Atlanta/Downtown

Downtown is home to the Georgia State Capitol, City Hall, and headquarters of numerous corporations. Despite the rise of Midtown and Buckhead, Downtown still contains much of the commercial activity of the city. All the places to see here are within 10 minutes walk of each other, and within a similar walking distance of any of the MARTA stations at Five Points, Peachtree Center or Omni-Dome-World-Congress Center.

Downtown Atlanta is 7 miles (11 km) from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Interstate 75/85 runs directly through Atlanta, providing numerous exits into the downtown streets. Downtown Atlanta can also be accessed by MARTA trains and buses.

• Five Points Station

  phone: +1 404 848-5000
  address: 30 Alabama St SW
  Is where the North-South Line and the East-West Line intersect.

Other MARTA stations in the Downtown area include Garnett Station (S1), Peachtree Center (N1), and Civic Center (N2) on the North-South Line, and Georgia State (E1) and Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (W1) on the East-West Line.

By long-distance bus

• Greyhound Bus Lines. Service from many locations throughout the U.S. Buses arrive at and depart from the Greyhound terminal at 232 Forsyth Street, in a less affluent neighborhood on the southern edge of downtown, directly beneath MARTA's Garnett Station.
• Megabus. Service from locations across the Southern U.S. The bus stop at 435 West Peachtree Street is near MARTA's Civic Center Station; buses stop on the east side of the street at the north end of the station.

By streetcar

Downtown Atlanta is served by the small Atlanta Streetcar loop, connecting the Olympic park with Peachtree Center and Auburn. Fares are $1 for a one-way trip and $3 for a full day.

Subdistricts

Downtown Atlanta is large and can be further broken down into subdistricts:

• Five Points is the central area and reference point of downtown Atlanta. The name refers to a point where five streets intersect, which are Marietta Street, Edgewood Avenue, Decatur Street, and two legs of Peachtree Street. It is also where the North-South Line and the East-West Line of the MARTA Rail intersect at MARTA Five Points Station. Underground Atlanta was at the entrance of Five Points Station, and the World of Coke was formerly located there but was moved to the Centennial Park area.
• The Centennial Park Area not only includes the park itself, but also The CNN Center, Phillips Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, and a few other attractions. This area is heavily frequented by tourists as well as local residents.
• Sweet Auburn served as the thriving center of black enterprise in Atlanta from the 1890s through the 1940s and is the birthplace of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• The Hotel District is the northern section of downtown. Some of the more luxurious hotels of Atlanta are in this area.
• Castleberry Hill is an artsy and eclectic transitioning area west of downtown Atlanta with galleries, restaurants and bars.

Destinations

• Apex Museum

  phone: +1 404-523-2739
  address: 135 Auburn Ave

• Atlanta Falcons(Football) — The 1998 and 2016 NFC Champions gear up each September to kick off the official season in Downtown. The Falcons moved into Mercedes-Benz Stadium, (temporarily) the league's newest venue, in 2017. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host most of the major events that the Georgia Dome had hosted. Every year, it will host the Southeastern Conference football championship game and the Peach Bowl (one of the six bowl games associated with the College Football Playoff). It is also expected to host other events such as Super Bowl LIII in 2019, the NCAA Men's Final Four in basketball in 2020, and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2018.

• Centennial Olympic Park

  phone: +1 404 222-7275
  The focal point of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, Centennial Park has now become the center for tourism. Georgia Aquarium, the New World of Coke, CNN Center, Phillips Arena and Georgia Tech are all in walking distance of the park. In the winter the park features an ice skating rink and in the summer there are free concerts. The park often features concerts and other activities, and kids may love to pay in the fountains that are shaped in the form of the Olympic rings.

• Flatiron Building

  address: 84 Peachtree St
  This 11 story building, squeezed into its small wedge of land, is Atlanta's oldest standing skyscraper, and a well known land mark in the area.

