then begin the deep dive into Truist Park and the legacy of the Atlanta Braves. Feel like a team player as you view the field from the dugout. Continue your tour with a turn around Monument Garden. As you pass artifacts and exhibits throughout the park, learn about the history of the Braves. At Hank Aaron Terrace, discover the role this famous player had in the civil rights movement, in addition to his contribution to league history. Next, see the field from a different perspective as you enter the press box and visit other exclusive club areas, including the Xfinity Rooftop. Finally, stop in the Braves Clubhouse Store to complete your tour.

Illuminarium Atlanta: After Dark Immersive Nightlife

9. Illuminarium Atlanta: After Dark Immersive Nightlife

Escape to a world of changing immersive environments at Illuminarium Atlanta. This adults-only nightlife experience features a full bar and small bites, tables, and lounges. Then, delve into multidimensional immersive experiences, with state-of-the-art audio, in-floor haptics, and scents. First, sip cocktails and snack on small bites, surrounded by an immersive setting related to the main second room. Then, try the second room, featuring the main immersive show: SPACE: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond, where you'll take an extraordinary journey across the galaxy. Fly through a technicolor nebula, leave your footprints on the moon, and see Saturn’s rings up close.

Atlanta: Illuminarium Immersive Experience Entry Ticket

10. Atlanta: Illuminarium Immersive Experience Entry Ticket

Visit Illuminarium Atlanta and be transported to any location through an all-encompassing experience. An unprecedented blend of 4K laser projection provides you with a connected and shared entertainment journey. Audio beams create a unique and precise sound experience for each individual, in-floor haptics produces realistic sensations for visitors, and even scents add authentic enhancement to the immersive experience. Choose between 2 different experiences. SPACE: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond. Take an extraordinary journey across the galaxy. Fly through a technicolor nebula, leave your footprints on the moon, see Saturn’s rings up close, and weave through an asteroid belt. WILD: A Safari Experience. Be transported to Africa in the blink of an eye. Come face to face with the world’s most exotic animals in their natural habitats in this unique cinematic experience. Explore the sweeping plains of Masai Mara, Kruger National Park, and the watering holes of Samburu Reserve. Feel the ground shaking with an elephant’s stomp, the low-end frequency of a lion’s roar, or the water ripple as you step into it. Visit the onsite retail shop and indoor/outdoor café featuring food, drinks, and artisanal gifts to complement your experience.

Add dates

Things to do in
Atlanta
Eclectic eats, a diverse music scene, and the world’s largest aquarium await in this peach of a city.

Top activities

Top sights in Atlanta

All activities

68 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 5

Immersive experiences

Planning your trip to Atlanta

Go beyond Atlanta

Explore all

Frequently asked questions about Atlanta

What top attractions are a must-see in Atlanta?

The must-see attractions in Atlanta are:

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Atlanta

One of the cultural epicenters of the American south, if not the entire United States, Atlanta is one of the country's most exciting cities to visit. We've asked our friends at 365 Atlanta Traveler to give a rundown of the things you can't miss in the A. Read below to make the most of your next trip to Atlanta.

What should I do on my first trip to Atlanta?

Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the nation and with 10 million gallons of fresh and saltwater, it is home to the largest aquarium habitat in the world. You can see dolphins, go behind the scenes with the whale sharks, or do a cage dive with a few Great Whites. For a more leisurely experience try Atlanta Botanical Gardens. From the Fuqua Conservatory featuring the foremost collection of species orchids in the U.S. to its canopy walk and award-winning children’s garden, ABG is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

What are some hidden gems to see in Atlanta?

Unexpected Atlanta offers great tours that many people don’t know about, but that we highly recommend. Their food and history tours give you a taste of the regional cuisine while also sharing little-known stories about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Oakland Cemetery is another great attraction. While a visit to a cemetery might not top most people’s “must do” list, this circa-1850 cemetery far from ordinary. It is beautiful, peaceful, and educational; a showplace of sculpture and the final resting place to many of Atlanta’s founders and noted citizens such as Margaret Mead, Maynard Jackson, and Bobby Jones.

How much time should I spend in Atlanta?

If you're hitting the primary attractions with a CityPASS, then 3 full days should allow you to see the sights. Add two additional days to see the lesser-known (but not lesser quality) attractions and tours, do a little shopping at Ponce City Market, and get your fill of the award-winning restaurants. Feel like traveling into the metro area or the mountains? You'll want to take on another week - or come back for a second visit.

What food is Atlanta known for?

