Atlanta, Georgia is a city rich in history and modern cultural significance. Located in the southeastern region of the United States, Atlanta offers numerous opportunities for exploration.
Often overlooked by international travelers, Atlanta is a destination worth visiting. Even a brief stay allows visitors to delve into one of the most authentic cities in the United States. With a robust sports culture, an active music scene, and a burgeoning culinary landscape, Atlanta invites exploration.
The city proudly showcases its historical roots while embracing contemporary experiences. There is always an exciting event or activity taking place in Atlanta – the key is knowing where to look. From the Olympic Park created for the 1996 Games to a game featuring the Atlanta Falcons or the Fourth of July festivities at Turner Field, the options are limitless.
Atlanta’s neighborhoods present a dynamic and varied landscape. Whether you feel more at home in Downtown Atlanta or Inman Park, or desire the local experience in Sweet Auburn, there is something for everyone.
As a local of Atlanta, having grown up in the city, I am confident that this guide on where to stay in Atlanta will provide valuable insights for your upcoming visit.
Downtown
Downtown Atlanta serves as the heart of the city. As the hub for both the central business district and major tourist attractions, Downtown is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Atlanta. Moreover, if you are on a brief tour of Georgia, it serves as a fantastic base.
Surprisingly, Downtown offers green spaces amid its urban environment, featuring several parks for community enjoyment. The notable Centennial Olympic Park is situated here, exemplifying the enduring Olympic legacy from 1996, remarkably located within the business district.
Downtown Atlanta hosts multiple must-visit museums, notably the Center for Civil and Human Rights, which reflects the city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement from the 1940s to the 1960s.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Business Travelers, Big Budget Travelers, Budding Historians, City Explorers, Culture Enthusiasts, Sports Fans, Quick Visit Travelers.
Neighborhood highlights include: Center for Civil and Human Rights, Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia International Plaza, CNN Studio Tours, SkyView Atlanta Georgia, World of Coca-Cola, Agatha’s A Taste of Mystery, Apex Museum.
Suggested accommodations:
- Sheraton Atlanta Hotel – Centrally located in Downtown, this hotel features an extensive array of facilities, including complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness center.
- Aloft Atlanta Downtown – Modern and stylish, Aloft offers colorful rooms with urban furnishings and many rooms provide impressive city views.
- Hyatt Regency Atlanta – This luxurious hotel features multiple dining venues, including a rotating restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
Midtown
For those seeking to be in the center of activity without the daily hustle and bustle, consider Midtown. Positioned just north of Downtown, Midtown combines commercial, artistic, and residential elements, creating a vibrant and dynamic area to explore.
The High Museum of Art, one of the city’s most frequented cultural venues, resides at the northern edge of Midtown. This museum boasts a richly diverse collection of modern art housed in striking architecture. Nearby, visitors can find other remarkable artistic spaces such as the Woodruff Arts Center.
Midtown effectively accommodates art enthusiasts, culture seekers, and city explorers who appreciate a more leisurely exploration pace.
Recommended for: Art Lovers, Architecture Aficionados, Budget Travelers, City Explorers, Culture Seekers, Food Enthusiasts, Local Experience Travelers, Young Adventurers.
Neighborhood highlights include: High Museum of Art, Museum of Design Atlanta, Woodruff Arts Center, Opera Nightclub, Lava Lounge, Botanical Garden of Atlanta, Center for Puppetry Arts, Winn Park, Yonah Park.
Suggested accommodations:
- Renaissance Atlanta Midtown – Featuring a modern design, this hotel offers impressive views of Downtown. Guests have access to a seasonal rooftop bar.
- W Atlanta – Stylish and spacious, the hotel features luxurious amenities and stunning city views.
- Hilton Garden Inn – Offering a blend of modern and classic designs, this hotel features a business center and a welcoming outdoor pool.
Old Fourth Ward
Transitioning from an industrial area, Old Fourth Ward is a vibrant neighborhood that has rapidly evolved into a trendy district favored by hipsters, professionals, and travelers seeking an authentic experience. Remarkably, it is located just minutes away from Downtown.
Old Fourth Ward is a hub of Atlanta’s emerging culinary scene, featuring an abundance of coffee shops, trendy eateries, and markets. Serious food enthusiasts should not miss the Irwin Street Market, which offers refined dining experiences and artisanal foods. Fashion enthusiasts can visit Ponce City Market for vintage finds.
This neighborhood also has historical significance, highlighted by the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. on Auburn Avenue, a must-visit site for anyone exploring Atlanta.
Recommended for: Budget Travelers, History Enthusiasts, City Explorers, Culture Seekers, Food Aficionados, Trendsetters, Local Experience Travelers, Young Adventurers.
Neighborhood highlights include: Irwin Street Market, Ponce City Market, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home, Historic Fourth Ward Park, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, TWO urban licks live music bar, Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse.
Suggested accommodations:
- Staybridge Suites – Positioned at the border of Old Fourth Ward and Midtown, this hotel features an outdoor pool and a fitness center, with each suite offering a fully equipped kitchen.
- Hotel Clermont – A welcoming hotel with a homely ambiance, offering a variety of room types, bar, and dining options.
