Atlanta holidays

The birthplace of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Coca-Cola and trap music, Georgia’s sprawling capital has always marched to the beat of its own drum. The best holidays in Atlanta take you to the core of ‘the Big Peach’, a city that’s proud of its history, culture and diversity. Explore everything from bustling markets and lush green spaces to world-class museums and some of the best soul food in the South.

Atlanta holiday highlights

City beats

Be ready to hear some music on your holiday to Atlanta. The birthplace of legendary recording artists such as Gladys Knight, Outkast and Big Boi, Atlanta moves to the tempo of blues, jazz, hip-hop and its homegrown trap music. Learn about the city’s musical subculture at the Trap Music Museum. Or catch live gigs at iconic venues like the Fox Theatre and Eddie’s Attic.

Diverse history

Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement is brought to life at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Martin Luther King, Jr National Historical Park. The Delta Flight Museum chronicles the Atlanta airline’s long history. For a deeper look into the city’s rich past, plan a visit to the Oakland Cemetery, the resting place of mayors, civic leaders and famous authors.

Serious sports

Atlantans love their sports teams — you’ll find them cheering on the Falcons, Braves and Hawks at stadiums and sports bars across the city. Time your flights and hotels to Atlanta to catch a football game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And whether you’re a diehard sports fan or a casual tailgater, you’ll have a ball at the interactive College Football Hall of Fame.

Atlanta: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

June – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Atlanta

Weather in Atlanta

March – May: Temperatures can vary wildly in the spring, but it’s the most beautiful time of year in Atlanta. The tulips, azaleas and dogwoods are all in bloom, so allergy sufferers beware.

June – September: Summers are hot and humid, with the occasional epic thunderstorm. Luckily, almost everywhere is equipped with air conditioning — just make sure your hotel or rental is too!

October – November: The weather is gorgeous in autumn, when it’s warm but not too hot and cool in the evenings. High winds and rain are possible.

December – February: Winters can be cold, but it rarely snows. On the rare chance that it does, it’s a good idea to stay off the roads as much as possible.

Events in Atlanta

Atlanta Film Festival (April): More than 25,000 film fans attend this celebration of independent cinema, founded in 1976. Screenings, celebrity Q&As, parties and more unfold over ten action-packed days.

Dragon Con (September): Nerds unite at one of the biggest fan conventions in the country, which spans comic books, video games and all things sci-fi and fantasy. Come for the incredible costumes and panels; stay for the huge parade.

Atlanta Pride Festival (October): A longtime stronghold for LGBTQ+ culture in the South, Atlanta Pride is a big deal. Thousands descend on Piedmont Park to celebrate with music, art and the city’s largest parade.

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The best neighbourhoods in Atlanta

Midtown

Packed with sights, Midtown is where to stay in Atlanta to soak up the culture. Head to the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Piedmont Park. And you don’t need to spend a dime to see the Atlanta Monetary Museum. Keep an eye out for 10th Street & Piedmont Avenue’s rainbow pedestrian crossings — a celebration of the city’s LGBTQ community.

Good for: Museums, LGBTQ venues, live music

Buckhead

Buckhead’s leafy streets are lined with historic mansions and beautiful homes, including the 1928 Swan House. The luxury shopping boutiques and hotel bars with rooftop lounges here add to the neighbourhood’s upscale atmosphere. And the Chastain Arts Center and Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia are great places to fill up on culture.

Good for: Art museums, historic mansions, rooftop bars

Inman Park

Cool brunch spots, wine bars and artisan bakeries make Inman Park one of the best areas to stay in Atlanta. Joggers and cyclists love the green Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and its public art installations. You can see even more art at the Whitespace Gallery. Craving street food? Visit the historic Krog Street Market for its independent food stalls.

Good for: Street food, walking trails, art galleries

Things to do in Atlanta

Nightlife

You can expect a lively scene in downtown’s rooftop hotel bars and underground speakeasies. And Peachtree Street is a prime spot for sports bars and live music venues. Ready to dance? Piedmont Road’s clubs offer everything from EDM to salsa music. Or join the college crowd and bar-hop along the Buckhead Strip.