• Georgia State Capitol

  phone: +1 404 656-2844
  address: 214 State Capitol
  Native gold from Lumpkin County tops the dome of the Georgia State Capitol Building. This restored 1889 building houses a museum which collects, maintains and exhibits significant artifacts, including a priceless collection of Georgia's state flags.

• The King Center and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site

  phone: +1 404 526-8900
  address: 449 Auburn Ave, NE
  The memorial of Martin Luther King Jr. which was established in 1968. The place shows Martin Luther King, Jr's nonviolent Social Change works. The historic site features a museum and preserves the neighborhood that includes Dr. King's birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church. His Nobel Prize and tomb are also located here.

• Madame C.J. Walker Museum

  phone: +1 404-518-2887
  address: 54 Hilliard St

• Rialto Center for the Arts

  phone: +1 404 413-9TIX
  address: 80 Forsyth St, NW
  Georgia State University is the home of the 833-seat Rialto Center for the Arts. The venue is host to jazz music concerts and dance performances as well as performances by Georgia State's School of Music and the home of the Atlanta Film Festival.

• Underground Atlanta

  address: 50 Upper Alabama Ave
  Housed entirely underground, this shopping and entertainment district is a bustling hub for retail activity during the day and clubbing at night, although it closes at 8PM Monday through Thursday and only stays open until 9PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
• The neon coke sign one block north of Underground Atlanta is worth looking at, and gives an update of time and temperature.

• VSA arts of Georgia

  address: 199 Armour Dr
  A non-profit gallery and art space providing access to the arts for people with disabilities and those of low income.

• Theatrical Outfit

  phone: +1 404 577-5257
  address: 84 Luckie St, NW
  Theatrical Outfit entertains their audience by producing classic and contemporary theater with an emphasis on work indigenous to the culture of the American South. It's also certified as the first "green" theater in the country by the US Green Building Council.

• College Football Hall of Fame

  phone: +1 404-880-4800
  address: 250 Marietta St NW
  This museum includes of exhibit space and a 45-yard football field dedicated to college football with memorabilia and interactive exhibits in downtown Atlanta.

• Center for Civil and Human Rights

  phone: +1 678-999-8990
  address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard

• Children's Museum of Atlanta

  phone: +1 404-659-5437
  address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
  The Children’s Museum of Atlanta creates environments and activities where young children experience the power of imagination and the pure delight of learning with each other and with grown-ups.
• Georgia World Congress Center

• The World of Coca-Cola

  phone: +1 404 676-5151
  address: 121 Baker St
  The museum is largely dedicated to the advertising history of Coca Cola. Experience the reach of the world's most iconic brand in a new, highly interactive expanded space open in May 2007. Good for kids.

• Georgia Aquarium

  phone: +1 404 581-4000
  address: 225 Baker St. NW
  The largest aquarium in the world with over a hundred thousand animals in 8 million gallons of water. The Aquarium recently added a new swim and dive activity called "Journey with Gentle Giants." It is the only opportunity in the world to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.

• Philips ArenaCovering 4.4 acres, Philips Arena is Atlanta's state-of-the-art multi purpose sports and entertainment complex. Home to the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. Philips also hosts concerts and other major events.

• CNN Center

  phone: +1 404 827-2300
  address: One CNN Center
  The world headquarters of CNN offers studio tours, which include demonstrations of the technology used and visits to viewing galleries overlooking the newsrooms and newsreaders of CNN, HLN, and CNN En Espanol. CNN Center also has specialty retail shops and a food court with fast food and eat-in dining options.

• Sun Dial

  phone: +1 404 589-7506
  address: 210 Peachtree St
  Have a Georgia Peach Martini atop the revolving restaurant bar of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, and watch the sunset followed by entertainment provided by a jazz band.

• Atlanta Falcons

  address: 1414 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
  The NFL's Atlanta Falcons have created a host of exciting game-day experiences and affordable family ticket packages for the fans. The 1998 and 2016 NFC champions, the Atlanta Falcons, gear up each September to kick off the official season. The Falcons now play in the NFL's newest venue, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened in August 2017 as the replacement for the adjacent and now-demolished Georgia Dome.

