My Atlanta Travel Guide
“Atlanta’s a great city to cultivate your own thing – from fashion to music to good food.”
- Brian Tyree Henry
Atlanta. ATL. Hotlanta. The A. Known by many names, most travelers have been through the busiest airport in the world and never explored the sprawling cultural maven that makes up the city. I have been a resident of Atlanta for almost 10 years, and I have seen this city completely transform.
I am beyond excited to share with you my Guide to Atlanta. I’m confident the recommendations in this guide will have you fall in love with Atlanta too.
WHEN to GO
Visit Atlanta in the spring, when the azaleas and dogwoods are in full bloom and parks are lush, or in the fall, when the temperature cools and the trees turn, providing a moody backdrop for outdoor concerts and festivals.
WHERE to STAY
St. Regis Atlanta
Discover an unrivaled 5-star experience at St. Regis Atlanta, a AAA Five Diamond hotel in the affluent Buckhead, Atlanta area. This striking resort-style hotel offers timeless luxury in the form of accommodations, butler service, fine dining, afternoon tea, and bespoke spa treatments.
The Waldorf Astoria
For those interested in proximity to amazing shopping and on-site wellness features, the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is the place to stay. Located near Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square, and The Shops at Buckhead, you’re in the center of the city’s cultural, dining and fashion scene.
InterContinental Buckhead
Experience Southern sophistication at the InterContinental Buckhead. Elevate your stay in a stylish guest room or suite, enjoy the exclusive amenities and indulge in the opulent spa.
Kimpton Sylvan
Tucked into the leafy edges of cosmopolitan Atlanta, this boutique retreat is a lush anomaly among cookie-cutter high-rise hotels. Dine in their glamorous supper club, wander the gorgeous gardens, grab a nightcap on their rooftop playground bar or shop at some of the most well-known designer houses just blocks away.
Kimpton Overland Hotel Atlanta Airport
The Kimpton Overland Atlanta Airport pampers discerning travelers with a sophisticated design and high service standards. The hotel offers 214 guest rooms and signature suites; rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the Porsche handling course and the runway at Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson airport.
WHERE to EAT
Atlas
Farm-to-table
Come for the chef-driven cuisine and stay for the Lewis Collection, one of the largest private 20th-centruy modern art collections in the world, housed in the restaurant’s elegant dining room. Located within the St. Regis Atlanta, Atlas prides itself on farm-fresh produce and innovative chef tasting menus, with offerings that change daily.
The Garden Room
Elevated American
A place to celebrate, unwind and step away from the noise of life. An unexpected escape from the routine. Experience and unforgettable chef-driven and indulge in innovative cocktails while surrounded by lush florals that warmly welcome you.
Fox Bros Bar-B-Q
BBQ
Baked beans, smoked brisket, pulled pork, and fried okra are just a few of the classic Texas-style items on the menu at Fox Bros, a classic Atlanta barbecue joint that began with two Texans throwing gatherings in their backyard. Fox Bros was the first restaurant in Atlanta that reminded me of home, Texas.
Majestic Diner
Casual
Every city needs a good down-home diner, and this Poncey-Highland joint has been serving up "food that pleases" since 1929. Considered an Atlanta landmark, Majestic Diner in the perfect spot for a classic and casual diner-style breakfast or lunch.
Nuevo Laredo Cantina
Mexican
Your search for the best Mexican food in Atlanta is over. Truly. It’s the best Mexican food I’ve had since moving to Atlanta from Texas almost 10 years ago. Nuevo Laredo Cantina is off the beaten path tucked away in Atlanta’s design district offering authentic, home-cooked Mexican food.
THINGS to DO & SEE
Atlanta BeltLine
This incredible urban renewal program takes the shape of a sustainable project that will connect 45 intown neighborhoods via a 22-mile loop of multi-use trails, modern streetcar routes, and lush parks. The entire BeltLine is made from former railroad corridors that used to encircle the city. Here, locals and visitors can enjoy parks, outdoor activity, art exhibits, tours, and more.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Atlanta may be a bustling urban metropolis, but it's also home to a stunning horticultural sanctuary. At the center of the city since 1976, the Atlanta Botanical Garden features stunning plant collections across 30 acres of outdoor gardens, an award-winning Children's Garden, a striking Skyline Garden, and more.
Piedmont Park
Dog park, tennis courts, pool, soccer fields, and lots of walking! It’s Atlanta’s version of new Yorks’ Central Park. Miles of trails span the 211-acre park, a beloved green space roughly one mile northeast of downtown Atlanta open year-round. Walk or jog around the meadow. Bring your pup for some socialization at the off-leash dog park. Many of Piedmont Park's activities are free and open to the public.
Krog Street Market
Krog Street Market, which occupies a restored 1920s warehouse, is a favorite gathering place among locals—and an excellent place to grab a bite, sit for a drink, or shop for artisanal ingredients. Home to dozens of food stalls and several restaurants, the market features such cuisines as down-home southern classics, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, and much more.
High Museum of Art
This striking white building at the center of Midtown is widely considered the leading art museum of the southeast. The museum boasts a permanent collection of over 18,000 pieces—both classic and contemporary—from European, African, and American artists.
SHOPPING
Buckhead Village District
This design-forward community district blends high-end shopping with dynamic culinary experiences, art installations, gathering spaces, events, and more.
Phipps Plaza
At the intersection of Peachtree and Lenox roads, this upscale plaza is one of Atlanta's premier shopping destinations. The center boasts over 100 iconic luxury brands, plenty of varying dining options, a 14-screen AMC movie theatre, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Waiting on MarthA HOME
Waiting on Martha founder, Mandy Kellogg Rye (MKR), believes in celebrating the inspired, simple moments in everyday living. WOMH is Atlanta’s leading destination for designer furnishings, homewares, and gifts that help you live inspired everyday and is personally my favorite boutique to take anyone visiting Atlanta.
NEIGHBORHOODS TO KNOW
The city is broken down mostly by three main areas: Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead. But there’s so much more than just those three areas. Below are a few of my favorite locations in the city.
Downtown
Atlanta's central business district and home to Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, Downtown Atlanta has a lot going on for all types of travelers.
Midtown
A mix of busy commercial action and a vibrant arts scene, home to dozens of attractions and many hotels and restaurants.
Buckhead
Luxury shopping, sophisticated dining, and walkability make this one of Atlanta's chicest—and spendiest—neighborhoods.
The Highlands
Just half a mile up from Inman Park, this is a great neighborhood that has some classic Atlanta restaurants and is completely walkable. It’s, also, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.
Old Fourth Ward
From the historic Old Fourth Ward, visitors can easily access the Atlanta BeltLine, explore Ponce City Market, and enjoy a meal at any of the neighborhood's trendy restaurants.
Vinings
Situated between Smyrna and Buckhead, Vinings has a village-like atmosphere with a mix of elegant homes, unique shopping and dining. Residents can walk to some of their favorite shops and restaurants, like Home by Waiting on Martha. Of course, the Chattahoochee River also provides locals with outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery.