Atlanta is known for its Southern dishes like "meat and three" from Mary Mac's Tea Room, opened in 1945, which is the last of sixteen tea rooms that once dotted Intown Atlanta in the 1940s. Paschal's also serves great Soul Food like fried chicken, braised short ribs, smothered pork chops, and their famous peach cobbler. The food is delicious but the history is even more interesting: Paschal's became the 'meeting place' for some of the most notable people of Atlanta, including Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Andrew Young, Maynard Jackson, Vice President Al Gore, and Dr. Martin Luther King just to name a few.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Atlanta?

The best neighborhood to stay in Atlanta is Midtown. It's the city’s cultural epicenter, offers easy access to Atlanta's transportation options, is brimming with restaurants, parks, and boutique shopping locations. It's also where you'll find the Arts District's entertainment like High Museum, Fox Theatre, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

What is the best way to get around Atlanta?

Buses, a subway, and even a trolly are available to get you around the city, but Atlanta's public transportation systems are designed more for the locals to get to work than for tourists to get to the best attractions. Renting a car is almost a requirement when you're visiting Atlanta.

What are the best months to visit Atlanta? 

Spring in Atlanta is the best time of year. The city offers multiple festivals and outdoor concerts. It's warm enough to dine on outdoor patios, bike, or walk the Beltline, and see the trees of this "city in a forest" blooming with colors of white, yellow, and pink. The mosquitoes that the South is known for are not yet hatched, and the heat and humidity are still slumbering.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

West Midtown is where foodies will flock. Here you'll find James Beard chefs, delightful rooftop patios, and fine dining with a casual flair (think JB nominated restaurants with putt-putt back lawns). The breakfast restaurant scene is strong here, and independent coffee shops and ice cream eateries are plentiful.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping? 

Old Fourth Ward's trendy retail district beckons the shopper. The layout is pedestrian-friendly, so you can hop from shop to shop with ease. You'll find an eclectic mix of art galleries, gift shops, jewelry, clothing, and more. It's also home to Ponce City Market, situated in a revived historic Sears, Roebuck & Company building, and directly adjacent to the Atlanta Beltline.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Atlanta? 

Fernbank Museum is Atlanta's best attraction for families. Besides the free parking, we love the indoor playground called NatureQuest, the larger-than-life dinosaur exhibits, IMAX movies, and more. Outside, kids will love WildWoods and Fernbank Forest. Fernbank Forest is 65-acres of old-growth forest you can hike in. Between this forest and the museum is an educational pathway with climbing structures, nature play areas, and a water feature.

What is the best thing to do in Atlanta for solo travelers? 

Solo travelers will love exploring the High Museum of Art if they're looking for a little introspection. This leading art museum in the Southeastern US offers contemporary exhibits, a taste of Southern artisans, workshops, events, and more. Have dinner at the museum and take in the building's architecture under a full moon. If you're looking to see the city and meet new friends, try a segway tour with Atlanta Cruizers. All of their tours are great, but the segway tour gives you an intimate dive into the neighborhoods with fewer kids on the tour.

What is the best thing to do in Atlanta for couples? 

Couples will want to check for the regular adult-only events at the major attractions like Sips Under the Seas at the Georgia Aquarium, Friday Jazz Night at High Museum, or Fernbank After Dark at Fernbank Museum. There is no shortage of live museum options, speakeasies, and romantic restaurants in the city, as well.

What are the best annual events in Atlanta? 

Atlanta's most popular festivals include the Dogwood Festival in Spring and DragonCon in Fall. Shaky Knees, Shaky Boots and Imagine Music Festival are the most popular annual music events. Finally, the Peachtree Road Race is the annual event for runners across the nation - it's the world's largest 10K and beloved in Atlanta since 1970.

Other Sightseeing Options in Atlanta

Want to discover all there is to do in Atlanta? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Atlanta

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 3,450 reviews

Zoo Atlanta is better suited for younger children… we completed our visit there in 1 1/2 hours…. World of Coca Cola was your typical tourist attraction and if it were not for the pass, probably would have skipped … Center for Civil and Human Rights was very informative and well presented; College Football Hall of Fame was equally an interesting and well thought out informative experience.

The Atlanta trolley tour was awesome! I was one of the many affected by holiday travel challenges. During an over night layover, I decided to do the tour. I highly recommend this tour to get an overview of Atlant. Because of this tour I now plan to visit Atlanta again in the future.

My son and I lovedd everything about this museum, very well put together and it really puts into perspective how important puppets really are in all cultures. Beautiful.

Our guide ws knowledgeable and told us stories about filming of various movies. His knowledge was exceptional and he made our trip fun and efficient.

Omg we had some much fun. It was amazing from the wineries to the fellow tourists. The whole experience was awesome will be doing it again