Location: Atlanta
Top Things to do in Atlanta
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Atlanta, Georgia (GA)
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. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,110 reviews
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects The American Civil Rights Movement to today's Global Human Rights Movements. The Center features four immersive and thought-provoking exhibit spaces, including a continually rotating gallery of items from The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, where visitors can view the personal papers and items of Dr. King. The Center also provides designated event spaces and educational programs inspiring visitors to join the ongoing dialogue about contemporary movements for human rights around the world. 3/2/2020 - Closing at 3pm (Last ticket at 2pm).
Reviewed By Olde_biL - Markham, Canada
Our visit to the National Center for Human and Civil rights near Centennial Olympic Park completed our trifecta of civil rights themed museum visits during our one full day visit to Atlanta. (This was our second visit to Atlanta and our first without our children.) It proved a valuble complement to what we learned and experienced at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site. Admission to the center was more than the free for the MLK Jr. Historic site and the $8/adult for the presidential library. Nonetheless, it provides a powerful experience and the lunch counter simulation itself was worth more than the price of admission. Caution, this latter is not for the very young as cautioned by the posted signage. The simulation includes a reproduction of a lunch counter at which protesters would sit. The participant takes a stool and puts on a headset, places hands palms down on the counter, and closes their eyes. The sounds and jolting movement of the stool over about a minute and a half provide the merest taste of what young protesters must have endured. I emerged deeply affected, both marveling at the courage of the protesters and angry at the need. Most of the museum exhibits are well executed and interactive. Right from first exhibit hall is "Rolls Down Like Water", it houses the lunch counter but starts with Atlanta of the 50's, with interactive features such as the sign board upon which users choose the jurisdiction from which to display Jim Crow laws. The exhibit moves forward through time with displays covering the bus boycott, the freedom riders, notorious figures such as Bull Connor, and continuing through the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The museum isn't exclusively about the American Civil Rights movement. The "Spark of Conviction" on the 3rd floor houses a series of interactive mirrors that users can approach and select from a number of real individuals from around the world to hear their story. The objective is to allow an individual to choose someone that is like them in some way. Other exhibits work similarly and provide multi-sensory ways to interact and convey more than just facts about the struggle for civil and human rights. We spent more than two hours going through the museum. I feel better educated but also with a desire to return after doing more personal research and being better prepared to comprehend the material.
2. Georgia Institute of Technology
3. Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 799 reviews
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.
4. Atlanta History Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,406 reviews
The Atlanta History Center was founded on the big ideas and relentless fascination of 14 Atlantans who were emphatic about our city’s historical relevance in society. In a sense, our organization was created by Atlanta’s biggest fans, and we love that detail. In 1926, these founding members introduced the Atlanta Historical Society into the world with one mission: to help preserve Atlanta’s history. In 1990, after decades of collecting, researching, publishing and celebrating the early stories of our great Southern community, the Atlanta Historical Society and all of its holdings officially became the Atlanta History Center.
Reviewed By 921jamesl - Pasadena, United States
I really enjoyed walking the grounds between the Smith farm, the Swan House, and the cabin. Beautiful and relaxing. House tours were interactive and great for kids; you are allowed to touch everything. Swan House had actors in character and costume providing info about the people who lived and worked in the home. Allow three hours for the history center and house tourslcombined, and save the Margaret Mitchell house (located in Midtown)for another day; the ticket is good for 9 days. Also enjoyed the Civil War exhibit.
5. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,430 reviews
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.
6. Virginia-Highland
7. Fox Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,437 reviews
Recently restored to its original gilded look of the 1920s, the Fox Theatre features "Mighty Mo," a classic Moller organ with over 3,600 pipes. The lavish theatre currently hosts Broadway musicals, comedy shows and dance companies throughout the year.
Reviewed By kristenbL539QU - Rock Hill, United States
Great and beautiful venue in downtown Atlanta!! My husband and I were there back in June to see Third Day and had a wonderful experience. The staff were very nice and helpful in helping us find our seats and everything was very well organized!
8. State Farm Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 889 reviews
Philips Arena, named for founding partner Philips Electronics and home of the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers, NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and WNBA's Atlanta Dream, has hosted many top tours and events including: U2, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Disney On Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, Sesame Street Live and so many more!
Reviewed By daviemars - Chicago, United States
The sightlines for basketball are terrific and the renevations they did here are top notch. I was really happy with the concession prices since going to sporting events back in Chicago, concessions can get a little pricy. It was east to get in and out of the arena, and parking was only 11 bucks, can't beat that for an NBA game!
9. Buckhead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
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.
10. Oakland Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,151 reviews
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!
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