• Atlanta United FC

  phone: +1 470 341-1500
  Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also home to this soccer team, which began play in Major League Soccer in 2017, playing the first half of its inaugural season at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium until the new stadium was ready. The stadium choice was not a coincidence—United shares ownership with the Falcons. The team proved extraordinarily popular in its first MLS season, setting a new record for single-season average attendance. The soccer capacity was originally intended to be only about 30,000, but was soon increased to 42,500, and more of the stadium is often opened up due to strong ticket demand.

• The Tabernacle

  phone: +1 404-659-9022
  address: 152 Luckie Street NW

• Woodruff Park

  address: 51 Peachtree Street
  This park is home to one of the great symbols of Atlanta, Phoenix Rising from the Ashes by Gamba Quirino. The rebirth of the phoenix, emerging from destruction of fire, is symbolic of Atlanta's emergence after being razed by the Union Army during Sherman's March in the Civil War.

Theater

• Rialto Center for the Arts

  phone: +1 404 413-9TIX
  address: 80 Forsyth St, NW
  Georgia State University is the home of the 833-seat Rialto Center for the Arts. The venue is host to jazz music concerts and dance performances as well as performances by Georgia State's School of Music and the home of the Atlanta Film Festival.

• Theatrical Outfit

  phone: +1 404 577-5257
  address: 84 Luckie St, NW
  Theatrical Outfit entertains their audience by producing classic and contemporary theater with an emphasis on work indigenous to the culture of the American South. It's also certified as the first "green" theater in the country by the US Green Building Council.

• VSA arts of Georgia

  address: 199 Armour Dr
  A non-profit gallery and art space providing access to the arts for people with disabilities and those of low income.

Events

• Sweet Auburn Springfest

• There are several street vendors outside the Five Points Station. However, purchasing expensive items such as jewelry should be avoided, as the products may possibly be an imitation of an expensive brand.

• CNN Center

  address: One CNN Center
  The atrium at the entrance of the CNN Center offers a few gift shops on the lower level. A great spot for buying souvenirs that display Georgia and TBS, Inc. network logo merchandise, including CNN, HLN and Cartoon Network characters at the CNN Store.

• AmericasMart

  address: 240 Peachtree St, NW
  AmericasMart consists of four buildings that are open to trade only: the Atlanta Gift Mart, Atlanta Merchandise Mart, Atlanta Apparel Mart and Inforum. Each year, AmericasMart hosts more than 400,000 retailers from every state and more than 70 countries around the world in 17 home furnishings, gift, floor covering and apparel markets.

• The House of Fleur Fleur

  address: 171 Auburn Ave, Unit H3
  A clothing store that states in its "About" page that it sells items seen on runways and magazine covers for under $100.

• No Mas Cantina

  address: 180 Walker St
  Festive cantina with large patio.

• Slice

  address: 259 Peters St
  Where locals gather for pizza and drinks.

• Sweet Auburn Curb Market

  address: 209 Edgewood Avenue

Budget

• Dua Vietnamese

  phone: +1 404 589-8889
  address: 53 Broad Street, NW
  A favorite among the locals and Georgia State college students who also rave about the Buns and the signature Pho dishes.

• Googie Burger

  phone: +1 404 223-4664
  address: 190 Marietta St
  This outdoor/take-out eatery on the edge of Centennial Park features Burgers, Hot Dogs, and even spiked milkshakes. Great for those who like to stroll the park and grab a bite to eat without having to walk elsewhere in downtown.

• Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta

  address: 215 Peachtree St
  The Atlanta branch of the world-famous chain, featuring over 300 pieces of rock memorabilia and burgers, ribs and malts.

