The 10 Best Free Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia (GA)

April 16, 2022 Janette Largent

Atlanta has been dubbed everything from the "capital of the new South" and "the next international city" to "the best place to do business." It's also a great place to visit. Fueled by the prosperity of local mega companies like Coca Cola and Holiday Inn, the prestige of hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and the energy of young upwardly mobile types who have migrated to the city in droves - Atlanta is on fire. And this time it's a good thing. From world-class restaurants and a myriad of cultural attractions to a hip nightlife and sporting events galore, the city is cosmopolitan in every sense of the word. But Atlanta has also managed to maintain its historic character. Stop by the Atlanta History Center or visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site, a moving tribute to an American icon. Browse through the former home of famous author Margaret Mitchell or pop into the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum for details on the life and times of the former president and his family. Whether you choose modern urban endeavors or old southern pleasures, Atlanta will not disappoint.
Restaurants in Atlanta

1. Georgia Institute of Technology

225 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30332-0002 +1 404-894-2000 http://www.gatech.edu/
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Georgia Institute of Technology

2. Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta

407 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312-1503 +1 404-688-7300 [email protected] http://ebenezeratl.org/
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 799 reviews

Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta

This sanctuary became a spiritual haven for civil rights activists when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as senior pastor in the 1960s. On the self-guided audio tour, King's inspirational sermons will take visitors back in time, while the new Horizon Sanctuary across the street is home to the present day congregation, highlighted by its traditional tabernacle choir.

Reviewed By sandramoorepope - Atlanta, United States

Come in, sit down, listen...and truly feel...the words of a great orator and leader! This is American History--it is truly a part of what makes this country genuinely great.

3. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312-1504 +1 404-331-5190 http://www.nps.gov/malu/index.htm
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,430 reviews

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Start at the visitor center and then work your way around the three main sites in this historic park: the home in which the leader of the Civil Rights movement in America was born, the church where he preached and the memorial site where he is buried. A major Atlanta attraction, the park draws some 500,000 visitors each year.

Reviewed By BaseballTraveler16 - Washington DC, United States

This historic site encompasses a couple city blocks that contain the birth home that you can have a guided tour of, a historic fire house, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the tomb. Start at the Visitor Center and visit what your heart desires. Walk-able from the King Memorial Marta stop but it is 1/2 mile.

4. Virginia-Highland

Atlanta, GA http://www.virginiahighland.com/
Excellent
51%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 140 reviews

Virginia-Highland

This Atlanta neighborhood is filled with boutiques and fine restaurants and is lined with picturesque boulevards and cottages.

5. Lenox Square

3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326-1162 +1 404-233-6767 [email protected] http://www.simon.com/mall/lenox-square
Excellent
47%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 629 reviews

Lenox Square

Since 1959, Lenox Square® has been the premier shopping destination for fashionistas throughout the Southeast. Located in the heart of Buckhead, Lenox Square offers an unparalleled shopping experience. An impressive two-story glass facade welcomes shoppers to three full-service restaurants: The Cheesecake Factory, Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar, and True Food Kitchen. This dramatic entrance showcases the iconic property’s street side presence, including a glass covered porte-cochere and valet amenities for easy access. The property boasts Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus and Macy's and features nearly 250 specialty stores like FENDI, Burberry, Cartier, David Yurman, Louis Vuitton, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Vineyard Vines.

Reviewed By Global08998257232

Great mall, selection and varied types of stores i will be returning on a regular basis. Great restaurants and additional shopping in the areas surrounding the mall.

6. Piedmont Park

1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306-3440 +1 404-875-7275 [email protected] http://www.piedmontpark.org/
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,365 reviews

Piedmont Park

This 185-acre park, home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and to summer festivals, is also popular with joggers.

Reviewed By CaptTrouble - Hudson, United States

My husband and I took a 3 mile hike through the park on Christmas Day. There were a lot of people out doing the same thing, as well as biking, running, and playing games with their kids. We walked around Lake Clara Meer, past the teaching gardens, the sports oval, and along the Atlanta Botanical Garden. We were lucky enough to see the light shows in the Storza Woods that are choreographed to music as well as a lot of the lighted figures in other areas. We have gone to this show in the past but didn’t know exactly what days we would be in Atlanta, so we skipped it this year. Really a nice walk in mild temperatures.

7. Buckhead

3060 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305-2234 +1 404-261-7922 [email protected] http://www.buckhead.net/
Excellent
51%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 497 reviews

Buckhead

With its upscale neighborhoods and multi-million dollar mansions, the Buckhead section of Atlanta is one of the most affluent communities in town, and home to some of the best art galleries, restaurants and nightlife.

Reviewed By StockholmKindaGuy - Marietta, United States

Buckhead is one of Atlanta's commercial hot spots. Here you'll find the city's most upscale shopping, along with a mix of dining options. I come to this ever changing area a lot. There's always something new going up or opening. In terms of shopping, the main draws for me are Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Lenox and Phipps are Atlanta's best upscape shopping centers. There's quite a number of good restaurants and bars in the area. Season's 52, Tuk Tuk and True Food Kitchen I enjoyed. Buckhead also has many fine hotels. Much to see and do in this upscale Atlanta neighborhood.

8. Oakland Cemetery

248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312-2292 +1 404-688-2107 [email protected] http://www.oaklandcemetery.com
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,151 reviews

Oakland Cemetery

Step back in time in Atlanta's most tangible link to the past, Oakland Cemetery. This historical park is the final resting place for many Civil War soldiers, golfing legend Bobby Jones, and "Gone With the Wind" author Margaret Mitchell. Tours are available on weekends at 10:00, 2:00, 4:00, and 6:30 (March-October) and by request.

Reviewed By lauriew640 - Newark, United States

I like old cemeteries, bc I love history and I'm a geek, but this one is pretty cool even for regular people.. Margaret Mitchell is buried here and a whole lot of other people..and it's very South. Graves of known and unknown confederate soldiers (no matter what you believe, it's still a part of history) and graves of African American slaves and the Jewish section shows you exactly how far we've come. So much to see!

9. Inman Park

Atlanta, GA http://www.inmanpark.org/
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Inman Park

Reviewed By Tour29547748193 - Marietta, United States

There is so much history in and around Inman Park - The Battle of Atlanta, Coca Cola Moguls, The beautiful Twin Houses (Dames) and more. Everything is well preserved and people have worked to keep up their homes. Make sure you have a good tour on line before you go, so you really learn about the history. Look for the little holding cell near the park. You'll be amazed that humans were put in there. Enjoy!

10. Perimeter Mall

4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30346-1518 +1 770-394-4270 http://www.perimetermall.com/
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 281 reviews

Perimeter Mall

Reviewed By A4925VRsusana - Lanett, United States

Stores were very nice .All the seating out in the mall were very comfortable even had places to charge your phones .The food court was awesome with many varieties to choose from .

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.