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About this guide
Often called the “Black Mecca,” Atlanta moves with the confidence of a city shaped by Black brilliance, resistance, and reinvention. It’s a cultural capital where history and the future speak to each other daily. From Civil Rights landmarks and HBCU campuses to chart-topping music studios and chef-driven Southern kitchens, travelers come to experience culture. The legacy of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King as well as Ray Charles and Gladys Knight influence the creative pulse of the city. Visitors can see this throughout the art districts, music festivals, underground speakeasies, and nightlife. Fueled with the global diasporic influence, Atlanta is part of the roots within American history that now offers a powerful, immersive journey through culture, cuisine, and community that feels deeply grounded and boldly forward-looking.
- Best time to travel: March to May (peak season), September to November (shoulder season), December to February (off-season)
- 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 and Civil Rights, Art and Music Festivals, Southern Cuisine, Black-Owned Businesses
Get Away: Getting To and Around Atlanta, Georgia
By Air
Atlanta is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, with nonstop flights from nearly every major city. The airport is well-organized and offers direct access to downtown public transit. Visitors can expect efficient customs, frequent rideshare availability, and plenty of dining options. Flying into this airport makes Atlanta one of the most popular and accessible cities in the U.S.
By Car
Driving is the most flexible way to explore Atlanta, especially for visiting neighborhoods like Buckhead, East Atlanta, or Cascade Heights. Car rentals are widely available at the airport and throughout the city. However, traffic is a defining feature as rush hour can stretch for hours. Plan routes and time any travels around the city is essential. Parking is generally manageable but can vary by neighborhood.
Public Transit
The MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) serves much of the city through trains and buses. The rail system connects the airport to downtown, Midtown, and key attractions efficiently. While MARTA is reliable for central areas, coverage is limited in outer neighborhoods. It’s best used for short trips or when paired with rideshares.
Explore Atlanta On Foot
Atlanta is not traditionally a walking city, but certain neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly. Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and the Atlanta BeltLine have walkable areas and local businesses. Distances between neighborhoods can be large, making walking impractical for full-day itineraries. Packing comfortable shoes and planning a strategic itinerary can go a long way.
Quick facts
Good For
U.S. History and Civil Rights
Art and Music Festivals
Southern Cuisine
Black-Owned Businesses
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 WWII with 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.
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, Street Art, And History Tour takes guests down the charming streets of Inman Park to showcase local street and cultural art. Guests sample savory and sweet Southern dishes at Atlanta’s best local restaurants.
Hop'N Go Tours goes beyond Atlanta's iconic landmarks and straight into the city's Black-owned businesses. With neighborhood activities and guided local stories, guests learn about the trailblazers, past and present, whose stories shaped the Black Mecca.
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.
Piedmont Park sits on a 185-acre haven that holds summer concerts, annual festivals, and local events. 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.