• Rosa's Pizza

  phone: +1 404 521-2596
  address: 62 Broad Street, NW
  Hole-in-the-wall lunchtime favorite pizzeria for pizza, calzones or lasagna. It's a little bit of "authentic" New York on beautiful Broad Street.

• Sops on Ellis

  phone: +1 404 525-8624
  address: 141 Carnegie Way
  Salad, soups and sandwiches, the name Sops comes from the act of "sopping up" leftover soup with bread. The chef is formerly of Atlanta's Loaf and Kettle

• Thumbs Up Diner

  phone: +1 404 223-0690
  address: 573 Edgewood Ave, SE
  Known for its great breakfast options, the line is often out the door. Check the house rules before going!

Mid-range

• Alma Cocina

  phone: +1 404 968-9662
  address: 191 Peachtree St, NE
  One of the latest trendy restaurants to pop up in Downtown, right on Peachtree Street, Alma Cocina is a new Upscale Latin American cuisine that has created quite a following with it's reasonably priced Drinks and Food.

• Atlanta Grill

  phone: +1 404 659-0400
  address: 181 Peachtree St, NE
  Artistic and warm decor with a menu that offers steaks and seafood. Seasonal balcony dining is available overlooking Peachtree Street, but if you're looking for a more intimate setting, try their "Cheater's Booth" complete with privacy draperies.

• Azio

  address: 229 Peachtree St
  Hearty Italian fare at reasonable prices and served in generous portions. The atmosphere is low lighting and close seating, but try and grab a table near the window, which is a prime spot for viewing the bustling Atlanta nightlife.

• City Grill

  phone: +1 404 524-2489
  address: 50 Hurt Plaza
  Nouvelle Southern cuisine in a beautiful historic space, the City Grill has fine dining made with local and organic ingredients.

• Fire of Brazil

  phone: +1 404 525-5255
  address: 218 Peachtree St, NW
  An authentic Brazilian steakhouse with 6,000 square feet of dining area. Gaucho-style service reigns supreme as servers bring by cuts of beef, lamb, chicken or pork for you to choose from.

• Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta

  address: 215 Peachtree St
  The Atlanta branch of the world-famous chain, featuring over 300 pieces of rock memorabilia and burgers, ribs and malts.

• Luckie Food Lounge

  phone: +1 404 525-5825
  address: 375 Luckie St, NW
  This huge new restaurant features American cuisine, seven miles of LED lighting, a 600 gallon curved aquarium with rare species of fish, a sushi bar, rooftop sky deck, live music stage, and all-day dining.

• Max Lager's American Grill and Brewery

  phone: +1 404 525-4400
  address: 320 Peachtree St
  The 10,000-square-foot, turn-of-the-century industrial building helps highlight the copper and brass brewery; the patio, deck, and large windows overlook Hardy Ivy Park.

• Pacific Rim Bistro

  phone: +1 404 893-0018
  address: 303 Peachtree Center Ave
  Pan-Asian menu, sushi bar and pleasant covered patio downtown near the major hotels.

• Pittypat's Porch

  phone: +1 404 525-8228
  address: 25 Andrew Young International Blvd
  Experience the Hollywood glamour of Southern belles and fancy gentlemen at this restaurant named after Scarlett O’Hara’s hospitable aunt in Atlanta’s own Gone with the Wind.

• Ray's In the City

  phone: +1 404 524-9224
  address: 240 Peachtree St
  Seafood diners have enjoyed Ray's on the River in Sandy Springs, GA for years. The same experience is now in the heart of Downtown Atlanta at their remodeled location on Peachtree Street.

• The Sun Dial

  phone: +1 404 589-7506
  address: 210 Peachtree St
  Perched 723 feet atop the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere (the Westin Peachtree Atlanta), this restaurant is known primarily for its breathtaking views and slowly rotates around on a platform 360 degrees. Frequented by tourists and popular for Sunday brunch.

• Thrive

  phone: +1 404 389-1000
  address: 101 Marietta St
  Upscale, casual restaurant in Centennial Tower. Traditional American fare with an Asian twist.

