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About this guide
Known as the “Black Mecca,” Atlanta is an amazing city with the spirit of Black excellence. It is an amazing destination for those fascinated with the rich history, cuisine, and culture of Black America. There are so many fun activities and unforgettable memories to make all around the city. From underground speakeasies to music festivals, travelers experience the thriving arts and culture scene that highlights African and Caribbean artistry. Atlanta shines as a reminder of historical significance and a beacon of possible change for locals and global travelers alike. From the historic Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to the renowned soul food restaurants, Atlanta promises an unforgettable trip through Black art, culture, and history.
- Best time to travel: March to May, September to November
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Currency: USD ($)
- Language: English
- Noteworthy: Atlanta Film Festival (April), Dogwood Festival (April), Atlanta Jazz Festival (May), Juneteenth Parade (June), AfroPunk Festival (September)
- Best for: U.S. History Enthusiasts, Music & Concerts, Art Festivals, Foodie Tours, Couples’ and Friends Trip
Get Away: Getting To and Around Atlanta, Georgia
By Air
As one of the world's busiest airports, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers convenience at the center of the city and connectivity to most major cities worldwide. With over 2,500 daily flights to 200+ destinations, consider the season you travel.
By Car
Atlanta, Georgia is a large and sprawling city, so traffic can be an absolute nightmare during rush hour. If using one of many rental car companies available, make sure to plan ahead and use GPS navigation.
Public Transit
While driving is often the most convenient way to get around Atlanta, public transit is available with longer routes to certain destinations throughout the city. The fairly robust public transit system in Atlanta includes buses and trains that are affordable and stress-free.
Explore Atlanta On Foot
Exploring Atlanta on foot is a great way to soak up the city's unique culture and atmosphere in neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, and Old Fourth Ward. Atlanta has a number of beautiful parks and natural green spaces, including Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and the Atlanta BeltLine.
Quick facts
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
USD ($)
English
Good For
Entertainment and Concerts
Art and Film Festivals
Couples and Friend Trips
Foodie Trips
Keep in mind
- Atlanta Film Festival (April)
- Dogwood Festival (April)
- Atlanta Jazz Festival (May)
- Juneteenth Parade (June)
- AfroPunk Festival (September)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Best Places To Eat in Atlanta
The Black-owned vegan restaurant Tassili’s Raw Reality can inspire any carnivore to try a new take on internationally inspired-dishes. There are delicious raw vegan appetizers and entrees with sweet coconut corn and plant-based Pad Thai noodles.
Widowed and disenfranchised Black women established tea rooms across the Atlanta area after World War II with widowed and disenfranchised Black women at the helm. Mary Mac’s Tea Room has served Southern cuisine to the Black community and eager travelers for over 75 years.
Founded by NFL Quarterback Cam Newton and his brother Cecil Newton Jr., FellashipATL is a fantastic experience for any sports fan. This upscale eatery offers authentic Southern cuisine with menu varieties from elegant brunch to amazing dinner.
This Black woman-founded restaurant run by Lucy Jackson feeds the local community. The Busy Bee was a popular gathering spot for iconic civil rights activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Maynard Jackson.
Owned by Ethiopian-born and Atlanta-raised Ash Nega and Titi Demissie, Destas Ethiopian Kitchen shares African culture and history. The restaurant brings high-quality ingredients, great service, and authentic Ethiopian flavors to Atlanta.
Gocha’s Breakfast Bar serves Southern-style pescatarian and vegan-friendly dishes a few miles north of Midtown Atlanta. Guests enjoy Instagram-worthy food and drinks from locally sourced ingredients.
Originally a food truck beloved by locals, Jamaican Jerk Biz serves traditional Jamaican recipes. The menu includes authentic Jerk chicken, marinated oxtail, curry goat, Jerk salmon, and more.
In the Poncey-Highland area, the acclaimed Southern Belle has a whimsical food and cocktail menu curated by Chef Joey Ward. Guests enter the exclusive speakeasy-style Georgia Boy accessible only through Southern Belle's hidden bookcase passageway.
Stay
Stay: Places to Stay In Atlanta, Georgia
This Atlanta Midtown home feels like living a life of luxury in the city with a rooftop fire pit to bundle up and watch movies on the outdoor large-screen TV. The fully equipped kitchen includes an air frying stove, full coffee station, and dishwasher for a home away from home vibe.
Like a personal retreat away from the bustle of the big city, The Artist Retreat has a vintage charm and is within walking distance of the Atlanta Beltline. This spacious one-bedroom home has a separate office space, dining room, a charming front porch, and a gated backyard.
The Shed ATL is a cozy tiny home within 15 minutes of Olympic Park, Ponce City Market and more. There’s a full-sized fridge, a queen-size bed, a spacious bathroom, and a front porch perfect for indulging in Southern sun tea and snacks.
Behind the enchanting and dense bamboo forest lies the Alpaca Treehouse, host to rescued llamas and alpacas. The tropical retreat includes amenities like reclaimed architectural antiques, luxury linens, and marble baths for a storybook vibe.
Stonehurst Place in MidTown is a luxury bed and breakfast with classic Southern decor and modern eco-friendly amenities. From gourmet breakfast to an on-site masseuse, this B&B is the perfect spot for some romance and relaxation.
As one of Atlanta’s top-rated hotels, Bellyard Hotel is located in the city’s most desirable new neighborhood, The Interlock. This dynamic hotel has 161 rooms and suites, a full-service coffee bar, and a pastry shop. There's also an elevated bar & lounge, a dedicated workspace, and an on-site gym.
Play
Play: Things To Do In Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s Black History and Civil Rights Tour highlights historical and community hotspots. This small group tour is a great way to explore while learning about Atlanta’s past and future.
The Atlanta Beltline food and history tour takes guests down the charming streets of Inman Park and showcases local and cultural street art. Visitors sample savory and sweet Southern dishes at Atlanta’s best local restaurants.
The Black women-owned iwi fresh Garden Day Spa offers farm-to-skin botanical services. Their core philosophy stems from “feeding your skin the truth” with raw vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
Located in the Old Fourth Ward, the Atlanta Ponce City Market is a popular destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. There's a variety of Black-owned businesses like restaurants, boutiques, ground-floor shops, event venues, and a rooftop amusement park.
The vibrant spirit of Piedmont Park is on a 185-acre haven that holds summer concerts and annual festivals. From fitness classes to the Green Market's local artisan shops, it's a perfect blend of leisure and adventure.
Dive into the world of graffiti art with the BYOB Spray Paint and Sip Workshop. With expert guidance and all materials included, guests tap into their artistic flair with design techniques while sipping local drinks.
With Hauntings, Ghouls, and Phantoms of Atlanta, visitors will learn about the city's spooky history. With all fees covered on this spooky adventure, guests just need to bring curiosity along with tips, snacks, and drinks.
The Candle Making Workshop in Atlanta is a great creative session for travelers who like creating their own souvenirs. Guests will craft soy candles with unique scents and crystal chips.