Family-friendly things to do

You could spend a whole day exploring Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s interactive exhibits, IMAX theatre and outdoor adventure area. And the Children’s Garden in the Atlanta Botanical Garden has plenty of hands-on fun, like a splash pad and treehouse play area. Looking to ramp up the action? Spend a day at the Six Flags Over Georgia theme park.

Shopping

You’ll find plenty of retailers, including big brand names, in Atlantic Station. And Bennett Street has some of the region’s best decorative arts markets. Lenox Square is the place to be if you’re after luxury shops. If quirky boutiques are more your thing, Little Five Points is full of vintage stores, natural foods markets and record shops.

Free things to do

The Martin Luther King, Jr National Historical Park is free to visit. And there’s no charge to tour the Governor’s Mansion from 10 to 11.30am on Tuesdays through Thursdays. If you’re looking for a scenic stroll, try Centennial Olympic Park or join the free Castleberry Hill Art Stroll, which takes place every second Friday of the month.

Take in the culture

Atlanta boasts a wide range of museums, from the more traditional High Museum of Art to the World of Coca-Cola, which traces the soft drink’s roots. The Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Atlanta History Center are ideal for history lovers. If you’re a ‘Muppets’ fan, the Center for Puppetry Arts houses the world’s largest collection of Jim Henson artefacts.

Places to eat

Atlanta prides itself on the diversity of its cuisine, with each of its neighbourhoods offering exciting restaurant options. Buford Highway is home to international eateries, while Buckhead is the place to go for fine dining and steakhouses. Looking for a taste of the South? Don’t miss Southwest Atlanta’s soul food hotspots.

Plan your holiday to Atlanta

Budget

With a little planning, you can easily pull off a cheap holiday to Atlanta. After all, some of the best things to do in the city are free, like Piedmont Park and the BeltLine. You’ll be able to find an inexpensive meal for around 20 US dollars ($) and wash it down with a beer for $6. A short taxi ride costs about $8.

Day trips from Atlanta

A 90-minute drive east brings you to Athens, home to the University of Georgia and a vibrant music scene that produced bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s. The mountain town of Dahlonega is known for its wineries and pretty autumn foliage. Quirky Helen, 90 minutes north, is modelled after a Bavarian village and hosts an annual Oktoberfest.

Getting around Atlanta

The easiest way to get around this sprawling city is by car. Parking is usually available, but rates can be expensive. To save on costs, consider using Atlanta’s buses, trains and trams, which are provided by the extensive Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). To use the buses and trains, buy a reloadable Breeze Card online at MARTA RideStores or Breeze Vending Machines.

FAQs about Atlanta holidays

Atlanta is generally a safe city, especially in central tourist-friendly areas. As in most major cities, pickpocketing and petty crimes can occur in crowded places. So stay aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings close, and you should have a stress-free holiday in Atlanta.
Whether you're looking to splurge or keep things affordable, your travel style will partly influence the cost. When budgeting for your Atlanta flights and hotels, consider your choices, from flying economy or business class to booking inexpensive or luxury stays. The time of year also matters, with some seasons bringing better value for a city break in Atlanta.
January delivers the coolest conditions for an Atlanta holiday. Go during this time and you'll experience lows of -3ºC (27ºF).
The warmest month in Atlanta is July, when temperatures hit a maximum of 34ºC (93ºF).
You’ll want to spend at least three days exploring Atlanta’s museums, restaurants and unique neighbourhoods. If day trips to Stone Mountain Park, Athens or Columbus are on your itinerary, consider extending your Atlanta holiday to five days.
English is the language you're most likely to hear. Master a few local phrases during your city break in Atlanta and you'll fit right in.
You could spend weeks ticking off all the things to do in Atlanta. From Georgia Aquarium to Centennial Olympic Park and more, this city is a crowd-pleaser for a reason.
The United States dollar (USD) is what you'll be using for everyday purchases and outings during your trip to Atlanta.
With an average rainfall of 14 cm, December is the wettest month to go on an Atlanta holiday. When the weather shifts, venture indoors and enjoy the city's restaurants, shops, museums and more.
Like many Southern cities, Atlanta’s weather is most pleasant in spring and autumn, between March and April or September and October. If you’re travelling on a budget, you’ll find the best deals on flights and hotels to Atlanta during summer and winter.