Splurge

• Fogao Gaucho

  phone: +1 404 477-1700
  address: 84 Peachtree St
  A Brazilian steakhouse in the historic Flatiron Building (older than New York's Flatiron Building!)

• French American Brasserie - FAB

  phone: +1 404 266-1440
  address: 30 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd
  This is Fabrice Vergez’s reincarnation of Lenox Square's Brasserie Le Coze. The menu will be familiar to loyal customers French standards like niçoise salad, foie gras, skate and white bean soup complement new entrees like steaks and chops.

• Morton’s of Chicago - Atlanta

  phone: +1 404 577-4366
  address: 303 Peachtree Center Ave
  The famous chophouse of Chicago features steak, lobster and veal.

• Nikolai's Roof

  phone: +1 404 221-6362
  address: 255 Courtland St, NE
  This glamorous AAA four-diamond restaurant serves French cuisine from a popular prix fixe menu and a limited a la carte menu.

• Trader Vic's

  phone: +1 404 221-6339
  address: 255 Courtland St, NE
  This South Pacific-themed restaurant features Polynesian cuisine and Mai Tais.

• Prime Meridian

  phone: +1 404 659-0000
  address: 100 CNN Center
  Dine on local specialties (fried green tomatoes) or try one of their internationally inspired dishes, all while taking in a view of the Centennial Olympic Park.

• The Sun Dial

  phone: +1 404 589-7506
  address: 210 Peachtree St
  Perched 723 feet atop the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere (the Westin Peachtree Atlanta), this restaurant is known primarily for its breathtaking views and slowly rotates around on a platform 360 degrees. Frequented by tourists and popular for Sunday brunch. Have a Georgia Peach Martini atop the revolving restaurant bar of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, and watch the sunset followed by entertainment provided by a jazz band.

• Banana Windhome of the 32 oz. Cruzan Rum Bucket.

• Motionlarge and upscale nightclub playing Top 40, hip-hop, and R&B.

• Sidebar

  phone: +1 404 588-1850
  address: 79 Poplar St
  Downtown’s true neighborhood bar, serving locals, workers and Georgia State University students in addition to out-of-town visitors.

• Park Bar

  address: 150 Walton St
  Downtown Atlanta's best bar is the home of the 3-2-1 special and the Wheel of Fun. Great Food, Beer Selection and Bourbon.

• Joystick Gamebar

  phone: +1 404-525-3002
  address: 427 Edgewood Ave SE

• Latitudes Bistro and Lounge

  phone: +1 404 659-0000
  address: 100 CNN Center
  If you're attending a conference, sporting event, or just taking in the downtown sights, Latitudes is a great place for meet-ups or night-caps. On weekdays they cater to patrons seeking coffee and pastries.

• Meehan's Public House Downtown

  phone: +1 404 214-9821
  address: 200 Peachtree St
  An Irish Bar with Neighborhood Charm. The place to watch Soccer downtown.

• Der Biergarten

  phone: +1 404-521-2728
  address: 300 Marietta Street NW

• Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium

  phone: +1 404 522-8275
  address: 466 Edgewood Ave SE

• Stats

  address: 300 Marietta St
  High-tech sports bar with 70 HDTVs to watch the game, and a rooftop deck bar which has a self-serving beer dispenser.

• Sugar HillLive urban music.

Budget

• Castleberry Inn

  phone: +1 404 893-4663
  address: 186 Northside Dr. SW
  A downtown hotel inside the historic arts district featuring 168 rooms including standard rooms, adjoining rooms as well as spacious queen and king suites. Walking distance to art galleries, restaurants, the Georgia Dome, the World Congress Center, and other attractions. However, if you are a foreign visitor, be aware that this can be an unsafe area at night, and it is not very recommended to use the MARTA station at night.

• Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Atlanta

  phone: +1 404 589-1111
  address: 161 Spring St NW
  Built into a historic office building, this Hampton Inn is close to all downtown attractions and features complimentary wireless internet for business travelers.