- Crowne Plaza – A modern hotel with stylish decor, it includes a rooftop pool, lounge bar, and a daily breakfast buffet.
Inman Park
Inman Park, characterized by its small-town feel within the larger city of Atlanta, is an ideal neighborhood for visitors seeking a local experience combined with vibrant nightlife, extensive green spaces, and remarkable museums.
Travelers will find it easy to navigate Atlanta’s neighborhoods via the MARTA rapid transit system and the Atlanta Streetcar. Staying in Inman Park offers a convenient route to fashionable Old Fourth Ward and the cultural diversity of Sweet Auburn.
Inman Park is surrounded by numerous parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor relaxation. It connects directly to Freedom Park, where the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is located. Utilizing the Freedom Park Connector trail facilitates smooth transitions to other areas.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, History Enthusiasts, Couples, Culture Seekers, Families, Food Lovers, Local Experience Travelers, Mid-Budget Travelers.
Neighborhood highlights include: Inman Park, Freedom Park, Springvale Park, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Horizon Theatre Company, 7 Stages Theatre Company, The Porter Beer Bar, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, Wrecking Bar Brewpub.
Suggested accommodations:
- Urban Oasis – Cozy and homey, featuring an open fireplace, this rental offers a peaceful garden and modern amenities including free Wi-Fi.
- Traveler’s Nook – This charming cottage-like accommodation hosts solo travelers with shared kitchen access for meal preparation.
- Hip Historic Loft – Capturing the neighborhood’s trendy essence, this loft features vintage decor, modern comforts, and a spacious patio.
Grant Park
Grant Park, known for its luxurious Victorian mansions and affluent residents, offers a delightful experience for various travelers. Conveniently connected to Downtown through transit and walking trails, the area harmoniously blends relaxation with urban convenience.
Wandering through the Grant Park neighborhood provides a serene escape, allowing visitors to appreciate the architectural beauty of the Victorian homes.
Atlanta enjoys a surge in craft breweries, with Grant Park hosting several trendy establishments such as Eventide Brewing and The Brass Tap, offering unique local craft beers.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Couples, Culture Seekers, Families, Food Enthusiasts, Local Experience Travelers, Mid-Budget Travelers, Luxury Travelers.
Neighborhood highlights include: Grant Park Georgia Hill Neighborhood Center, Erskine Memorial Fountain, Eventide Brewing, The Brass Tap.
Suggested accommodations:
- The Grant – A charming micro-studio within a 120-year-old Victorian home, complete with breakfast and Wi-Fi included.
- Sanctuary in the City – This furnished apartment rental allows guests to experience local living with essential kitchen amenities.
- The Buchanan House – A stylish property built in the 1890s, featuring modern conveniences and a private entrance.
Sweet Auburn
This historically significant neighborhood has played a crucial role in American history, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. Today, Sweet Auburn remains a vibrant community and should be visited to truly appreciate its historical context.
At the heart of Sweet Auburn lies the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and The King Center, both of which serve as lasting reminders of the courage shown by Atlanta’s citizens during strife. This area is essential for understanding the city’s contemporary relevance in American history.
After gaining insights about the Civil Rights Movement, venture over to Edgewood Avenue for trendy bars and impressive street art.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, Budget Travelers, History Enthusiasts, Couples, City Explorers, Culture Seekers, Foodies, Families, Trendy Explorers, Local Experience Travelers.
Neighborhood highlights include: Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park, The King Centre, Martin Luther King Jr’s Birth Home, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Historic Fire Station 6, Escape Room Atlanta, Selena S. Butler Park, The Sound Table, Cafe Circa, Georgia Beer Garden.
Suggested accommodations:
- Chic and Central Oasis – An open-plan apartment featuring a fully equipped kitchen and home-like comfort, accommodating up to three guests.
- The Krog – An expansive Victorian bungalow with stylish decor and room for four guests, including a fully equipped kitchen.
- Atlanta Loft – A modern, artistic space with room for seven guests, designed for comfort and enjoyment.
Buckhead
For travelers wishing to explore a less conventional side of Atlanta, Buckhead presents an appealing option. This prosperous community offers an authentic experience and is only 10 minutes away from Downtown by car, or 40 minutes using public transportation.
At the core of Buckhead is the Atlanta History Center, which hosts exhibitions related to the antebellum South. This expansive 33-acre site, historically a blacksmith’s shop and smokehouse, complements a visit to Old Fourth Ward and Sweet Auburn.
Recommended for: Active Travelers, History Enthusiasts, Couples, Culture Seekers, Families, Local Experience Travelers, Mid to Luxury Travelers, Road Trippers.
Neighborhood highlights include: Atlanta History Center, Atlanta Memorial Park, The Punchline Comedy Club, The Painted Pin, Brookwood Hills Historic District, Chastain Park Golf Course, Phipps Plaza, The Shops at Buckhead, The Meredith House.
Suggested accommodations:
- Windgate by Wyndham – Featuring an outdoor pool, luxurious hot tub, and excellent fitness center, this hotel is recommended for Buckhead visitors.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton – Offering airy accommodations with fully furnished living rooms and kitchens, perfect for an extended stay.
- Hampton Inn – Embodying the luxurious feel of Buckhead, this high-end establishment includes fitness amenities and daily breakfast options.
