Summary of Attractions
Downtown Atlanta, established in the early 1800s, encompasses approximately four square miles and comprises nine neighborhoods, exhibiting a contemporary vibrancy reminiscent of a recently developed area.
The streets of Downtown Atlanta are dynamic and invigorated, characterized by bustling street cafes, bars, and an electrifying nightlife. This district embraces modern cultural expressions, evident in its diverse art galleries, innovative theaters, and public artworks.
The historical aspects of the area have been revitalized with impressive style, breathing new life into Downtown Atlanta, making it one of the most appealing destinations in the United States today. Having lived in Atlanta for the majority of my life, the Downtown area has always been a personal favorite. Here is a curated list of the best experiences in Downtown Atlanta.
1. Skyview Atlanta
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Downtown Atlanta from the Skyview Atlanta Ferris wheel, located on Luckie Street.
Standing at twenty stories high, approximately two hundred feet, the wheel offers unobstructed vistas. It is stunning during the day and mesmerizing at night, with the Downtown Atlanta skyline sparkling with thousands of lights.
Skyview Atlanta features forty-two air-conditioned gondolas, including a luxury glass-bottomed booth for those seeking a premier experience.
2. Fountain of Rings
The Fountain of Rings, situated in Centennial Olympic Park on Park Avenue, mimics the iconic Olympic rings and is recognized as the largest of its kind globally.
Its two hundred and fifty water jets perform choreographed displays set to music four times daily, shooting water up to thirty-five feet in height.
The interactive daytime shows offer a delightful way to cool down during warmer weather, while the illuminated nighttime performances create a mesmerizing experience.
3. ATL Cruzers
Discover Downtown Atlanta on wheels, either via a Segway or an electric car, catering to your preferred mode of transport.
Join a guided Segway tour covering approximately four miles of city streets, lasting an hour and a half, complemented by informative stops.
Alternatively, relax in an electric vehicle guided by a driver, accommodating up to five people and traversing fifteen miles in ninety minutes.
4. Apex Museum
The Apex Museum located on Auburn Avenue in Downtown Atlanta focuses on the extensive history of African-Americans in Atlanta and Georgia.
The museum chronicles the journey of African-Americans in the city, featuring rich photographic exhibitions, informative displays, video presentations, artworks, and artifacts that provide valuable insights into the Civil Rights Movement.
5. State Farm Arena
State Farm Arena serves as the premier venue in Downtown Atlanta for experiencing Atlanta Hawks basketball games or enjoying live concerts.
This expansive venue accommodates nearly twenty thousand spectators and encompasses a fifteen-acre playing field. It features a diverse array of dining options, including soul food and Italian cuisine, alongside beer halls offering excellent views of the arena and private lounges with elegant decor.
6. ZuCot Gallery
Visit the ZuCot Gallery on Centennial Olympic Park Avenue in Downtown Atlanta to enjoy a distinct art experience.
Spanning three thousand five hundred square feet, the gallery is vibrant, eclectic, and decidedly modern in both its exhibition style and the artwork it showcases.
ZuCot Gallery hosts regular art tasting evenings and engaging discussions with contributing artists.
7. Ponce City Market
Occupying a historical department store on Ponce De Leon Avenue, Ponce City Market is a vibrant community hub. Expect a market experience that is considerably more diverse than conventional offerings.
Ponce City Market features an array of shops, a farmers market, and a food hall hosting over thirty eateries serving a variety of cuisines, from sushi to hot dogs.
Ascend to the rooftop for spectacular views of Downtown Atlanta, along with an amusement park, cocktail bars, a beer garden, and a mini-golf course.
8. CNN Studio Tour
Embark on an informative tour of CNN’s news studios. The CNN Center, located on Marietta Street in Downtown Atlanta, is a multifunctional facility housing various broadcasting operations, retail shops, and dining establishments.
The tour begins with a ride in the world’s longest free-standing elevator, followed by a guided exploration of the facility, offering insights into the history of the company and a glimpse into the newsroom during a live broadcast.
A VIP tour provides an exclusive opportunity to enter a live newsroom and meet the presenters, an experience certainly worth noting.
9. VIDA Ultra Lounge
For an elegant evening out, visit Harlem Nights Ultra Lounge located on Courtland Street in Downtown Atlanta.
This club boasts over eleven thousand square feet of space featuring a large dance floor, lounge areas, and VIP seating booths. A small, yet delectable menu is available for those wishing to dine before the DJs ignite the night.
Please note that Harlem Nights Ultra Lounge is exclusively for individuals over the age of 21, with an emphasis on stylish attire.
10. World Of Coca-Cola
Explore everything about the world’s most renowned beverage at the World of Coca-Cola. This museum located on Baker Street in Downtown Atlanta is dedicated to the Coca-Cola company and its century-long journey.
Encompassing more than twenty acres, the museum features exhibits showcasing a working bottling machine, discussions about the unique drink formula, informative videos, and a tasting station presenting sixty different varieties of the beverage for guests to sample.
11. Agatha’s Mystery Dinner Theater
Experience a captivating evening at Agatha’s “A Taste of Mystery” Dinner Theater, renowned for its mystery and murder dinner presentations over the past three decades, located on Peachtree Center Avenue in Downtown Atlanta.
Enjoy an elaborate five-course meal while immersing yourself in a comedic mystery drama. Expect humor, laughter, exceptional cuisine, and plentiful entertainment.
12. Relay Bike Share
Utilize the Relay Bike Share program at Centennial Olympic Park or at any designated pickup and drop-off point throughout Downtown Atlanta to explore the area at your own pace.
With excellent cycling paths weaving through some of the district’s most picturesque locales, download the map app to plan your route and experience Downtown Atlanta with your own pedal power. It’s an enjoyable way to navigate the city while stopping whenever you choose.
13. Center For Civil & Human Rights
The Center for Civil and Human Rights is located in Pemberton Place in Downtown Atlanta. This museum highlights the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement, extending its relevance beyond the United States to the global community.
Exhibits at the museum include memorabilia associated with Martin Luther King, an interactive segregation gallery, and various historically significant artifacts relevant to the civil rights movement.
An intriguing exhibit on some of history’s most notorious dictators particularly captured my attention.
14. Big Daddy’s Southern Cuisine
Do not depart from Downtown Atlanta without savoring the regional culinary offerings. Big Daddy’s Southern Cuisine, located on Martin Luther King Jr Drive, provides hearty, homestyle meals that will leave you fully satisfied.
Indulge in fried chicken wings, slow-cooked pot roast, or smothered beef liver with onions—each dish is a must-try, alongside their renowned catfish. Complement your meal with sides such as collard greens, yam soufflé, mashed potatoes, or mac ‘n’ cheese to ensure you are well-fed.
15. Old Fourth Ward Distillery
Visit the Old Fourth Ward Distillery on Edgewood Avenue in Downtown Atlanta to learn about their beverage distillation process.
The distillery produces handcrafted gin and vodka from fresh ingredients using a time-honored technique over a century old. As with all excellent distillery tours, it concludes in the tasting room.
Be sure to try their Lawn Dart cocktail, an imaginative twist on Italian Limoncello, enhanced with a delightful ginger kick, making your visit to Downtown Atlanta even more memorable.