Mid-range

• Hampton Inn Atlanta Northlake

  address: 3400 Northlake Pkwy
  Located on the I-285 perimeter with easy access to Buckhead, Downtown and Decator, provides an ideal location for both business and leisure travelers. Property offers complete fitness room and outdoor pool.

• Embassy Suites Atlanta - at Centennial Olympic Park

  address: 267 Marietta Street
  All-suite hotel located across from Centennial Olympic Park and walking distance to area attractions. Free breakfast and manager's reception for all guests. Ruth's Chris restaurant on-site for lunch and dinner.

• Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown

  address: 275 Baker Street
  New hotel adjacent to World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium, and close to nightlife within the newly created Luckie Marietta District. Sleek and modern with lots of amenities, including a heliport and rooftop restaurant.

• Renaissance Atlanta Hotel Downtown

  phone: +1 404 881-6000
  address: 590 West Peachtree Street NW
  The Renaissance Atlanta Hotel has skyline views, a balcony pool, and over 31,000 square feet of event space.

Splurge

• Twelve Centennial Park Hotel

  phone: +1 404 418-1212
  address: 400 W Peachtree St
  All-suite hotel. Meeting space for up to 250 guests is available for conferences and weddings.

• Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection

  phone: +1 404-521-2250
  address: 110 Marietta St NW
  New downtown boutique hotel CNN Center, Philips Arena, Georgia Dome, and Georgia Bar and within walking distance to the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park as well as the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coke.

• Hilton Atlanta

  phone: +1 404 659-2000
  address: 255 Courtland Street NE
  Recently remodeled and located in Downtown Atlanta. Modern and fashionable décor, first class amenities, and connected to MARTA via skybridge. The views from the top of this luxury hotel at Nikolai's Roof restaurant are the best in the city.

• NYLO Hotels

  phone: +1 404 221-0600
  address: 260 Peachtree St
  NYLO Hotels offers modern boutique lodging with loft style accommodations and chic facilities for meetings and events.

• Omni Hotel at CNN Center

  address: 100 CNN Center
  The hotel is close to major sporting venues (the Georgia Dome and the Philips Arena) and has a view of the Centennial Olympic Park. They also host weddings!

• Hyatt Regency Atlanta

  phone: +1 404 577-1234
  address: 265 Peachtree St NE
  Rooms with city views, numerous meeting room and ballroom space for any occasion, dining and entertainment in an atrium setting, and a revolving bar/restaurant on top under a glass dome.

• The Ellis Hotel

  phone: +1 404 523-5155
  address: 176 Peachtree Street NW
  The Ellis Hotel features a women’s only floor, 127 guest rooms, including 12 junior suites and an executive suite, all adorned with a palette of Georgia-inspired earth tones and sleek designs characteristic of boutique style yet comfy and functional.

• Marriott Marquis

  address: 265 Peachtree Center Avenue NE

• Westin Peachtree Plaza

  phone: +1 404 659-1400
  address: 210 Peachtree Street NW
  This is Atlanta's most recognizable hotel. Its ultra-modern, cylindrical, glass body towers over Downtown and has become an architectural symbol of the skyline. You can ride the elevator to the Sundial, walk around the observatory, and relax at the revolving restaurant and get a 360 degree view of Atlanta.

Downtown Atlanta is relatively safe compared to many of the surrounding areas. Statistics have shown that downtown crime continues to decrease, contradicting the recent citywide statistics. Certain precautions should still be taken such as not traveling alone at night and being aware of suspicious activity. A more common activity that may be intimidating to visitors is pan-handling, which is mostly harmless. Do not plan to walk anywhere in this area at night unless you are in a larger group. Tourists are often approached and/or followed by aggressive pan-handlers and hustlers. Three downtown hotels have made a formal complaint regarding this with the City of Atlanta due to an increase in complaints from guests at their properties.