Affectionately known as the Big Peach, Atlanta seamlessly blends Southern charm, modern innovation and diverse cultural influences. If you’re visiting for business — or even if you’re an Atlanta native looking for fresh ideas — you’ll find no shortage of memorable activities in this dynamic city.
Recently, Atlanta hosted the CRE Financial Council’s Trends in the Lodging Sector seminar, so we gathered recommendations from local experts across various fields. From lush gardens and historic walks to immersive art and gourmet dining, here are the top things to do in Atlanta, according to the people who know it best.
Stroll Among Natural Wonders
Many visitors to Atlanta marvel at the city’s endless greenery.
For instance, Diane N. Quintana of DNQ Solutions is quick to highlight the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a lush, urban oasis featuring themed displays, rotating exhibits and breathtaking seasonal events. She particularly loves visiting at night during the holidays: “There’s nothing like seeing the garden all lit up.”
Likewise, Dr. Edward Espinosa, owner of OptumMD, also names the Atlanta Botanical Garden as a favorite respite from city life: “It’s my go-to spot for stress relief between patient appointments.”
Meanwhile, if you have extra time outdoors, Quintana suggests heading to Roswell’s Azalea Drive for a scenic walk along the Chattahoochee River. It’s free, beautiful and dotted with plaques that explain local history. It’s also easy to park and extend your stroll.
“We have so much history here,” she added, pointing to the breadth of green spaces and important landmarks scattered throughout the metro area.
Dive into Atlanta’s History
Atlanta’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement is front and center with landmarks — including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Carter Center — and Quintana loves taking visitors to Dr. King’s childhood home and neighborhood to immerse them in the city’s storied past.
Dr. Espinosa echoes this sentiment, urging visitors to skip the purely touristy spots once in a while and soak up more authentic neighborhoods, like Grant Park or the area around Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Or, for those craving a deeper historical perspective, Perry Walter of WALTER STUDIO interior design recommends the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. It’s a powerful museum that illuminates Atlanta’s civil rights legacy and its continued influence on social justice worldwide.
Embrace the BeltLine Buzz
When locals rave about “the BeltLine,” they’re talking about a 22-mile, multi-use trail encircling the city’s core that has quickly become a go-to place for everything from public art installations to community events, dining and nightlife. In fact, Megan Daley, commercial real estate advisor at Bull Realty, Inc., names the Atlanta BeltLine — specifically the Old Fourth Ward — as an unbeatable hub for first-time visitors.
“The BeltLine connects a ton of restaurants, bars and shops into a welcoming, walkable part of our city,” she explained, adding that events like Small Business Saturday and group fitness gatherings can be found at BeltLine.org.
Along the same lines, Vukasin Ilic, CEO of Digital Media Lab, calls the BeltLine “the backbone of authentic Atlanta experiences.” He noted that you can begin your day at Ponce City Market for lunch (his pick: H&F Burger) and then stroll along the Eastside Trail, where impromptu music performances and local art displays frequently pop up. Both Daley and Ilic also recommend taking a quick detour to Krog Street Market, which is a mecca of eclectic food and indie shops.
Feast on Global Flavors
Another hallmark of Atlanta is its vibrant and varied dining scene. Thus, if you crave high-end or internationally inspired cuisine, you’ll find it in spades. Walter suggests Lazy Betty for an innovative tasting menu, Rumi’s Kitchen for upscale Persian fare and Georgia’s at The Candler Hotel for Southern-infused fine dining.
Otherwise, farther from the city center, you’ll discover Buford Highway, a corridor famed for its multicultural eateries.
“El Rey Del Taco becomes a neighborhood hangout after midnight,” Ilic said, recalling how he once took clients there after a show in East Atlanta Village. There, the al pastor tacos were so memorable that his clients continued raving about them long after their trip had ended.
Alternatively, if you prefer something with a side of fun, Daley points to venues like Buena Vida Tapas & Sol along the BeltLine or the high-tech mini golf spot Puttshack at Westside Ironworks. Both deliver great food, lively entertainment and a welcome chance to meet new people in Atlanta’s bustling social scene.
Explore Iconic Markets & Rooftop Views
Ponce City Market also consistently ranks among the top destinations for locals and visitors alike. An old Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, it’s been transformed into a mixed-use complex with shops, food halls and offices. Walter calls it “a vibrant destination with top dining, shopping and rooftop views.”
Or, for an elevated experience, check out Skyline Park at the top of Ponce City Market, where you can play carnival games, grab a bite or simply soak in the panoramic cityscape.
Daley also recommends 12 Cocktail Bar, which is tucked away on the same rooftop, for expertly mixed drinks and a sleek, intimate setting.
“You’ll get a great view of the Atlanta skyline,” she said.
Even if you’re short on time, swinging by the rooftop — especially near sunset — is a classic Atlanta moment.
Art, Culture & Entertainment
If you love museums or cultural spots, Atlanta has you covered: Walter encourages art enthusiasts to visit the High Museum of Art, which boasts an extensive collection of contemporary pieces and rotating exhibits. But, if you’re more into hands-on, interactive fun, Quintana points to the Museum of Illusions, where you can snap mind-bending photos in optical illusions and immersive rooms.
Or perhaps you’re looking for a cinematic twist on group entertainment. Shawn Plummer, CEO ofThe Annuity Expert, reveals a hidden gem:
“Some escape rooms in Atlanta use former film sets, creating an experience that feels like [you’re] stepping straight into an action-packed scene.”
Whether you’re out for a corporate team-building event or an adrenaline rush with friends, these high-production escape rooms amp up the fun with detailed props and thematic storytelling.
Sports, Concerts & Major Attractions
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS), is more than just a sports venue. It’s also a frequent host of top-tier concerts. Accordingly, Walter suggests squeezing in a game or a show if your schedule allows. Atlanta also fields teams in basketball (the Hawks) and baseball (the Braves), so sports fans can catch year-round action.
However, for a distinctly family-friendly experience, both Walter and Dr. Espinosa mention the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. The aquarium is among the largest in the world, while the World of Coca-Cola celebrates the city’s iconic beverage heritage.
Festivals & Local Favorites
Atlanta’s creative energy is on full display during annual events like the Atlanta Film Festival in spring and Music Midtown in fall. Ilic recalls seeing Lizzo perform against the midtown skyline:
“It was a quintessential Atlanta moment,” he said, perfectly capturing the city’s knack for blending high-energy performances with unmistakable Southern hospitality.
Conversely, if you crave an authentic farmer’s market experience, Dr. Espinosa advises weekend visits to the Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center.
“Local vendors offer fresh produce and artisanal goods that represent our city’s diverse culture,” he said, encouraging visitors to experience Atlanta’s homegrown flavors firsthand.
A City That Keeps You Coming Back
Whether you’re in town for a quick corporate seminar or an extended vacation, Atlanta offers an enticing mix of old and new and of refined and down-home. Plus, the city’s inviting neighborhoods, world-class dining scene, expansive green spaces and historical significance mean there’s always something to discover.
As Quintana said, there’s so much history here, but it’s Atlanta’s present — teeming with creativity, community and cultural vibrancy — that truly captivates.
So, no matter how you plan your trip, one thing is certain: You’ll leave with a richer appreciation for this dynamic Southern metropolis. From leisurely walks and rooftop cocktails to international feasts and cutting-edge museums, Atlanta invites you to dive in and explore — and then come back for more.
